If you have a friendly cat or kitten they may be shown at local cat shows. It's
a fun hobby with lots of prizes and a good chance to meet new people. It
doesn't necessarily have to be a pedigree cat as household cats can be shown in
the Companion cat section.Download the schedule for the show that you are interested in from the Council of Federated Cat Clubs of Queensland
Inc. web site at http://www.cfccq.orgor phone the
secretary on (07) 5494-6221 and read the whole document. There should be a
front page with information about the show, show rules and an entry form. Fill
in the form with as much detail as you can and send it, by the closing date, to
the address on the front page of the show schedule. Always remember to enclose
a cheque or money order made out to the club or council organising the show. If
you are unsure of anything give the show manager a ring; they are happy to
answer any of your questions. Kittens can be shown once they reach 10 weeks of age and companions (domestics)
must be
desexed before they reach 6 months. Spaying/Neutering your cat has several
advantages. - Spaying and neutering reduces the risk of cats contracting diseases.
- Owners of female cats can avoid the problems that arise when cats go into heat,
such as crying, escaping outdoors, and possibly disappearing for good by having
their cats spayed.
- Having male cats castrated helps reduce or eliminate certain behaviours, such
as roaming, spraying and aggression, and the risks associated with these
behaviours, such as injury or death resulting from encounters with automobiles
or fights with other cats.
- Relieving cats of their hormonal drives allows them to relax and live more
comfortable lives.
- Because a cat is more likely to become affectionate and friendly when not under
the influence of sex hormones, it will be a better, more contented pet. For
instance, statistics show that spayed and neutered cats are less likely to bite
than are intact cats
Your cat must be clean, free from parasites, and have its front
and back claws clipped before the show. SHOW FORMAT All exhibits in a Council of Federated Cat Clubs of Queensland Inc. show are judged according to the standards (like a
"recipe" for the perfect cat of that breed) set down by The Coordinating Cat
Council of Australia Inc. (CCCA).
The breed standards that the cats are judges to are on the web
site at http://cccofa.asn.au/. CCCA currently recognises the following pedigreed breeds for showing.
Abyssinian
Burmese
Australian Mist
Balinese
Bengal
Birman
American Bombay
British Shorthair
Burmese
Burmilla
Cornish Rex
Cymric | Devon Rex
Egyptian Mau
Exotic
Foreign White
Japanese Bobtail
Korat
Maine Coon
Manx
Munchkin
Norwegian Forest Cat
Ocicat
Oriental | Persian
Ragdoll
Russian
Scottish
Scottish Fold
Selkirk Rex
Siamese
Siberian
Singapura
Somali
Sphynx
Tonkinese
Turkish Van |
A cat show is composed of a number rings where each exhibit is judged by
several different judges. Each of the judges gives their awards by colour and
breed and at the end, gives a Best in Show for each of the three breed groups.
Because there is a different judge for each ring a cat that is chosen "Best" by
the judge in Ring 1 may not always be given the same award by the judge in Ring
2, etc. All adult cats compete by colour /breed for a challenge which awards
points towards a title of Champion, Grand Champion, etc. The highest title at
the moment is CFCCQ Supreme Champion.  On the day of the show get up early and do not feed puss,
as they will be much more comfortable at the show if they don't have a full
tummy. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the show. The door normally opens
a couple of hours before the start of the show and it is a good idea to get
there fairly early so that you can find your way around. If an exhibitor
arrives late and judging has commenced, the exhibitor may forfeit being judged
in that ring. They will have to wait until the judge has completed judging in
that particular ring, before benching their exhibits. Bring puss in a pet carry
cage, which you can purchase from your local pet store, or if you will be
flying with your pet, an airline approved one from Australian Air Express or
Virgin Air.There will be a desk at the entrance to the show and you will be given a cage
number for your cat. Let the person at the desk know that you are a new
exhibitor. Each cat has curtains and a towel or cushion in the cage, which is an
18-inch cube. You can make your own or there is normally a stall at the show
where you can buy some. You can put a toy in with puss while it is waiting to
be judged, but the cage must not have any extras in the cage while judging is
taking place. No exhibits can be
removed from the show, or from one cage to another without the consent of the
show manager. Exhibits cannot leave show cages until all judging is finalised. A full list of show rules is here. The show manager will tell you when the judges are ready to come into the ring.
You must move away from your cat but are welcome to sit in one of the chairs in
front of the judging table and listen to what is being said about the exhibits.
The judge will come along and take each cat and kitten out of its cage and
assess
all domestic cats it for beauty, personality, overall condition, balance and
proportions, and pedigree cats against the breed standard. They will decide
which one they prefer and give awards normally 1stto 3rd in the colour class, then when all exhibits in a section have been handled, for
best in show awards. It depends on how many are entered as to how many places
are awarded. There are
often two or more rings so you can do well in one ring and not so well in
another. Prizes are either given out by the judge or put on top of the cage. You are welcome to have a look at all the other cats and kittens in the show
and there are often stalls to look at and a canteen where you can buy drinks
and food. Once all judging has been completed for all cats in all rings its time to go
home. Please ensure that you leave your area clean and tidy and, if possible
stay back and help take the show down because all help is appreciated.  FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSCan I touch the cats at the show?
No, we're sorry, and we realize that it is very tempting. The cats are being
groomed for the judging rings when they are not in their cages. A lot of work
has been involved in the bathing and combing of the cats in preparation for the
show and exhibitors would prefer that spectators not touch the cats. And, if
you watch the judging, you will notice that the judges wash their hands with a
disinfectant after handling each cat to avoid accidentally passing germs from
one cat to another. If you wish to touch the cats please ask the owner first. Can I take photos of the cats at the show?
Yes, you may take photos at the show. However, please ask permission of the
owner of the cat, especially if you will be close to the cat and using a flash
with your camera. Why won't a breeder talk to me?
A cat show is an extremely busy environment. Breeders are often pre-occupied
with listening to the judges comments on their cat's, grooming their cat, or
taking the opportunity to speak with other breeders regarding their specific
breed. Unless they are otherwise occupied, the majority of breeders will be
delighted to speak to you. If a particular breeder is unable to answer your
questions immediately, please revisit them at a less-busy time. Can I ask a judge questions?
If a judge is not engaged in the handling and
evaluating of cats, they will be pleased to answer any questions you might
have. Please remember, though, that their first priority is the evaluation of
the cats presented to their ring for judging. How do I know when a particular breed is being judged?
At most shows the exhibits are judged at least three times and it is difficult
to set an exact time for each breed to be judged, as the judges will work at
varying speeds. Ask one of the show committee or the person on the door, which
breed you are particularly interested in and they will show you where they are
benched. Can I help?
Clubs are always welcoming of helpers at the show, and also before and after.
Have a talk to the show manager and tick the area on the entry, which asks if
you can help at the show.  Information about what shows are available can be viewed and downloaded from
the Council of Federated Cat Clubs of Queensland Inc. web site at http://www.cfccq.orgor phone the secretary on (07) 4637-0058 |
