Raising cats and producing kittens for showing is an exciting and rewarding experience that offers a unique perspective. Show cats are exceptional cat that possess a combination of desirable physical attributes, temperament, and overall health, making them stand out in the competitive arena of cat shows.
The journey begins with careful selection of breeding stock. Extensive research and understanding of breed standards and pedigrees are essential to ensure that the chosen cats possess the necessary qualities for success in the show ring. Show cats typically exhibit impeccable conformation, which refers to their body structure, proportions, and physical features that conform to the breed standard. This includes factors such as head shape, ear placement, eye color, coat texture, and body type, among others.
In addition to physical traits, a show cat must have a pleasing and confident personality. They should be comfortable with handling, both by their owners and strangers, as they will undergo a thorough examination by judges during shows. A well-socialized and friendly temperament enhances their chances of performing well and enjoying the experience.
The journey of raising show cats involves meticulous care and attention to detail. It starts with providing a nurturing environment for the pregnant queen, ensuring she receives proper nutrition, veterinary care, and a stress-free atmosphere. Once the kittens are born, they are closely monitored, with a focus on their growth and development. Early socialization is crucial, as kittens need exposure to different sights, sounds, and people to develop their confidence and adaptability.
As the kittens grow, the owner invests significant time and effort in grooming, training, and conditioning them for the show ring. Regular grooming sessions, including coat brushing, and nail trimming help maintain their appearance and overall health. Training sessions teach them to endure being taken in and out of a show cage, and handled on a show table during judging, as this is what they will be asked to do for several hours a day for two to three days’ duration on a typical show weekend. Training will desensitize them and lessen the chance of anxiety in the showhall.
Participating in cat shows exposes both the owner and the cats to a vibrant community of fellow enthusiasts, breeders, and judges. It offers an opportunity to showcase the beauty and quality of their cats while receiving valuable feedback from experienced judges. Success in the show ring not only brings recognition and titles but also contributes to the betterment of the breed through responsible breeding practices.
Raising cats and producing kittens for showing is a fulfilling endeavor that requires dedication, knowledge, and a genuine love for the feline world. Show cats exemplify the best qualities of their breed and captivate audiences with their exceptional appearance and confident personalities. Through their participation in cat shows, owners become part of a passionate community, united in their shared appreciation for these remarkable feline companions.
The journey begins with careful selection of breeding stock. Extensive research and understanding of breed standards and pedigrees are essential to ensure that the chosen cats possess the necessary qualities for success in the show ring. Show cats typically exhibit impeccable conformation, which refers to their body structure, proportions, and physical features that conform to the breed standard. This includes factors such as head shape, ear placement, eye color, coat texture, and body type, among others.
In addition to physical traits, a show cat must have a pleasing and confident personality. They should be comfortable with handling, both by their owners and strangers, as they will undergo a thorough examination by judges during shows. A well-socialized and friendly temperament enhances their chances of performing well and enjoying the experience.
The journey of raising show cats involves meticulous care and attention to detail. It starts with providing a nurturing environment for the pregnant queen, ensuring she receives proper nutrition, veterinary care, and a stress-free atmosphere. Once the kittens are born, they are closely monitored, with a focus on their growth and development. Early socialization is crucial, as kittens need exposure to different sights, sounds, and people to develop their confidence and adaptability.
As the kittens grow, the owner invests significant time and effort in grooming, training, and conditioning them for the show ring. Regular grooming sessions, including coat brushing, and nail trimming help maintain their appearance and overall health. Training sessions teach them to endure being taken in and out of a show cage, and handled on a show table during judging, as this is what they will be asked to do for several hours a day for two to three days’ duration on a typical show weekend. Training will desensitize them and lessen the chance of anxiety in the showhall.
Participating in cat shows exposes both the owner and the cats to a vibrant community of fellow enthusiasts, breeders, and judges. It offers an opportunity to showcase the beauty and quality of their cats while receiving valuable feedback from experienced judges. Success in the show ring not only brings recognition and titles but also contributes to the betterment of the breed through responsible breeding practices.
Raising cats and producing kittens for showing is a fulfilling endeavor that requires dedication, knowledge, and a genuine love for the feline world. Show cats exemplify the best qualities of their breed and captivate audiences with their exceptional appearance and confident personalities. Through their participation in cat shows, owners become part of a passionate community, united in their shared appreciation for these remarkable feline companions.
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Show Guide - Step-by-step Guide
Entering the Show
Get the show flyer and entry forms off the club’s web site or TICA’s show calendar which links to the club web site
Get your cat registered before the show if it’s not yet. Cats are allowed to go to one show without being registered but if you want to keep your points for titles and end‐of‐season awards, make sure your cat is registered before the second show.
Fill out one Entry Summary Form.
Send all Entry Forms (with entry fee) to the Entry Clerk, either by email, mail, or in person
Get Ready for Your First Show
Pack for the show:
Carrier
Towel or pad for inside carrier
Towel to cover carrier
Cage (if you have a portable cage)
Cage curtains or cover up (towel,, fabric or other material to cover the opening on the top and side of the cage)
Litter pan
Kitty litter (litter is normally supplied but if your cat prefers a special litter, please use that!)
Bags (for garbage and soiled litter)
Water bowl
Food bowl
Treats
Canned food
Dry food
Bottled water
Plastic forks for canned food
Toys (teasers, catnip mice, balls, etc.)
Bed
Fan (long hair cats get hot!)
