FAQ Cat Shows

How do I find out when and where shows are held?
Cat shows are held throughout the year, usually on a Saturday. and are held at a range of venues across the UK. Shows are of different types - they may cater for all pedigree breeds, or specific breeds, and may include sections for non-pedigree cats. Most shows are licensed by the Governing Council of the Car Fancy [GCCF] and you can find details of these from the GCCF website, or you can purchase the show list from the GCCF Office.

Governing Council of the Cat Fancy
5 King's Castle Business Park
The Drove
Bridgwater
Somerset
TA6 4AG, UK

Tel: +44 (0)1278 427575 - info@gccfcats.org

Shows are also listed in publications such as Our Cats, Your Cat, Cat World. The following information applies to cat shows in general, but to GCCF shows in particular. If you wish to show a GCCF registered cat at a show licensed by another body you will need to inform the GCCF office of this. Be sure to check the show rules of that body as they may differ slightly from those of the GCCF. It is important to remember that you cannot enter two shows within less than 13 days of each other whatever the licensing body.

It is a good idea to visit a show before you enter your cat. This will give you an idea of what happens and a chance to talk to exhibitors and breeders about the breed and showing in general. Most exhibitors are more than willing to offer advice. A show is also the best place to purchase the show equipment you need. This includes a blanket, litter tray water and food bowls. These are all white so that no one cat can be distinguished from another - at GCCF shows anonymity is crucial and any attempt to inform the judge about ownership may result in disqualification.

To enter a show a kitten must be a minimum of 14 weeks old and is classed as a kitten until it is 9 months old when it may then be entered in adult classes.

There are a number of different types of shows: breed shows, where all exhibits are of a specific breed, e.g. Blue Persian, section shows where all breeds come from a particular breed section such as Longhair and area or all breed shows where the full range of breeds may be represented. Pedigree cats gain titles by winning challenge certificates at championship shows. These certificates are offered in adult classes. To gain a GCCF title, such as champion, a cat must win 3 certificates under 3 different judges at 3 different shows. Each cat competes for the Challenge certificate within its own open class, e.g. Blue male adult. Entire cats compete for the title of Champion and neutered cats compete for the title of Premier. Once a cat has achieved its title it may go on to compete for higher titles such as Grand or Imperial. A cat may be placed in a number of classes, but the certificate is only offered to the winning cat in the open class. (Further information on GCCF titles and the definitions of classes) Many shows also hold a Best in Show where cats from different sections compete against each other for the prestigeous title of Best in Show.

Each year the GCCF holds a qualifying show - the GCCF Supreme show. Each exhibit must qualify by winning at a championship show or by holding a title. Special classes aare offered for non-pedigree cats which have won open an open class at a championship show. The Supreme show is also different from other GCCF shows in that judges do not move from pen to pen, but the cats are brought to the judging ring and the exhibitors can watch the judging.

Judging: The judges and their stewards wear white coats. A judge will judge his/her classes by moving from pen to pen and handling each cat entered in those classes. Each cat will be taken out of its pen by the steward and presented to the judge who will then assess the exhibit according to the standard of points for that breed. Standard of points can be obtained from the GCCF. The judge records the placings in his/her judge’s book which contains slips of paper which will later be posted on the awards’ board for the exhibitors and public to see how an exhibit has been placed. Not all exhibits in a class will necessarily be placed and a judge may withhold an award if s/he does not feel that the exhibit is of sufficient quality on the day. Judges do not normally speak to the exhibitors or the public until they have finished their judging and an exhibitor should not approach a judge or make it known which exhibit is his/hers until after judging is finished. The exhibitor may then ask the judge for comments on the cat.

Some of the cats in the show hall may be in exhibition pens. These cats are not in competition, but are on display. This may be because the cat is an example of an unusual breed or is a top winner; the exhibition pens may contain litters of kittens or simply cats that their proud owners wish to show off.

Exhibitors and visitors can purchase a catalogue which will contain details of the cats, their breeds, colours and classes entered. It will also have breeders’ advertisements. Visitors to the show should not touch the cats as this can spread infection.

What do I have to do before the show?

For pedigree cats: you will need to ensure that your cat/kitten is registered with the GCCF and transferred into your name. Both the registration and transfer must be done a minimum of 21 days before the show. The registration certificate is a white printed slip approx 100x200 cm with the words 'registration certificate' printed across the top. The transfer application is also approx 100x200 cm and has the words ‘Application for the transfer of ownership of registered cats’ printed across the top. This should be supplied by the breeder. You will need to send this transfer application together with the transfer fee (approx £6) to be received by the GCCF Office a minimum of 21 days prior to the show. You will then receive a pink certificate of transfer. Both the registration certificate and transfer certificate will have all the details you need to enter your cat for a show. If you do not have this paperwork, contact the breeder of your cat/kitten. If you have any difficulty contact the GCCF Office and the office staff will advise you.

