Introduction to Cat Shows: Part 3 – Having a dynamite show set up

Your show set up is a representation of your personality, your breed, your cattery and your love of your cat.

A dynamite show set up is a blank canvas for you to design a habitat for you and your cat to bench at during a show. A place where spectators feel welcomed to learn about your cattery, about your breed and you can showcase your cat. In the cat fancy, a benching area refers to an assigned space that an exhibitor purchases for the duration of the show to exhibit their cat. Benching areas are size restricted by clubs and by associations. As a general rule, they are generally double spaces with additional space available to purchased for an extra fee. Exhibitors use that extra space as grooming space, marketing space, exhibition space or the like. Some exhibitors also use the space above their cage as a tabletop display showing off photos of their cats, marketing materials for their cattery, or seasonal decor to match the theme of the show. There are often height restrictions on the height of the display and your exhibition enclosure must fit within the dimensions outlined in the show rules. Sometimes in show venues with limited space will decrease the size of the exhibition spaces or limit grooming spaces to allow for maximum show entries. It is always a good idea to read the fine print in the show calendar to determine how much space you will be allocated before you begin to pack for a show.

One of he main components of your show set up is your exhibition enclosure. For some people it is a simple metal enclosure brought from home adorned with fun fabric, for others fold up pop up type enclosure, others fold compactly away into carrying cases to allow for ease of packing and travel. Your exhibition enclosure should be wipeable, easy to clean, and appropriate for the size of cat you are showing. Generally show rules allow for only two adult cats per full size enclosure. Some are divided to give the cats separation and privacy. Three kittens total can share full size enclosure until they are 8 months of age in most associations. Always check and verify show rules as to appropriate space requirements to keep your cats comfortable. Inside the enclosure, many people hang a hammock as cats like the feeling of suspension. I would avoid hammocks with extra long straps to prevent entanglement and injury. Side mounted clip hammocks with very short straps appear much safer for cats and kittens. A soft, comfortable bed, blankets or bedding will also keep our cats comfortable and safe. A litterbox can be placed in your enclosure for your cat’s comfort. Use fresh litter that does not track, stick to fur or leave an odor. We use a foldable litterbox that matches our pop up kennel and place a pressed pulp disposable litterbox inside it. We carry a small ziplock bag of pine pellets in our show bag as they are familiar and maintain a fresh scent throughout the show weekend. Keep a few doggie bags handy to safely dispose of waste as it happens.

Many exhibitors utilize a grooming space next to their exhibition enclosures. The grooming space provides privacy from other cats and gives you a clean area to groom your cat and store your grooming items. It is also a comfortable space to relax, socialize, visit and just revitalize between rings. Most are fabric covered trifold boards with handy pockets. Some exhibitors utilize multipocketed table drapes to store all their supplies for easy access and hide their extra supplies under their benching area. Some people simplify and utilize a large disposable paper or plastic table covering or even a creative custom fabric. Always remember to keep intact cat enclosures covered to prevent sharing your cat’s scent your neighbors benching area. This will prevent unnecessary agitation, scent marking, and aggression in males. Some creative ideas I have seen for cage covers include tablecloths, printed shower curtains, sequined fabric, beach towels, blankets, custom fabric and the like.

A large cosmetic organizer can hold a multitude of various grooming items keeping them well organized for quick use. Ideally, you should have an assortment of combs and brushes, eye wipes, ear wipes, a small first aid kit, nail clippers, pet wipes, waste bags, larger trash bag, deoderizer, static spray, dry shampoo and pheromone spray as a rule. Add to your supplies other essential items and breed specific items as you see fit. You may also want sample sizes of your usual shampoo and conditioner should your cat require a refresh at the hotel after each day of showing.

It’s important to remember the extras for your cat as well. A midday meal, water dish, high value treats, favorite toys, teaser wands, are wonderful additions to your cat show duffel. Often they can be purchased at the showhall from a vender.

Lastly, remember your carrier. All cats must be brought in and out of the showhall in a carrier. Don’t forget to line your carrier with high absobancy potty pads to maintain a clean and comfortable environment for you cat. Carry extra to have on hand just in case. A small foldable wagon or cart will help you transport your show items from you car to the showhall efficiently, folding up and stowing under your benching space during the show.

I recommend renting a show enclosure from the cat club for a small fee if they are using a caging service prior to investing in a full set up. This will allow you to look at other exhibitors enclosures and determine what is available, what will work for your cat and what will be easiest on your budget. Don’t forget the extras like a bed, blanket and enclosure cover. Many exhibitors upgrade their show set up and sell their clean used items at shows. There is something available at all price points and budgets.

Next topic: It’s showtime: The Big Day Has Arrived