I was supposed to be at the Houston Cat Show this weekend, but unfortunately the book store vendor had to cancel. So I’m getting my cat show fix vicariously with past year videos.
Cat lovers who have never attended a cat show should really make the effort. There’s something for everyone! It’s not just a beauty contest these days, although that is part of the attraction. Truly stunning cats of all shapes, sizes and fur-styles can be seen. The judges very carefully examine each pedigreed feline for structure, take into consideration the coat and color, AND the kitty temperament, to see how they stack up against the “breed standard.” The cats win lots of bright ribbons, and throughout the day as some cats are eliminated and others move forward, the competition becomes more exciting.
It’s not like a dog show where the canines run around a ring. Nope, the kitties are placed on a table in front of the judge and care is taken to disinfect in between judging to prevent any transmission of disease. That’s also why you’ll see signs on the show cages, “Don’t touch–I don’t bite but my human does!” Simply petting one cat and then the next can carry illness and spread problems, and even though these felines are in tip-top health, these cat lovers take no chances.
There are “championship” competitions for intact (able to breed) pedigree cats. But there also are “premiership” competitions–a championship category for cats that have been spayed or neutered! And there also are the “household pet” categories for kitties that have no registration papers but are gorgeous, healthy cat-next-door companions–maybe like your cat! These felines also can earn ribbons and become champions in their category.
I love it because you can talk to the cat show exhibitors about their cats, ask about the breeds and learn so much about the gorgeous felines. Cat names are to die for and the creativity involved in naming a particular cat–or decorating a show cage (so the kitties can’t see each other and get upset) is a true art.
Did you know that cats also do agility? It’s a bit different than the dog sport, but has become more and more popular. Kitties of course enjoy running tunnels and leaping vaults or otherwise showing their athleticism.
Many shows like the Houston Cat Club event also welcome shelters and rescue groups to come and offer on the spot adoptions. What a win-win for the cats and the people!
There also are fun dress up events, kitty fashion shows, and more at cat shows. Oh, and the vendors–I have found THE BEST BLING EVER at cat shows. Just saying…
Enjoy some of these videos from cat shows I’ve attended. And paws crossed, I’ll get back to another one soon.
Have you ever attended a cat show? What did you like best? How about your furry wonder, how would s/he do in the competition? Although I believe Seren-kitty is a show-stopper, she’s not a good candidate for being in public and handled by strangers, but many cats thrive on this fun family outing.
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Sorry to hear your show plans got cancelled, Amy, but now I truly feel like I have attended a cat show! Thanks for taking the trouble to post all of those videos. Some were truly fascinating and all were enjoyable. Love those felines!
Thanks for taking a *virtual tour.* I need to put these together in a better edited format (marking on to-do list).
I’ve only attended one Cat Show, but it was fascinating. I remember see Maine Coon cats for the first time – I was entranced by them!
It depends on the kind of show what breeds of cats you’ll see, too. At the Westchester show (a TICA venue) there were bunches of Bengal kitties, for example.
There’s Mari Gras Madness, another TICA show, here in Sacramento this weekend too. They even have categories where adoptable shelter cats can compete. Several have done very well. http://lapcats.wordpress.com/2012/12/31/cat-show-in-sacramento-this-weekend/. Everyone has a lot of fun.
Oooh sounds like fun indeed! Thanks for posting, maybe readers in the area will check it out. I highly encourage it!
We’ve just adopted a stray. ‘Mister Orange’ showed up in our carport one day. A gorgeously colored orange tabby, he was super friendly, and somewhat skinny. We weren’t sure if he was lost or just visiting, but when I was going back inside he followed me to the door, so I asked him if he wanted to come in.
Three months later, he isn’t skinny. In fact he’s been turning into a pudge. We haven’t found his family, so he’s going to remain living with us. Much to our relief, he gets along with Rosé and Kleo (the dogs), and mostly gets along with the other cats. He also fills a hole in our hearts, since Ginger and Tinga, the old ladies both had to be put down (Ginger was in really bad shape, barely able to move, and Tinga had cancer). Both of the old ladies were over 17 years old, so it wasn’t a surprise, but we miss them.
In fact he’s going to get fixed next week (I haven’t told him yet).
Oh Wayne, so sorry about Ginger and Tinga. It always hurts even when it’s expected.
Congrats on the new arrival. I won’t say anything to Mr Orange about his pending change in status.
This is Catastic! Wow! I knew nothing about cat shows!
Thanks for bringing your link to the party! Click on a few links and tell them, “Susie sent you,” and they will click back! It has become a subscribing rager!
Aha, that’s how it works! Will go “click-click-click” like Dorothy and find “no place like home.” *s* Thanks for visiting, Susie. Just subscribed to your awesome blog!
Oh thanks so much!
Another reason for the “disinfectant spray” is to help get rid of the previous cat’s aroma so the next cat will feel less threatened by a stranger. I hesitate to use disinfectant because they never leave the spray on the table or toys long enough to really disinfect rather just wash away odors and “germs.”
AND anyone in central Iowa should come see the Meowdi Gras celebration in Des Moines by the Hawkeye State Cat Club on February 9-10th. The show flyer is here: http://cfamidwest.org/hawkeye.html