Cat Shows for Beginners

Show Entries

  • Entries open for most shows around 3 months out from show day, usually entries close anywhere from 2-4 weeks out from show day.
  • Clubs release a Show Schedule which details all the rules for the show along with all the important information, entry fees, judges, sponsors, prizes etc.
  • Most clubs accept paper entry forms, these can be emailed and a few clubs have online entries available.
  • For Domestics we can help you determine the colour/group and section to enter in – please send us a photo of your cat and we can advise the details to use on the entry form.
  • We can also help you fill in your entry from.

Preparation

  • Your cat must be:
    • Up to date with flea and worm treatment
    • Up to date with vaccinations
    • In good health – for example nothing to indicate infectious disease such as sneezes or runny eyes, ringworm, diarrhoea
  • All 4 claws must be trimmed
  • These are rules and cats can be ‘vetted’ out or disqualified by the judge if any of the above is noted
  • Grooming – coats must be clean, clean eyes and ears. Wet wipes are great for this task. Give your cat a good groom a few days out from the show, bearing in mind different breeds have different grooming needs. If you're unsure - please ask :-)
  • Some exhibitors bath their cats prior to a show! If you think this is needed we can put you in touch with one of our club members who can give you guidance on the best way to do this. 
  • Bring on the day
  • Your cat in a secure carry cage (this is a show rule)
  • Vaccination certificate
  • Towel or blanket for the show cage plus spare in case bedding is soiled during the day
  • Food (biscuits) and water
  • Small bowls for food and water 
  • A small litter tray to fit into the cage (clubs usually provide litter for you to use)
  • Wipes to clean up accidents, and a bag to contain any soiled bedding should this be necessary.
  • Seasoned exhibitors have matching cage ‘curtains’ and bedding, we may have some of these available on the day to be borrowed.
  • Check the show schedule for the time you need to be there for 'benching', usually between 7am and 8.30am but this does vary between clubs.

What to expect

  • Clubs usually provide show cages, some charge for hire and also exhibitors can bring their own if they have these available. 
  • ‘Benching’ is completed early in the day, this is the stage where cages are set up with bedding and the cats are placed in the cages ready for vetting.
  • Vetting is completed more or less at the same time as benching, there will be one or two vets or vet nurses circulating around the hall. They give every cat a visual check in the cage, and we ask that owners stay closeby until the vet has checked your cat. They may complete a more thorough check if warranted. They can ‘vet out’ cats which are showing signs of illness, at which point the cat must be taken home. Also the Show Manager or Judge can do this throughout the day too.
  • Once vetting is completed, the judges will be introduced and judging will get under way. 
  • Cats stay in the show cages all day and there will be 4 different judges who will assess the cat throughout the day.
  • When a judge is in the ring (ie they are judging the cats), no cats are to be removed from their cages and exhibitors are not to identify their cats to the judge.
  • You are most welcome to sit, watch and listen while your exhibit is being judged, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about our hobby.
  • Please keep your phone on silent while in the show hall. 
  • You're welcome to take photos or video - but please don't use a flash. 
  • When a judge has completed judging a section they will announce their Top 10, and prizes and/or rosettes are awarded for the top 5 cats in each section at our show. 
  • Cats can be removed from their cage for cuddles and grooming in between judges.
  • Around mid-late afternoon once judging is completed final results are tallied and any reminaing prizes distributed, We then move on to Supreme awards and other prizes such as raffles before closing the show. 
  • Once the show has been officially closed you are free pack up and head home – although clubs always appreciate help to pack down the show if that’s possible. 

Further Information

  • New Zealand Cat Fancy Inc Website www.nzcf.com
    • Show Rules are in the Downloads area
    • Show Calendar contains details of all NZCF shows throughout NZ along with Show Schedules and Entry Forms when they become available
  • If you and your cat enjoy exhibiting, you can become members of your local cat club, and the NZCF – that way your cat can earn titles and compete for points towards the NZCF Annual Awards.
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)