For non-pedigree cats

You will need to ensure that your cat/kitten is inoculated for flu and enteritis a minimum of 7 days prior to the show and that the inoculation certificate is completed and signed by your vet

To obtain the schedule and entry form for the show send a first class A5 SAE envelope to the Show Manager. You can get the address from the GCCF list and/or publications such as Our Cats, Your Cat, Cat World (or visit the Club/ Show's website if available). Schedules are also available at the Purrsonal Touch pet accessories stand at most shows.

Is there a difference between showing a pedigree and a non-pedigree cat? Most shows offer classes for non-pedigree cats (Household Pet or HHP). There are 3 main differences between showing an HHP and a pedigree cat:

• Non-pedigree cats do not have to be registered and therefore do not have to have a certificate of registration or transfer.
• Challenge certificates and titles such as Champion, Premier are not offered to HHPs. However there are specific award classes such as the Royal Canin Stakes and the Masterclass open only to HHPs.
• All HHPs must be neutered and must comply with the show rules as with all cats entered at a show.

How do I enter a show? When the schedule arrives read the rules carefully; these are printed at the front of the schedule. If ryou need any help in completing your entry, or have any queries, contact the Show Manager or Section Manager as shown in the schedule. The entry form asks for information about you and your cat – or to be more specific details of the registered owner of the cat.

Completing the entry:

• name and address of the registered owner of the cat (registration or transfer must be received by the GCCF office a minimum of 21 days prior to the show). If the cat is in joint ownership, fill in the details of both people.
• fill in the name, breed number, sex, sire, dam, breeder registration number, etc. of the cat - these should be copied from your GCCF papers and not from the pedigree form. If your cat’s registration or transfer certificate has not been returned from GCCF put RAF or TAF (reg/transfer applied for) in place of the registration number.
• open class: this is the relevant class for your cat’s breed, sex and age, e.g. Blue Persian kitten male. If your cat is a neuter you can only enter neuter classes and you should enter its sex as MN or FN. If in doubt about classes check with the breeder or Show Manager.
• miscellaneous classes: These may be classes designated by how often your cat has won (not more than x firsts) or by whether or not your cat has been shown before (debutant). The definitions of the classes are given in the schedule – usually within the first few pages.
• sign the declaration on the back of the form – if the cat is jointly owned, both owners must sign it.
• include signed cheque for correct fees – entry fees are approx £25-30 and usually include the open class and up to 3 other classes.
  enclose an SAE or stamped self-addressed post card for confirmation of entry
• double check everything before you post it, if your form is incorrect it could lead to disqualification.

What do I need to do to prepare for the show?

Firstly think about whether your cat will enjoy being shown and handled by strangers. A show hall can be rather noisy and intimidating for a nervous or timid cat however most accept the whole procedure and many positively revel in the attention as if it were a party organised just for them.

Familiarise your cat with its travelling box. If this is left open with a blanket in it a cat will often use its travelling box as a bed and many an exhibitor wishes s/he could travel to the show in bed. A few short ‘non-vet’ journeys in the car will help to let your cat know that the journey ends safely at home – but never leave your cat unattended in a hot car!!!

Show preparation: General show preparation does not begin the week or even the month before a show – you need to keep your cat in show condition: clean eyes, free from parasites, free from staining and with a well groomed coat. Do remember that if you have an adult cat and it has never had a bath it is unlikely to take kindly to the procedure. If you have not shown your cat before it is a good idea to do a ‘dry run’ with the prep about a month before the show, especially in the case of a Persian.

2-3 weeks before the show:

• check that the ears are clean - debris or a smell is often a sign of infection and you should consult your vet.
• treat the cat with a good flea preparation to ensure that it has no fleas and does not pick up any. If in doubt about anything see your vet.
  check that the inoculation is up to date
• give extra grooming to remove any old or loose coat

Show week:

• bathe your cat (in the case of a Persian) and groom daily - a light dusting of a fragrance free baby powder will help to keep the hairs of the coat separated and grease free - more information on grooming your Persian.
• trim the cat’s claws – just the tips otherwise you may damage the claw and it will bleed. If you are not certain how to do this your vet should be able to show you.
• check and prepare your show equipment - white letter tray, white blanket, white food and water dishes.
• check the location of the show venue and route
• check the show rules in the schedule to be sure you have not forgotten anything

The day before the show:

• remove excess powder from the coat – a hair dryer is useful for this
• check that eyes and ears are clean – you may possibly want to double check before you get out of the car, but if you do be sure all doors and windows are closed - an escaped cat is the last thing you want!

Show morning:

• If you have an early start it is best not to feed your cat before the journey.
• Offer the cat a fresh, clean litter tray – most cats will immediately ‘mark’ this – spend a penny – and this means that the cat will be more comfortable on the journey and is less likely to soil its box
• Longhair owners may want to check that all powder has been removed from the cat's coat - before vetting in double check
• Double check that you have packed everything and that the cat looks ok – and off you go
• Do remember to take all that is necessary (to clean your cat up if it has an accident on the journey.

Remember if your cat is not properly prepared before you leave home, no amount of grooming and fussing will get it ready once you are inside the hall!

What do I need to take to the show?

