What’s a Cat Show?
The International Cat Association is home to a steadily growing membership of people in the cat fancy world who share their love of cats and competitive cat shows. But cat shows aren’t just for diehard cat fans who have been grooming their feline friends for elite competitions since day one. In fact, most people don’t realize how simple it is to get involved in the show world.
TICA recognizes more cat breeds than any other cat fancy association, and we have competitions specifically for non-pedigree household cats, where they can compete for the same prizes as their pedigreed counterparts.
Read below to learn more about what cat shows are, how they work, and how your cat can participate. You can also come visit a cat show without entering a cat. It’s a fantastic chance to observe the fun and learn more about the feline fancy world. Check out our upcoming events. >>
Cat Shows 101
What are cat shows? Cat shows are exhibitions where cats are judged by breed standards, condition, and beauty. As you might know if you’re a cat owner or have been in the past, cats have a lot more personality, grace, and agility than they’re given credit for in the media. Cat shows are every bit as interesting and exciting as dog shows are – and they’re a great way to connect with other owners, learn more about our feline companions, and take home a prize or two.
When you arrive at a show, you’ll find yourself in the midst of several exciting competitions. A cat show is actually composed of several separate smaller shows that run concurrently in various judging rings throughout a show hall. Judges preside over each ring, and every cat entered in the show is evaluated by each and every judge. These judges evaluate cats and give awards based on which cat best represents the written standard by which they are being assessed.
Judges are assisted by Ring Clerks, who are responsible for calling cats to the ring, recording the awards, and supervising ring stewards who clean the exhibition cages after each cat is called.
New to the show world? We love to welcome people to the community through our Junior Exhibitors Program and our Mentorship Program, where newcomers are paired with experienced TICA members/breeders to get the lay of the land.
Pedigreed Cats
For pedigreed cats, the judging standards outline ideals for each breed, and they’re approved by the TICA Board in advance, based on submission from Breed Committees. Breed standards are specific and precise enough to allow judges to evaluate cats objectively and accurately, but still flexible enough to allow for differences in interpretation between judges of keen eye and good intention.
Household Pets (HHP)
For household pets (HHPs), the standards are based primarily on condition, beauty, and show presence. We know that Mother Nature makes cats of all shapes, and sizes with great attitudes and charming talents — household pets in our HHP categories compete for standardized awards just like our Pedigreed Cats. We want to see your feline friend at one of our shows.
Categories and Classifications
In our Championship (pedigree) category, cats are classified as kittens, adults, or alters (neutered male or spayed female). The Championship classification is reserved for a male, female, neutered or spayed cat that is registered as a recognized breed and color in TICA.
In our Household Pets (HHP) category and our NBC (New Breed and/or Color) category, cats are classified as either kittens or adults based on their age. Kittens are 4 to 8 calendar months of age, whereas adults must be at least 8 calendar months of age on the opening day of the show. HHP cats and kittens are mixed breed/random-bred cats, half-pedigree “oops” cats, and pedigree cats that are not registered or do not meet the breed standards.
A Note About Exhibition Cages
Many clubs have begun encouraging exhibitors to bring their own show cages. Several companies offer “ShowShelters,” temporary cages that can be used at cat shows. Alternatively, if you’re not comfortable with the wire cages that many clubs provide, you can also bring a “security cage,” which is a sturdy nylon-type fabric cage with mesh or plastic doors that have zipper openings. Security cages are available in a wide variety of colors and fold down easily to fit into a nylon carrying case, making them a convenient and accessible option to show your cat. Make sure that you have curtains in your cage – they can be simple or elaborate, but it’s important to design them to loosely fit around the back, sides, and top of the cage in order to give your cat some privacy.
If you do not have your own to bring, management officials at our shows will provide a single benching cage for each cat entered so they have a personal place to rest and wait until they are called into the ring for judging. Double cages and grooming spaces may be available at an additional cost. Cage sizes can vary based on the show, so make sure you check the show flier.
How To Enter A Show
Interested in stepping into the cat fancy world? Visit the Show Calendar page to find a show in your area. All relevant entry information and additional details will be listed on the event link, including our Show Rules.
Things To Bring To The Show
- Cage curtains and clips for hanging them.
- Kitty Litter. Litter is often provided by the Show Committee, however, a litter pan, water and food dishes will be useful, and your cat might also appreciate its preferred litter.
- Something soft for the bottom of the cage.
- Nail clippers and any other grooming equipment that is necessary for your cat.
- Confirmation slip received from the Entry Clerk.
- Vaccination records for each entry.
- Pedigree and Registration papers if applicable.
Curious about cat shows? Have more questions? Feel free to contact us.
Show Rules:
TICA expects that all of our exhibitors will follow our registration rules and bylaws, and maintain a commitment to communal safety and well-intentioned show spirit. Our show rules are below.
- All claws of each entry shall be clipped prior to benching. Failure to do so may subject entry to disqualification.
- Exhibitors shall not sit in the judging ring holding cats prior to or during judging except with the explicit permission of the judge.
- An exhibitor shall not, in any way, make known to an officiating judge which entry(ies) belong to them.
- An exhibitor shall not, in any way, make it known to an officiating judge where their entry(ies) have placed in any other ring.
- An exhibitor shall not request that their entry(ies) be judged separately from the regular class(es) for the entry(ies).
- An exhibitor shall not take any action which might cause physical harm to a cat or a person, during the show.
- An exhibitor shall not groom an entry while it is in the judging ring.
- If a cat requires special caging in a judging ring, the exhibitor shall relay this information to the ring clerk before the cat’s number is posted and in time for special arrangements to be made without inconveniencing any other cats and/or exhibitors.
