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First Time Model

  • Samantha and Isabella
  • Jun 3, 2015
  • 7 min read

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All photos are credit of Jenni Ferreira from Kittycat Photography

Humom - As most of you know, we were in our very first cat show this past weekend. We decided to give you some feedback and advice on cat shows. I say “we” as it is very stressful and confusing for both humans and their fur-children. Therefore this will be a joint blog with Isabella and myself, humom.

We will also be covering the technical “ins” and “outs” of how to enter a show, what you need to know on the day, understanding the registration groups, and the clubs associated with them.

Some of you might have already seen our results on Facebook already but, for those of you who haven’t (go like us on Facebook :P), we will be sharing and explaining the results for you.

Cat shows are stressful and daunting, if you have never entered one let alone attended one! Hopefully we can help a little with this blog. For me, it was stressful trying to figure out what all needed to be done before the show, how to fill in the forms correctly, how Isabella would handle it, hoping she would do well (as any mother would worry about), and because I am a closet introvert, the thought of spending the whole day in a room full of people I didn’t know freaked me out most of all! I am also very conscious of what people think of me, so I didn’t want to mess up or do badly in front of all these people who don’t even know me.

Isabella - From a cat’s perspective, it is stressful being around so many cats when I am an only child. Hearing all the other cats meowing, sitting in the show cage all day with nothing to do, having these strangers (judges) pick me up and look in all my weird and wonderful places, as well as preparing for the show.

Normally, I am used to being bathed with just some baby shampoo on my back, a quick rub, and out, but mom told me I was getting an extra special bath this time. She gave me two super-efficient rounds with soap all over the place and a blow dry after. It was like being at the spa! Then it was the drive there! I don’t mind driving anywhere, and it was closer than going to granny and oupa, so I was fine, but mom says some cats don’t like the car and they can get sick and very upset! Oh, and don’t even get me started with the week before the time! Mom was faffing over me every second and making me sit in my cage all the time! Silly humom.

Humom – Turns out all the nerves were all a waste of time! It went so well, and we both had a great day, with great people, helping us along the way.

If you are thinking of entering a show, or if you are new to cat shows, here are some of the things I have learnt from this past week:

1. Find a show near you that you would like to enter. The best place to find these shows is on the cats group’s website that your cat is registered with i.e. SACC or CFSA. They have Show Calendars on their websites and details of the shows. If you want more advice, ask your breeder, as they will know of upcoming shows.

2. Keep in mind what Cat Group your cat is registered with when looking for shows, as you can only enter a show that is hosted by a Cat Group that is registered with the same group as your cat.

I.e. Isabella is registered with CFSA, so she can only attend shows hosted by the following clubs:

  • Feline Fan Club of Southern Africa

  • KZN Cat Club

  • National Cat Society

  • Cleopatra Cat Club

  • Gauteng Cat Club

If you are not registered with the right Cat Group for the show you want to enter, don’t worry. You can register your cat with more than one group.

If I register Isabella with SACC then I can also enter her into shows hosted by the following clubs:

  • All Breeds Club

  • Cat Fanciers Club

  • Eastern Cape Cat Club

  • Northern Cape / Free State

  • Persian Cat Society

  • Rand Cat Club

  • The Big Cat Club

  • Transvaal Cat Society

  • Western Cape Cat Club

3. Fill in the forms correctly. If you don’t have all your cat’s information, ask your breeder, as they will have it all. If you are unclear on how to answer a question on the forms, you can contact the Show Manager. Their details are normally on the entry forms. Remember to send your forms in on time and attach all the supporting documents and proof of payment.

4. Get yourself a show cage! The Show Manager can put you in contact with the Show Sponsor who might be able to supply you with a cage. Otherwise, you can get them from selected Pick ‘n Pay Hyper stores for ±R600 or at selected vet stores. I saw some at Twisted Whiskers for ±R1500. I got mine from Nicole at Glitz & Glam Pets for R1000. Remember to get a neutral colour and ensure it is big enough for your cat, a litterbox, bed, and food bowls.

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5. Let your cat play in the cage for a few days before the show so they are happy with it, and they do not associate it with only coming out when they are off to a show.