• Inoculation certificate: failure to provide a certificate on the day could result in rejection at vetting in, but in most cases if you forget the certificate you have to produce the certificate no later than 7 days after the show.
• confirmation of entry
• white non cellular blanket
• small white litter tray (approx 300 x 400 cm) & scoop for cleaning the tray
• white food bowl
• white water dish
• cat litter
• small bottle of water
• grooming equipment (including powder & kitchen roll in case your cat soils itself in the box on the way to the show)
• cotton wool
• clean cloth dampened with a diluted disenfectant for cleaning the pen – it is always a good idea to wipe the inside and bars of the pen before putting your cat in. Be sure that the solution you use is cat safe and does not contain any strong smelling chemicals.
• a small supply of your cat’s regular food
• show schedule – it usually has a map or directions to the show
• map / route information

What happens at a cat show?

Your cat will need to travel to the hall in a suitable secure cat carrier with sufficient room to allow the cat to travel in comfort. Aim to arrive around 8.30 am to ensure you have time to settle your cat in before judging starts. The exhibitors’ entrance is usually marked with a sign to indicate 'Vetting In'. Inside the hall the building / hall one of the show workers will be at a table and will give you an envelope showing your pen number and classes entered. This will also serve as your vetting in card and must be signed by the vet before you proceed into the hall. You should retain this envelope to claim Rosettes. The envelope may also contain a catalogue voucher if you paid for one with your entry and an exhibitor’s pass (or you may have to purchase this separately). You will be directed to a vetting in table.

Vetting In: Each exhibit is examined by a vet to ensure that is free from obvious signs of infection and parasites. The vet will open the cat’s mouth to check for signs of infection; check the cat's eyes for signs of soreness or undue discharge; check ears and coat for parasites; check that the cat has not been declawed and in the case of an entire adult male check to see that both testicles are present. This process will take a few minutes after which the vet will sign the vetting in slip and you can proceed into the hall to pen your cat.

Penning your cat: Once inside the hall you need to find your pen. The pen numbering sequence usually starts with Persians (number 1) and the cats are penned in breed order, i.e. Black Persians, White, Persians, Blues etc. - there are usually maps around the hall and numbers on the end of the rows of pens. Try not to take up more than your share of space when penning your cat – remember everyone is as keen to ensure that his/her cat is ready to be judged. Wipe the pen with a cloth dampened with a mild disinfectant solution then place the cat’s white show blanket, litter tray and most importantly water bowl in the pen. It is best to give your cat an opportunity to settle in its pen and use the litter tray if necessary before you give it a final show preparation. If you cat was properly prepared then (barring ‘accidents’ on the way) you should only need to give your cat a light brushing to lift the coat and to gently wipe around the eyes to ensure there is no sign of tears. No matter what anyone else is doing, this is not the time to remove knots of do a full groom. This will only unsettle the cat - if it wasn't ready before you left home you cn not get it 'ready' now.

Clearing the hall: At approx 10:00 am the Show Manager will ask you to leave the hall so judging can begin. This gives the judges the opportunity to judge the open classes while the hall is quiet and not before the public are allowed in. Always check your pen before you leave the hall to make sure it is clean and tidy and that you have not left brushes, combs or other distinguishing features in or near the pen. You can now retire to the bar, cafeteria etc to chat and await the results. It is not wise to leave the hall for the day in case you are needed. You will not be allowed back in the hall until about 12.30 pm. When you return you will be able to put one non dangling toy in the pen and you can feed your cat. It is wise to remain with your cat until it has eaten what it wants of the food and then remove the food bowl.

How can I be involved in the show? If you would like to be more involved why not offer to help at the show. The show entry form usually includes a section to complete if you wish to help at the show. Show Managers are usually more than please to have another pair of willing halds to put up prize cards, sell catalogues and generally help out with all the things that make the show go smoothly. You will gain an insight into the running of the show and have a greater opportunity to 'meet the gang'. If you are interested in stewarding indicate this on the entry form and take a white clinic coat or tabbard in case you are needed. Once you have settled your cat in its pen let the Show Manager know you are there and are available to help. (Would you like more information on stewarding at at a show?)

The show results are posted on the awards boards – these are usually clearly marked and are always evident from the crowd of exhibitors gathered around checking the results. The white results slips are posted in class order with the class number shown on the board and the placings written beside the number of the winning cats, e.g. 1st, 2nd, CC or Ch for challenge Certificate, Pc or Pr for Premier Certificate, Gd or Gr for Grand etc. If your cat has been placed in a class, he/ she will usually receive a rosette which will be placed by show helpers on the pen.
At most shows the open class rosettes, certificates and prize cards are placed on the pens by show workers and the exhibitors collect the miscellaneous or side class rosettes from the rosette table. The show usually closes at around 5.00 pm, but you may not remove your cat from the hall before the close of the show or you will forfeit any prizes won.

Back home: Remember your cat has had a long day and should be given food water, cuddles and rest. (It's tiring being a supermodel!) It is wise not to allow all your cats to mix with the show cat for a few days until any danger of infection has passed

Then it's time to prepare for the next show.