If your Cat is registered with the GCCF, and is fully vaccinated against FIE, FVR and FCV you may show him/her. It would be very helpful to know the GCCF Standard of Points and "withholding faults" for your breed. These are a list of what your Cat is expected to look like and what appearance defects are considered faults by Show Judges. They are available from the GCCF. A Cat with a good temperament will cope far better at a Show than one who is nervous and doesn't like being handled. If you have a very nervous cat, I would point out that it is unfair to a cat of that temperament to be taken to a show where he/she is handled by different judges/stewards throughout the day and may cause undue stress to your cat. If you are unsure how your cat will react, then why not try a cat show but only enter your cat in a few classes to see how he/she will handle it. Of course, if you have brought your Cat from a reputable breeder who has socialised the kittens properly, you should have no problems at all when showing your cat. Getting a kitten from a reputable breeder and being socalised won't guarantee a happy show cat, some cats love it, some tolerate it and some just hate it. You just dont know untill you try and even then some cats that love it may have a bad experience for some reason or another and hate it after that.

If you have a short haired cat, fortunately, there is not a lot of grooming involved. Whether or not your bath your Cat a day or two before the show is entirely up to you. Some exhibitors will swear by it, yet others never bath their Cat. I have to say that I have never bathed my girl before a show and comments from judges on her appearance have always included "well presented". The day before the show, I would advise that you:

Comb your Cat coat (Dont use a brush as it pulls the coat out)
Clean the ears and ensure they are free of wax.
Clean the eyes to ensure there is no "sleep" or "gunk" in the corner of them.
Trim your cat's claws.
Check your cat's coat is free of any flea infestations, scratches etc.
A bran bath a few days before the show, followed by a brushing with a chamious leather, will bring the shine up and clean the coat, then you can brush out any excess fur with damp hands. Ensure that there are no traces of bran left in the coat.

On the day of the Show, it is advisable to check you cat's appearance again before putting him/her in the crate to travel to the show.

For long haired cats, please get in touch with breeders who I am sure will be happy to provide you with advice on how to groom your cat.

Below is a list of Show Equipment and necessities for your day out. Even though it may seem like a lot, and some items may seem unnecessary, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Show Equipment (These items are required)
White Litter Tray
White Food Bowl
White Water Bowl
White Blanket or Vet Bed
Cat Food
Water
Small Toy
Cat Litter
Litter Scoop
Current Vaccination Certificate

"Extras" that I always carry with me to shows and would recommend
Plastic bag for rubbish or litter messes
Disinfectant Wipes (to wipe out the show pen before placing your cat in it)
String (in case your pen door is not secure)
Ear/Eye wipes (you may need them at the last minute)
Grooming brush or comb
Photo copy of your entry form
Notepad
Pen (for marking off results in your Show Catalogue)
Chair or stool (to sit on as it's such a long day)
Animal First Aid Kit
Flask of Coffee or Tea
Extra show blanket (in case of accidents
Camera (if the Show Manager will permit you to take photos)
Money/Credit Card (to buy unwanted but sought after items from trade stands and to purchase a catalogue or entry ticket if you haven't already done so.
Street map to ensure you don't get lost (as I usually do)

Most importantly, before you walk out the door, don't forget your cat!
I would advise packing your show kit/bag at least 4 days before the show.

All cat shows are governed by the GCCF Rules. These rules can be obtained from the GCCF and I would advise that you purchase a copy (the fee is minimal) as there are certain things that exhibitors must adhere to and there would be nothing worse than arriving at a cat show and finding out that your cat is disqualified because you haven't complied with the rules and regulations.

Most Cat Shows charge approximately the same amountfor entry fees and below is a rough guide to the prices for entry, catalogues, etc. If you are a member of the Club that is organising the Show, then you will receive a small discount on entry fees.

Show Entry (Open + 3 misc./club classes	£22-28.00
Extra classes	£ 3.50
Entry Tickets (some shows give 1 free ticket for exhibitors)	£ 2.00
Show Catalogue	£4-7.50
These fees are only a guide and may vary between £1 and £3

The Shows are held from 8am - 5pm. You must be at the Show between 7.30am and 9.30am for the Vettting In. You are also not allowed to leave the Show prior to 5pm. Please note that if you're going to the showThe Shows are held from 8am - 5pm. You must be at the Show between 7.30am and 9.30am for the Vettting In. You are also not allowed to leave the Show prior to 5pm. Please note that if you're going to the show as a visitor and not an exhibitor, then you aren't allowed entry into the hall until 12.30pm. as a visitor and not an exhibitor, then you aren't allowed entry into the hall until 12.30pm.

Cat Shows are held throughout the country in the UK and you are usually guaranteed to find at least one show somewhere every weekend so the only problem is deciding which shows to enter your Cat in.

For a comprehensive list of all GCCF cat shows held around the UK please click here.

