Showing
Your Siamese/Oriental Cat |
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If you are considering showing your
cat for the first time then it can seem very complicated and
rather daunting. I have never seen a Show Guide for beginners
that covers everything or is easy to understand so I have
created one of my own. I hope that all new show people find
this guide useful. The following information is for any shows
which are held under GCCF Rules and Regulations only.
NOTE: Please ensure that your kitten's Transfer of Ownership
papers have been filled in correctly and received by the GCCF.
Many exhibitors have entered their first show and been disqualified
due to their new kitten's ownership not having been transferred
properly.
Why Should I Show My Siamese/Oriental?
If you have a Siamese/Oriental of good "type" that
conforms with the GCCF standard of points for your breed then
entering him/her in a Cat Show could be the beginning of a
very enjoyable hobby. Cat Shows are a fun day out and a great
way to make new friends and chat with other like-minded people.
We can't all have Grand Champions or win at the Supreme, but
we can have cats that gain titles, or places in their classes
and we can get involved in and enjoy the atmosphere of the
world of Cat Showing.
Can I Show My Siamese/Oriental?
If your Siamese/Oriental 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 have a look at the GCCF
Standard of Points and "withholding faults" for
your breed which is a list of what your Siamese/Oriental is
expected to look like and what appearance defects are considered
faults by Show Judges. A Siamese 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 Siamese 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.
What is the difference between Adult/Neuter/Kitten classes?
Kitten - The Kitten must be between 14 weeks
and 9 mths of age. He/She may be neuter or entire. Please
note that this may vary so ensure you read the show rules
in EACH schedule you receive.
Adult - The cat must be 9 mths of age and over and must be
entire.
Neuter - The cat must be 9 mths of age and over and must be
neutered/spayed. (Neuter cats are not judged against Entire
Cats)
How Do I Prepare My Siamese/Oriental?
Fortunately, the Siamese/Oriental is a short haired cat so
there is not a lot of grooming involved. Whether or not your
bath your Siamese/Oriental a day or two before the show is
entirely up to you. Some exhibitors will swear by it, yet
others never bath their Siamese/Oriental. 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 Siamese/Oriental 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 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. To
give a bran bath you simply place 100g of bran (type used
for feeding horses) on a tray in an oven. When the bran is
warm, rub it into the coat, going against the hair growth.
After leaving the bran in for a while, brush it out, ensuring
your remove all traces of the bran. It is advisable to give
the bran bath apprxoimately 4-5 days before the show.
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.
What Do I Need To Take?
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.
Are There Any Rules?
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.
What Does It Cost To Show?
Most Cat Shows
charge approximately the same amount for 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 |
|
What Times Are The Shows?
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 show as a visitor and not an exhibitor,
then you aren't allowed entry into the hall until 12.30pm.
Where Are The Shows Held?
For a list of most Siamese/Oriental
shows and some Area Club shows, please click
here.
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 Siamese in. It may also be worthwhile checking
with the GCCF
as they have a comprehensive list of all cat shows.
How Do I Enter A Cat Show?
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.
Are There Different Types Of Shows?
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.
What Are The Types Of Classes?
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.
What
Do The Class Categories Mean?
Below is a list of the categories and the meanings. This will
help you to decide which classes your cat can be entered in.
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. Please note that this may vary
so ensure you read the show rules in EACH schedule you receive.
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
Exhibits 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.
What Are Titles?
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.
What Happens When I Get There?
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 the top winners and Best In Show, etc. and at 5pm you
are may pack up your equipment and take your cat home after
what has been a thoroughly enjoyable day.
Where Can I Get Help From?
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 Siamese from (hopefully),
other Siamese/Oriental 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.
