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Your first cat show can be exciting. Cat shows
run from around 9-4. Judging is done in multiple rings at one time.
Judging is divided into classes. Longhaired kittens(4-7 months),
Shorthaired kittens(4-7 months), Longhaired cats (over 8 months) and
Shorthaired Cats (over 8 months). Ring one may
start with Shorthaired kittens, Ring two may start with Longhaired kittens
and so forth. So entrants must keep track of where they are to show at
what time.
All entries have a number and must listen for
announcements regarding their next ring assignments or miss that rings
judging. So if you are speaking with someone and they stop to listen
to an announcement, take heart. They just don't want to miss a judging
ring.
Each breed has its own color "divisions".
In Bengals, those "divisions" are: Traditional Tabby Division (Brown),
Traditional Silver/Smoke Division (Silver) and Mink
Tabby Division (Snow Mink) and Lynx Point Division (Snow Lynx Point).
Within each of these divisions are two "patterns", Spotted and Marbled.
So, usually the judges will begin with the Brown
Division and the brown spotted cats/kittens. They will be judged
against each other and a "Best of Color" will will be awarded as well as a
2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th place(5-25 points for adults only) . This
will continue with the Brown Marbled cats. The Brown marbled and
spotted will be judged against each other for Best of Division (in this
example, Brown Division)(1st-3rd place 15-25 points). This process
will continue through the Silver and Snow Divisions. Then, all the
Divisions (Brown, Silver, Snow) will be judged against each other for Best
of Breed. Placements for Best of Breed will be 1st 2nd and 3rd.
Points toward championship are awarded to placements
for Color and Division, but none specifically for Best of Breed placements.
The value in placing as Best of Breed is to hopefully be
called back as one of the top ten ALL BREED cats in the Finals for each
ring. To win a championship, you must Final a
specified number of times as well as accumulating a certain number of points
along the way. Being called back for a final is VERY exciting and what
we all strive toward. Winning a BEST CAT in a
final ring, is the ULTIMATE in recognition for a breeder and owner.
How a show is setup.....
A show is most often setup with long tables set end to
end the width of the room. Each exhibitor purchases a certain amount
of space to show their cats. Typically, breeds are "benched" (setup)
together, although this is not always possible due to late entries or other
situations. Some breeders choose to use the cages
provided and use "curtains" to decorate their cage and grooming space.
Curtains are required to separate cats from each other. The amount of
decoration, is up to the individual. Some are elaborate and some are
simple. All fulfill the purpose, the rest is individuality. So
feel free to browse the show hall and look at the cats, speak with breeders
and enjoy yourself! HOWEVER.... NEVER touch the cats unless you
get specific permission from the owners. Cats transmit contagious
upper respiratory infections easily (colds). So owners are rightly
cautious about picking up something. Ask if they have some hand
sanitizer. The owner will thank you for your caution and the cats will
thank you for not making them sick :-) Judging rings usually are 4-12
rings depending on the part of the country you are in and number of entries.
Each ring will have a table with a light over it. It has a coffee
table looking raised table set on a larger conference table.
This is where the judge stands. Behind this area, is a U shaped row of
tables. The tables are covered in plastic and on top of them are show
cages on after the other. In front of each ring is a 2-3 row of chairs
that you may sit in to watch. Or you may stand behind those chairs if
they are occupied to watch as well. Some judges will address the
crowd and some will even answer questions. BUT some others will not.
Take your guide from exhibitors and the judge before asking questions during
judging.
Entering your First Show.....
Most shows these days can be entered on-line. I
have some links at the top of the page for organizations show calendars.
Search them for a show near you and usually there will be a link to the
entry clerk. If not, there will almost always be an email address
where you can write for more information. Entry clerks are VERY
patient and if you explain that it is your first show, they will help you
complete the forms necessary and also help you calculate your entry fees.
Normal entry fees vary, but are $65-$100 per cat for a 2-3 day show.
After you enter, you will need to make sure you have all of the things you
will need to take to the show for the comfort of you and your cat.
Before the show.....
Be sure to work with your cat or kitten before the
show. Teach it to allow you to pick it up. Put it on a table.
Raise its front off the table and feel of its body and the entire length
of the tail. The judge will raise its head up to see it neck to look
for markings, etc. The cat/kitten must also be comfortable in a small
cage with other cats and people coming in and out and walking by. So,
teach your cat to allow being in a cage. Being taken in and out (rear
end toward you with both hands supporting the stomach).