Once you have had a look at a list of Show Dates, you can decide which shows you want to attend. Approximately 2-3 months before the Show is held, the Show Organisers will publish the show schedule and the entry form. You then send an SAE to the Show Manager and request a schedule which they will send back to you. You will receive an entry form with the schedule and you can then look through the schedule and see what classes there are and which ones your cat is eligible to enter. Once you have decided upon the classes, you fill out the entry form and return the form and your show fees (usually by cheque or postal order) as well as an SAE and send it to the Show Manager. You will note there is a closing date for all entries so you must ensure that you send the form in before the closing date. The reason you send an SAE with the form is so that the Show Manager can write on the back that your entry has been accepted and send it back to you. If you receive your first show entry form and find it confusing, then by all means give me a call or send an email and I'll happily help you with it. I also photocopy all my entry forms and take a copy along with me to the Show.

Cat Shows are separated by three different categories and they are:
Exemption Shows, Sanction Shows and Championship Shows.

Championship Shows usually have the biggest entries and are the largest shows. The reason for this is that it is only at Championship Shows that your cat can be awarded a certificate which will count towards your cat getting the title of Champion, Premier etc.

Sanction Shows are incredibly similar to a Championship Show. The layout, format, rules etc. are the same as that of a Championship Show, however, not Challenge or Premier certificates are awarded at a Championship Show which means that any wins you may have will not count towards gaining a title for your cat.

Exemption Shows generally are not very big shows and more often than not, are held in conjunction with local council events or agricultural shows ect. Unlike a Championship Show where all the regulations are strictly adhered to, there may be a lapse of rules at an Exemption Show.

 

GCCF Shows have five classes and they are:
Open Classes, Miscellaneous Classes, Club Classes, Assessment Classes and Exhibition Classes.

Open classes are the most important classes and you must enter your cat in it's Open Class. If your cat wins it's open class, you may be awarded a Challenge Certificate by the Judge if he/she feels your cat has reached the standard for that particular breed. There are separate classes for Adults, Neuters and Kittens and the adult classes are separated into male and female. Kitten and Neuter Classes may also be separated by male and female but this will depend on the amount of entries in that particular show.

Miscellaneous and Club classes are also known as "Side Classes" and there are a lot of different categories which will be explained shortly. By entering your cat in the side classes you will be able to see what different judges think of your cat and remember that not all judges will have the same opinion. If you win your side class, it doesn't count towards gaining a title, however you still receive a rosette.

Assessment classes are only for breeds which are new to the Cat Fancy and who have been awarded "preliminary" recognition by the GCCF. Cats in assessment classes are judged the same as the Open class but they have a list of the standard of points, as set out for the new breed by the GCCF and this list is placed above their pens. This way, the judges can see what the GCCF has set out as a preliminary standard for the new breed and have something to judge them by. Cats that win are awarded a Merit Certificate.

Exhibition pens are usually found at most shows and they stand out as they are the pens that have been decorated beautifully. They are for cats who are not competing in the Show. Quite often, the type of cats that compete in Exhibition are cats who have won their titles and are a great example of the breed. Their owners don't tend to show them in competition any more but do show them in Exhibition Pens because of their previous great show career, they always interest other cat fanciers. You may also find that cats of new colours, or cats which have been imported and are waiting for recognition from the GCCF will also show in Exhibition Classes.

Cats
Exhibits not less than 9 months old on the day of the show.
Neuters
Exhibitors which have been neutered and are over 9 months old on the day of the show.
Kittens
Exhibitors which are over 14 weeks of age and under 9 months on the day of the show.
Adolescents
Exhibitors which are between 9 - 15 months old on the day of the show.
Junior
Exhibitors which are over 9 months but under 2 years of age on the day of the show.
Senior
Exhibitors which are over 2 years old on the day of the show.
Debutante
Exhibitors that have never been shown at a GCCF Show before.
Radius (or Local)
Exhibitors which live within a certain distance of the area where the Show is being held.
Visitors
Exhibitors which live outside of the area where the Show is being held.
Breeders
Exhibitors which are shown by their own breeders.
Novice
Exhibitors that have not won a first prize in any class at any show held under GCCF rules.
Maiden
Exhibitors that have not won a first, second or third prize in any class at any show held under GCCF rules.
Limit
Exhibitors that have not won more than four 1st prizes at any class at a show held under GCCF rules.

I have listed the titles below and what the requirements are for your cat to gain that particular title.

Challenge Certificate
This may be awarded by the Judge when your cat wins it's Open Class. If the Judge does not think your cat is up to standard though, he/she may withhold the Challenge Certificate.

Champion
If you cat has won 3 Challenge Certificates under 3 different judges, it is then awarded the title of Champion.

Premier (Neutered cats only)
A neutered cat who has won 3 Challenge Certificates under 3 different judges is then awarded the title of Premier.

Grand Certificates
These are awarded to cats who win their Grand Champion class. (Your cat must be a Champion to enter the Grand Champion class). If the Judge does not think your cat is up to standard though, he/she may withhold the Grand Champion Certificate.