6. Your forms will arrive 48 hours before the show. Remember to print these and take them with you. Read through them, and note the following:

  • Your cats show number - write it on your hand so you dont forget

  • What session your cat is in

  • The judges your cat will be going to

7. Ragdolls should be bathed 2 days before the show to give their hair some time to settle. You should clip your cat’s nails too. I did Isabella’s the night before. Do some research and chat to your breeder regarding what grooming your cat needs, as it differs from breed to breed. I used Sunlight liquid for wash No. 1 and Pantene Aqua Light for wash No. 2 as I could not get a suitable degreasing shampoo in time. If you are looking for a degreasing shampoo, you can get Groomers Goop from A Pets Life online store for R280.

* I will be doing a blog on bathing your cat soon

8. Get a good night’s sleep the night before as it is a very long day and can be very exhausting! I’m not sure who was more tired the next day, Isabella or me? Haha

9. Brush you cat and clean your cat’s ears and eyes the morning of the show.

10. Wear comfortable shoes, as I found myself standing around all day, watching what was going on and chatting up a storm.

11. Take the following with you:

  • Cage,

  • Bed,

  • Blankets – check what colours are specified on the entry forms but white/cream are always a safe colour.

  • Litterbox, scoop and sand – I also took poop bags with, I got them from Dischem in the baby section for about R30. They are the Dischem brand

  • Food, bottle of water, and bowls

  • Wet wipes to clean feet, ears, and eyes just before your kitty goes up.

  • Baby powder – sprinkle a little on your cat in the morning to make them smell nice.

  • Toys – make sure you take a toy, preferably a toy on a stick like a ZAChaser. I didn’t take one and I could have kicked myself.

  • Brush

  • Book, or something else for you to do.

  • Money for food – there is normally a tuck shop of sorts.

  • Tissues – I always need tissues, but if your cat makes a mess, you can clean up.

  • Jacket – the halls can be quite cold, especially now in winter.

12. If there is a photographer there, then take your cat for photos early to avoid the rush! Plan it around when your session is going to take place.

13. Relax and have fun! Remember to check what time your session starts, write your cat’s number on your hand, so you don’t forget, and listen out for it!

Isabella – Once the judges have looked at you, they will make notes while you get to go back to your cage and nap some more. The steward will bring your results to your humom or dad once they are done. They’re trained well! Hehe.

Humom – I still don’t quite know the full “ins” and “outs” of how all the marks work or the titles, so if you know all of that, then please pop me a mail or comment and I’ll share it with everyone else, but I will share with you the bit of information I do know;

Each Judge will give you a score and comments on a score sheet. The score will be Gold, Silver or Bronze for cats. For kittens, it will be Ruby and Emerald. They will nominate you if they want you to go to finals for your group as well. The more nominations you get, the better your scores will be, but you only need 1 to get into the finals.

In the finals, you will get a winner for each category (Foreign, Medium Hair, Oriental/Siamese, Persian/Exotic) within your group (Kitten, Female, Male or Neuter). If you are a winner in your group, then you will go through to Cat of the Day.

All the points your cat gets goes towards COTY (Cat of the Year). You will see who is already in the top 20 at the show and this will change with each show.

Isabella – I got Rubies (Gold for kittens) from both judges and one nomination, but I didn’t win anything. The judges did give me very good comments, even though I was very wiggly on the table.

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Humom – I think Isabella did very well for her first time. The only time she was stressed, at all, was in the final. She had to sit on the table next to the other cats and started hissing at them.

It really was an amazing day, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I recommend that all cat owners should show their cats. You can even enter your pets that are not pedigree.

We met amazing people and beautiful cats and I thank all of you for a wonderful day. Thank you to Cherylee, for helping me enter and to understand the process.

A very special thank you to Breeder Bev, for answering all my pesky questions, all the texts wishing us good luck, and checking to see how the show was going. Hopefully, we will see you at the next one! Don’t be shy to come up and say hi!

NB: Remember to keep your breeder involved, as they will probably be at the show and will want to know how your cat did. At the end of the day, your cat is representing their cattery.

Please feel free to comment if there is anything you can add or that I have forgotten!

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