The new cat show season is about to begin. And you have the feeling that this year, you’d like to be on the side of the exhibitors and no longer just a visitor? Here are a few pieces of advice to show your cat in the best way.
Cat shows are fascinating events that bring together all types of people of all backgrounds. Whether from near or far, all exhibitors have one thing in common: a love of cats and breeding them. We buy purebred cats because we are drawn by the sweet little face of a British Shorthair or the elegance of an Oriental Shorthair. The breeder tells us our cat is gorgeous and urges us to show it. Here is some advice for starting out as an exhibitor.
First of all, in order to participate, you must make sure that your cat is registered in a stud book recognized by the country and federation running the show you have chosen. This registration makes it possible to accept any future titles the cat may obtain. Any serious breeder will have given you a cat registered in an official stud book. Your cat must also be tattooed. A tattoo number is required for registration at the show, and you must bring the tattoo certificate with you. Soon, this form of identification will be replaced by an electronic microchip that is much safer and provides more complete information.
Your cat must be vaccinated for typhus, feline respiratory disease complex, and especially feline leukaemia. Rabies vaccinations are no longer required in France, except in contaminated departments. However, if you will be travelling frequently with your cat, it is safer to have your veterinarian give an annual booster, especially since rabies vaccinations are required for travel abroad.
Once you have completed the formalities, you must prepare your future champion for competition. Cat shows are beauty contests in which cats are judged according to a standard, or ideal description of a breed. Your cat may be the most magnificent cat around, but if he is not prepared and in perfect condition, you are out of luck.
Begin by trimming your cat's claws with a nail clipper. This is very easy and prevents the judge from being lacerated by a frightened cat. Actually, it is highly recommended that owners regularly clip the claws of indoor cats. This prevents the claws from growing too long due to insufficient wear and also protects your furniture.Next, if you have shorthaired cats (Burmese, Siamese, British Shorthair, etc.), all is simple: You need only bathe your cat two days before the show with a gentle shampoo, then dry him with a washcloth while smoothing the hair in the direction it grows. If you have gotten your cat used to baths from an early age, you will have no problem. Some cats even feel comfortable in warm water. Otherwise, proceed slowly, dampening the cat with a washcloth until he relaxes. Generally, it works best to wet the cat gradually with warm water and then massage the shampoo through his coat.
If you have a longhaired cat, things are a bit different. You cannot get a Persian or Birman into show condition overnight. Their long hair requires frequent, even daily brushing. Actually, brushing is essential even for cats who are not shown: When knots form in long hair, they tend to reach all the way to the skin, causing great pain to the cat. Regular brushing also helps remove dead hair and prevents the cat from swallowing it. Daily brushing does not necessarily have to be a ritual and can be done during brief moments of affection. Before bathing a longhaired cat, make sure his coat is completely free of tangles, since knots are not easier to undo when wet. Using a special conditioner after shampooing can help coat the hair. Drying the hair after bathing is necessary to prevent frizzing. The day before the show, feel free to treat your cat with an external antiparasitic agent to protect him from fleas and other undesirables.Your cat is now clean and presentable. You should know that there are little grooming tricks for some breeds. The large ears of Siamese and Orientals can be carefully shaved on the inside to make them appear larger. Extra hair on the head of Persians can be removed to make the head appear rounder. Ask your breeder or other exhibitors for advice. Often, all you have to do is ask, and this will help you meet other enthusiasts.
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