Otherwise, the poor cat will be scared and traumatized up there. It
will not be a fun experience for either of you. Believe, me I
found this out the hard way...:-) Prior to the show, bathe your cat
and be sure to clip all of its nails including the dew claws. This is
very important as a scared cat can claw a judge easily. They do not
appreciate this!
What to take to the show.....
Take either your show curtains (check our links page
for instructions and purchase options), something to cover the table under
the cage (area rugs can work or sheets in a pattern
complimentary to your curtains can be used. The most handy thing to do
is either buy or make a table cover with pockets on the
front to hold your business cards, litter scoop, brush, Feliway, show
catalog and pen, your car keys and hand sanitizer and some gum or breath
mints. The show club usually provides chairs, but they are
not always the most comfortable things, so consider taking one with you.
Other items you will need are:
Food and water dishes, litter pan, scoop, bed or shelf for the cat to rest
on/in, business cards, pictures of your cats/kittens, a carrier for your
cat, a cooler is handy for soda, water and snacks, cat food, litter unless
you want to use regular clay which is provided, cat toys, a few paper towels
for small cleanups and a LOT of patience! :-) Cat shows always go
until the posted closing time. The show club relies on revenue of
visitors to supplement their income to allow them to keep entry fees
low and pay for judges expenses and show hall rental. Something with
wheels on it is handy to haul all of your "stuff" to your
benching area in one trip. Rubbermaid makes a low cost hand cart which
you might try to find.
When you get to the show.....
When you get to the show, unpack your car and take all
of your supplies and your cat into the show hall. Usually there are
signs directing you. Arrive at least an hour before the start of
judging to get your cage setup and decorated, and your cat settled.
Upon arrival, check in with the clerk (usually at the door).
They will give you your show catalog and tell you where you are benched.
Find your benching area. First, put your table cover down, then the
cage. Decorate the cage with curtains and put in food and water bowls.
Litter will be on site if you didn't bring your own. Ask around to
determine where it is located. After putting in the litter pan, get
your cats settled into the cage. A spray of Feliway can sometimes
settle a cat from new smells. After setting up all of your items where
they are easily reached, spare carriers, wheels and other items can be
stored under the tables. Look in the catalog under either Longhaired
or Shorthaired kittens or cats depending on your particular breed.
Then each breed is listed alphabetically. Find your cats number.
I write it on my wrist with a pen so I don't forget what it is for the first
few rings. This is especially helpful if you are showing an adult and
a kitten. Showing both is very difficult as they are shown at the same
time in different rings. So you usually miss something and don't get
to see all the judging. Now, just begin to listed for announcements
for your cat or kittens number to be announced.... and HAVE FUN! When
your number is announced, take your cat out of the cage and brush it off.
Check its eyes for "goup" and ears briefly for any matter. Take your
cat with a firm grip to the ring announced. The entry numbers will be
on top of the cages. Find your number and put your cat in that ring
without speaking to the judge. People will be coming and going, so be
polite and courteous. Put your cat in the cage, secure the door and
move to the gallery area. Watch your cat closely until you are sure
they will not try to escape. If you need to ask a question, ask the
ring steward which will be seated at the table making notes. Do not
ever speak directly to the judge. This is considered improper and will
NOT make you any points. Your cat will be taken out in order and
examined by the judge and replaced in the cage. Sometimes the judge
will ask the owner a question, but most often, they will not. When the
ring steward turns your number over, you are excused and you should go and
remove your cat and take it back to your benching area. Or the judge
or steward may announce that the "Bengals may go". That is your queue
to remove your cat. If you are due in two rings at the same time,
whisper this to the ring steward of the ring calling you last. They
will let the judge know you are required elsewhere. They will usually
hold judging if you are being judged in another ring. If you must
leave the show prior to the show closing for any reason, please let the show
announcer know so that the judges don't hold judging waiting for you to
arrive at the ring.
Championship Requirements.......
The following are requirements to the various
championship classes according to TICA judging rules. It is not
uncommon for someone to pay an entry fee, travel to a show, stay overnight
and incur meals and incidentals and not get a single final call for a show
weekend. So, consider the cost of showing a cat to these catagories
for those cats that have achieved them. No small task for either the
cat or owner. |
