The Cat Show

On Saturday, we decided to check out a cat show. Yes. A CAT SHOW. I'm sure many of you invision a dog show with the parading and posing and prodding by judges, and then try to imagine a cat putting up with any of that. Kindly get up off the floor and read on.

We were not sure what to expect either. We knew that there was no way that a cat show could be like a dog show. Hence our interest.

The exhibit hall was a sea of cages arranged on long rows of tables. Cats of like breeds were usually in the same area. At the edges of the hall, and out in an adjoining area, were 'rings'. These were "U" shaped areas of cages on tables with a show table in the center. Spectator chairs were arranged in front of the show table.

There were three distinct competition classes: kittens, unaltered adults, and altered adults. In each class, cats competed in breed groups (usually two or three similar breeds per group). Each group competition consisted of approximately six to twelve cats.

The judge would go to a cage and bring the next cat to the show table. He/she would examine the cats features and compare it to breed standards. Usually the judge would encourage the cat to look one way or another, or to stretch up on a scratching post situated at each show table, by taunting it playfully with a kitty toy of some sort. Then the judge would return the cat to its cage, and perhaps get it to play with the toy again to get a different view of it where it might be less apprehensive (away from the open show table so close to so many strangers). At this point the judge would then go to a ribbon box and pick out the appropriate grading ribbons. After looking at all cats of the same breed, within the group, he/she will award competitive standing ribbons (1st, 2nd, etc.). Once the entire group was examined, the judge would award a best in group ribbon.

It was fascinating to watch these cats put up with having strangers handle them and to see how relaxed most of them were with the crowds and numerous other cats. Our cats would never put up with such nonsense.

One of the judges wore long dangling earrings. I'm not sure if she did this on purpose, but one cat that she examined thought they were fascinating. The crowd laughed quite boisterously when the cat batted at her earrings instead of the toy she was taunting it with.

Another judge used a stick with some shiny ribbons on the end of it to get a cat's attention. He then put the shiny end in his shirt pocket so he could examine the cat without the distraction of the toy. The cat put its feet on the judge's chest and tried to get at the toy in his shirt pocket. The judge commented about how smart the cat was. He later awarded that cat the best in group award. Go figure.

We spoke to one participant who had two cats in her cat carrier. One was lounging about like a pampered king. The other was darting suspicious glances at the crowd as the passed. The owner said that the suspicious one wasn't there to be shown. He was there to keep his 'buddy' company. Apparently, the suspicious one would have nothing to do with the multiple strangers handling him, and he really disliked strange cats. See, a normal cat can go to a cat show. Just don't expect him to participate. :)

All in all, we really enjoyed the cat show. If you like cats it certainly is a way to see them in a different light. Many of the participants offered breeding services, and some even had kittens for sale. I can't imagine how much a show kitten would cost. If you like cats, and have never been to a cat show, go for it. If nothing else, you can buy your furry friends some really neat cat toys. We did. Caboose loved his souvenir!