Premier Certificates
These are awarded to neuters who win their Grand Premier class. (Your cat must be a Premier to enter the Grand Premier class). If the Judge does not think your cat is up to standard though, he/she may withhold the Premier Champion Certificate.

Grand Champion
If you cat has won 3 Grand Champion Certificates under 3 different judges, it is then awarded the title of Grand Champion.

Grand Premier Champion
If you cat has won 3 Grand Premier Certificates under 3 different judges, it is then awarded the title of Grand Premier.

UK Grand Champion
A cat must have won it's Grand class at the Supreme Cat Show for two years to be entitled to hold the title of UK Grand Champion.

UK Grand Premier
A neuter must have won it's Grand class at the Supreme Cat Show for two years to be entitled to hold the title of UK Grand Premier.

Please note that wins as kittens do not count towards any titles. Only wins by adult cats count towards gaining titles.

You have to be at shows between 8am and 9.30am. When you first arrive at the venue where the show is held, you will go to where the "Vetting In" takes place. The Vetting In is where the vet will inspect your cat to make sure they aren't ill, don't have fleas, etc. They will also check your vaccination card to make sure it is up to date and provided there are no problems, they will sign your entry card and will hand you an envelope with your details and pen number on it. Most venues where the Shows are held will have notices stating which part of the centre the Show is and where the Vetting In is taking place. If you can't see any notices, just look around for the people with hunched shoulders, weighed down with equipment and cat crates. I'm sure you will spot them easily.

You can then enter the hall and locate your pen. When you reach your pen, I would advise cleaning it with a disinfectant wipe (don't use sprays as quite often they are not permitted by the Show Manager). You can then put your cat's blanket, food bowl, litter bowl, and a small toy in then pen. Once you have done this, you can put your cat in the pen to let him/her settle down. This is the time for any last minute appearance checks and or any final grooming. Once it reaches 10am, you must remove the toy and the food from your pen as this is when the judging will start. From 10am until 12 noon or 12.30pm you will be asked to leave the hall and no exhibitors are permitted in the hall whilst the Open Judging is going on. As most shows are held in Leisure Centres etc, you can either look around the Centre and have some coffee or breakfast, or you can go into the nearest town and look around there. It is entirely up to you what you do with yourself for the 2 hours that you aren't allowed in the hall.

At 12 noon, you can go back to the show hall. By this time, the Open judging would have been finished but the Miscellaneous judging may still be going on. You can go back to your cat's pen now and see how he/she is getting on and give him/her their food and their toy if you wish. Once you have made sure your cat is okay, you can go and have a look at the results for all the classes that have been judged. If you can't see where the results are, ask another exhibitor or someone who is organising the Show. Sometimes the results are put up in the same hall as the show, other times they are in a different room. The results are written on slips of paper and are placed on boards. Usually with the Class Number at the top, and under that is a list of the entrants (by pen number, not name) and beside that is the place they came. What you do is find the slip of paper that has your class number on it, then read the list of pen numbers and you will see your cats pen number and you will see a number beside it telling you what place it came. If it's a big show you will find that you will have to keep going to and from the area where the results are put up as the judging will be going on all afternoon.

Once you have written the results down in your catalogue, you can go back to your cat and either spend time with him/her or you can go around and look at other exhibits, or visit the trade stands situated throughout the hall and see what is for sale. This is when you can also speak to owners or other exhibitors and chat with other "cat people".

If you cat has won 1st, 2nd or 3rd in any of his/her classes, someone will put a card on top of your pen which states the Show, pen number, and your place in the class. When you get these cards, you can take them to a table which will be set up in the hall with rosettes on it, give these cards to the people behind the table and they will give you your rosettes. You may take the rosettes back to your cat's pen and pin them on the pen if you like.

Towards the end of the afternoon, there will be a presentation for Open Class winners, etc. etc. and at 5pm you are may pack up your equipment and take your cat home after what has been a thoroughly enjoyable day.

If you are a novice to cat showing, then it can be a very daunting affair. Firstly, let me say that don't let being new put you off. Secondly, I am always available to give advice to any owners interested in showing their cats for the first time and if you ever have any questions or want advice regarding showing your cat, then please contact me.

There are also plenty of other people around willing to offer support and help including, Show Managers, Secretaries of cat clubs, the breeder you brought your Cat from (hopefully), other Cat breeders, so don't ever feel that you are alone in starting out your new venture. Remember that all of us once showed our cats for the first time and were in the same position as you.

The most important thing to remember about your show day is that regardless of whether you win or lose, you are taking the best cat/s in the world home with you at the end of the day. Showing is supposed to be fun however it is not the be all and end all and if you don't win, so what? You know that your baby is still the most beautiful feline there is and when you get him/her home, remember it's been a tough day for him/her as well so give your baby an extra treat and lots of hugs.