Towels
Nail clippers
Quips (to clean eyes and ears)
Eye drops
Ear wash
Rescue Remedy for calming nervous cats
Other holistic remedies (use things you’ve used before and know how they will affect your cat!)
Bay Rum and Vanilla (small bottles; great to dab on noses if cages have a scent from a previous cat/class)
Brush or comb (depending on
Emergency shampoo – dry and bottle of premixed
Spray to calm static in coat
Pee pads to put on bottom of cage for spilled water
Towel to lay over pee pads on bottom of cage
Confirmation slip received from the Entry Clerk.
Vaccination records for each entry.
Pedigree and Registration papers if applicable
Pens and markers
Clips and tabs to mark catalog pages
Calculator (for point calculation)
Camera! You need to take photos!!
Cash for lunch for you….and some snacks in between rings
Once you decide if you want to show a lot, you may want to invest in a portable cage if you don’t have one and a backdrop screen for your grooming area:
Groom your cat:
Depending on the length of your cat’s coat you may need to groom it a few days before the show or a few hours before the show. Check with other breeders to find out the best way and time to bathe your cat plus what products to use.
Bathe your cat
Clean ears, eyes and butt
Clip your cat’s claws
It’s Show Day!
Check‐in with Entry Clerk (get your Exhibitor Catalogue and find out where you’re benched).
Find and set up your benching area.
Check the catalogue for correctness of your entries.
Groom your cat for the first Judging Ring (check eyes, ears, nose, butt and paws). Wipe them out or off and give that last little shine before you go to the ring. Do this before each ring.
Mark your catalog for each ring so you can track your cat and competition’s winnings and standings.
Have fun and visit with other friends and exhibitors. When you have fun you’ll relax which will help your cat be calm too.
After the Show
Bathe or wipe our cat(s) and also clean your cat’s cage (if you have a pop up cage) and crate with a mild solution of
Give any feedback you’d like to about the show to the Show Manager or other Committee Members.
Register your cat with TICA, if it isn’t already, before the next show.
Fill out and send in Title Confirmation Form to TICA if your cat earned a title such as Champion
Check results online at TICA/Standings
For additional information regarding TICA Show Rules, judging, Exhibitor Etiquette and Classifications visit www.tica.org/public/showing.php
Get the show flyer and entry forms off the club’s web site or TICA’s show calendar which links to the club web site
Get your cat registered before the show if it’s not yet. Cats are allowed to go to one show without being registered but if you want to keep your points for titles and end‐of‐season awards, make sure your cat is registered before the second show.
Fill out one Entry Summary Form.
Send all Entry Forms (with entry fee) to the Entry Clerk, either by email, mail, or in person
Get Ready for Your First Show
Pack for the show:
Carrier
Towel or pad for inside carrier
Towel to cover carrier
Cage (if you have a portable cage)
Cage curtains or cover up (towel,, fabric or other material to cover the opening on the top and side of the cage)
Litter pan
Kitty litter (litter is normally supplied but if your cat prefers a special litter, please use that!)
Bags (for garbage and soiled litter)
Water bowl
Food bowl
Treats
Canned food
Dry food
Bottled water
Plastic forks for canned food
Toys (teasers, catnip mice, balls, etc.)
Bed
Fan (long hair cats get hot!)
Towels
Nail clippers
Quips (to clean eyes and ears)
Eye drops
Ear wash
Rescue Remedy for calming nervous cats
Other holistic remedies (use things you’ve used before and know how they will affect your cat!)
Bay Rum and Vanilla (small bottles; great to dab on noses if cages have a scent from a previous cat/class)
Brush or comb (depending on
Emergency shampoo – dry and bottle of premixed
Spray to calm static in coat
Pee pads to put on bottom of cage for spilled water
Towel to lay over pee pads on bottom of cage
Confirmation slip received from the Entry Clerk.
Vaccination records for each entry.
Pedigree and Registration papers if applicable
Pens and markers
Clips and tabs to mark catalog pages
Calculator (for point calculation)
Camera! You need to take photos!!
Cash for lunch for you….and some snacks in between rings
Once you decide if you want to show a lot, you may want to invest in a portable cage if you don’t have one and a backdrop screen for your grooming area:
Groom your cat:
Depending on the length of your cat’s coat you may need to groom it a few days before the show or a few hours before the show. Check with other breeders to find out the best way and time to bathe your cat plus what products to use.
Bathe your cat
Clean ears, eyes and butt
Clip your cat’s claws
It’s Show Day!
Check‐in with Entry Clerk (get your Exhibitor Catalogue and find out where you’re benched).
Find and set up your benching area.
Check the catalogue for correctness of your entries.
Groom your cat for the first Judging Ring (check eyes, ears, nose, butt and paws). Wipe them out or off and give that last little shine before you go to the ring. Do this before each ring.
Mark your catalog for each ring so you can track your cat and competition’s winnings and standings.
Have fun and visit with other friends and exhibitors. When you have fun you’ll relax which will help your cat be calm too.
After the Show
Bathe or wipe our cat(s) and also clean your cat’s cage (if you have a pop up cage) and crate with a mild solution of
Give any feedback you’d like to about the show to the Show Manager or other Committee Members.
Register your cat with TICA, if it isn’t already, before the next show.
Fill out and send in Title Confirmation Form to TICA if your cat earned a title such as Champion
Check results online at TICA/Standings
For additional information regarding TICA Show Rules, judging, Exhibitor Etiquette and Classifications visit www.tica.org/public/showing.php
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