All About Cat Shows

Much like dog shows, the judges at cat shows compare cats to their breed standard. Organizations like the CFA establish standards for every cat breed. These standards specify how an ideal cat of a breed would look and act. The more standards a competing cat fulfills, the better it will score. The standards aspire to describe features that draw from the natural style of a breed. But also, judges look for overall balance and proportion in a cat's features, rather than exactly conforming mathematical measurements [source: CFA]. Occasionally, the CFA's breed council will alter breed standards as breeds develop.

You can find standards for all 41 CFA-recognized breeds on the CFA's page on breed standards. Based on CFA's standards, the Maine coon cat should follow these standards, which reflect the cat's endurance for a difficult climate:

Different features have different importance, which is reflected in the point values. For instance, the standards indicate that the head is overall worth 30 points (with the shape worth 15, the ears 10, and the eyes five). Allene Tartagalia, executive director of the CFA, discusses for CNN how temperament also plays an important part in judging cats. If a cat eschews the spotlight, it won't have a very good chance of winning, despite its physical attributes.

Of course, these standards and point values are different for every breed, and at shows that compare all breeds, judges must be familiar with a wide breadth of information to judge different breeds against each other. In this respect, dog and cat shows are very similar. However, unlike dog shows, many cat shows incorporate a household cat category in which cats are not judged by breed standards. Instead, judges critique cats in the household category based on physical condition, beauty, personality (such as playfulness and poise) and show presence [source: Davis]. As you might have guessed, judging household cats on these loose terms can make it harder to be objective.

On the next page, learn how cat show competitors are divided into classes and how your cat could become a champion.

For the CFA, a cat show consists of several simultaneous shows going on in different rings, each with a different judge. Usually, regional specialty cat shows only include cats from a particular breed or color division. On the other hand, cats can compete against other breeds in all-breed shows. The owners receive a cage number and find their benched cage, where they wait to be called to the judges' rings. When called, the owner brings the cat to the cages in each of the different rings for judges to take the cat out out, inspect it and rate it. Each ring has a ring clerk and a ring steward who help everything run smoothly by maintaining records, calling numbers and keeping cages clean between cats. Each cat show also has a master clerk to keep records organized.

The process and awards a cat gets depend on which class it is in. The classes are:

In a specialty show, cats compete against others of the same sex and coat color first. After cats reach eight months old, an unaltered cat (not spayed or neutered) starts competition in the open category in the championship class. An altered cat (spayed or neutered cat) enters the open category for premiership class.

On the next page, we'll discuss what the awards at a cat show mean and how a cat claws its way up the show ladder.

 

Each cat show consists of various individual judging rings. Because each ring has a judge, and each judge gives out awards, cats might win certain awards in one ring, but not in another ring. Different shows give out different awards, but the CFA explains the major ones.

Starting with the open categories, a judge will inspect and award first (blue), second (red) and third (yellow) place ribbons to males, and then to the females. Usually, the first-place cats also get a winner's ribbon (which are striped red, white and blue). After a cat wins six winner's ribbons in the open category, it earns the title of champion, and goes on to compete against other champions. After champions earn 200 points, they become grand champions [source: CFA].

Altered cats go through a similar process but compete for premiership. In this class, a cat becomes a premier after six winner's ribbons and becomes a grand premier after earning 75 points [source: CFA].

The kittens (altered or unaltered) who haven't reached the age of eight months compete for first through third place, but don't get winner's or best-of-breed ribbons. Household pets cannot win these awards either. Rather, judges give merit awards (red and white striped ribbons) to household pets.

After a judge has evaluated the open category, he will go on to judge champions and premiers. With the sexes still separated, the judges award first, second and third places to males and then to females. He does the same thing after moving on to grand champions and grand premiers. The awards are as follows:

Lastly, a judge holds finals, where the judge's top ten favorite cats get rosette ribbons.

When cats compete in the "big leagues" of cat shows, all-breed shows such as the CFA-Iams Cat Championship, they aspire to the highest award of all: best-in-show. Some all-breed shows incorporate a competition for household pets as well.

After learning about all these awards and considering the different rings, it's understandable why cat shows can get so hectic and usually span two days. If you feel your cat has what it takes to show off, you might be surprised how much hard work and dedication it will demand. Learn about what's involved in entering and competing in a cat show on the next page.

Before you decide to enter your cat into a show, the experts recommend attending shows as a spectator at first. This will allow you to get a good grasp on what's going on and get familiar with the atmosphere. Also, it's a good idea to get a hold of some cat magazines to learn more about the culture and information out there on cats. In addition, certain cat publications will list the schedule of shows.

Making sure your cat is up to the task is tantamount to deciding whether to enter a show. Many cats don't appreciate being handled by strangers in an unfamiliar environment. This could cause your cat undue stress.

If you think your pedigreed cat should compete to be a champion or premier and you don't plan to enter your cat into the household pet category, get a copy of the breed standards for your cat's breed. You can get these from whichever governing organization (such as the CFA) you'd like to register your cat. Get familiar with these standards so that you have a good idea what judges will look for in your cat. Learn how to groom your cat to make it look its best.

Organizations often require that you register your cat with them or an affiliated group before you can exhibit them at a show. Often, requirements stipulate that your cat be healthy and vaccinated before you can show them. Make sure you can get his documentation from your vet. Once you register your cat, you can fill out an entry form to enter a show. Because of deadlines and the time it takes to enter you, make sure you send in this paperwork ahead of time, allowing about two months before the show.

Once you've jumped through all the administrative hoops to get your cat entered and it's finally show time, here are some tips from people experienced in cat shows:

[source: Davis]

Also, if you must take a flight to the show from out of town, bring your cat on board with you, instead of storing it in cargo space. Cat show experts also warn that getting into the big-time world of competition often requires a significant investment of time and patience. It is not uncommon for owners to spend hours grooming their show cats. In addition, costs of supplies rack up quickly. For instance, show cats might require several expensive combs and brushes for different areas of the body as well as shampoos and various other grooming supplies.

For more information on cat shows and how you can turn your feline into a champion, investigate the links on the next page.