Introduction to Cat Shows: Part 4 – It’s Showtime, The Big Day Has Arrived!
It’s always a good idea to prepare yourself as an exhibitor for an upcoming show. In previous posts, we have touched on the purpose and function of cat clubs, preparing your cat for a show, and packing for a show and preparing your benching area. In this article, I plan to provide you what a typical show day looks like from the lens of a seasoned exhibitor.
Though I have shown Bengals for only five years and have been breeding for years, our cats have earned some important milestones in the show world. We have shown cats to various titles, regional wins, an international win and a lifetime achievement award. As an exhibitor, I enjoy the process of bringing a cat to show. This includes everything from selecting breeding pairs to kitten selection; the strategy of choosing shows to attend, preparing the kitten to show, and watching the kitten develop to a show cat and potential breeding cat for our cattery. We have been in various regions in the US and traveled internationally for shows which has expanded our appreciation of our cats and cats worldwide, therefore, we have came to the conclusion in general, the shows we attend are handled in similar manner no matter where they are held. Remember, we are all there usually for the same reason. Please be kind, courteous, gracious and leave a sinister agenda at the door.
The showhall usually opens a couple hours prior to the start time of the show. This allows exhibitors to set up their benching area, complete grooming routines, feed and acclimate their cats to the showhalls. There is also a check in process at the front gate where you verify with the entry clerk your weekend entries and any absences, pick up your catalog, your award rosette or any show swag they are offering. Generally, the clerk will let you know which row you are seated at and your entry number(s) for your cat(s). Your benching spot is usually premarked on the table using tape. Remember your entry numbers.
Once your set up is complete and you have your cat settled, feel free to mingle! Visit the vendors area and see all the beautiful hand crafted cat items or pick up any last minute items you may have left at home.Check out the newest grooming items for your cats, pick up free samples of cat food, litter, coupons or other exciting items. Indulge and relax with a cup of coffee or latte. There will be an overhead announcement letting you know when the show will begin. Remember to sign up with the talented show photographers for photo sessions of your cat to show off to your friends!
The show begins with an overhead announcement welcoming you to the show. They will call the absentees from the list of those who did not check in at the entry clerk’s table. They will then call the judges and introduce them to the show. Following the judges introductions, they will call the rings. In every show catalog, all cats are catorgorized by class, division, color and breed: Long hair kittens, short hair kittens, championship long hair cats, championship short hair cats, alters or premiers (long and short haired), house hold pet kittens, house hold pet adults, new traits and new breeds. Keep in mind all cats are organized and assigned a number and are called up by class, division, color and breed. Kittens have a low value number under 100 usually, long hair champions usually 101-199, short hair champions usually 201-299, and so on, and so on. A judging schedule is available at the entry clerks desk or online when they send out the catalog. Keep it posted at your benching area, listen as they will announce any judging schedule changes. The schedule is written so that there is very little chance for overlap of judging rings. If you have two rings with numbers close together, make sure you are keeping an eye and ear open for your cat’s numbers or any announcements pertaining to your cat’s numbers or ring schedule changes. Believe me, it can get crazy.
When your breed and number is up to be judged, double check your cat’s grooming and carry your cat to the ring, placing him in the assigned cage. It should be cleaned by the steward and ready to go. Make yourself comfortable in the folding chairs in front of the judges table and watch your cat being judged. Once judging has finished, the judge will hang first color awards, then division awards followed by breed awards. If you have placed 1st or 2nd in breed, there is a chance you may be called back for later for the judges final where they select their 10 best cats of the show. Once the ring clerk records your score and places your number card down, you may remove your cat from the ring and return to your benching area. It’s always a good idea to have a show buddy show you the ropes. Someone who can answer questions for you or cue you in on show etiquette. Generally, this is someone who has been showing regularly for a couple of seasons. Your club or show’s sponsoring club usually is happy to arrange this for your ahead of time.
Between rings, it’s a great time to visit other breeders within your breed, outside your breed, talk to show spectators and learn about the fancy. Enjoy yourself. The show breaks around noon during which some clubs offer a light meal for a fee, have concessions, contests, raffles, make announcements, have a general meeting, special rings or a Jr. Exhibitor exhibition. Always refer to your associations rules as to specifics pertaining to that association’s judging protocols, awards and points, show rules, and special ring rules.
This process is repeated multiple times a day throughout the duration of the show. If you are awarded a placement at a final, you will be given an adhesive tag to place on your award rosette. Treasure it-after all you have earned the award as well as any points attached to it. Accumulative points allows your cat to achieve titles. In the days following, unofficial point totals are posted online at the show result sites for each organization. Some on social media, some are emailed directly from the club but all show results find their way onto the official association website for record keeping. Many people track their own points on score spreadsheets so they can track their own awards and cat standings. As mentioned above, each judge each day judges each group of cats. It’s like multiple mini shows in one big cat show. Each judge has their own preference based on the breed standard. Many judges will recognize a new exhibitor and offer helpful feedback as a way to improve your experience.
Eventually the show ends at the end of the weekend when everyone prepares to leave the show hall. Remember to pack all your belongings and clean your benching area. If you have the time and energy, offer to assist the club with teardown, its a big help which everyone appreciates.