Showing Purebred Cats

Cat Shows

Showing your purebred cat can be a rewarding and bonding experience. There is a lot of preparation and practice that goes into getting your feline ready for a show, but if you work hard the end results are more than worth it. There are various rules and different organizations who manage the shows in various locations. For instance, in the UK the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy manages and runs the shows, while the Cat Fancier's Association deals with the shows in the US.

Getting Ready For a Show
Showing a cat is not something that you can plan to do at the last minute. It can take months to get a cat in condition for showing. Medical records and physical results must be gathered. Your feline must get used to being handled by yourself and strangers, and it must also get used to being in a cage.

Perform exercises of things that will be done during the show to calm your cat and get him used to these activities. For instance, try placing your cat in a carrier and riding in the car. This is not something that your feline normally does unless going to the vet, and you do not want them to associate being in the car or cage as a bad thing.

Know the Rules
It is important even for those who aren't first time showers to know the rules of each show. Various shows and countries will have different rules, and if you do not follow them then you risk being disqualified. In the UK, all materials such as water bowls and litter boxes must be white, and your cage can't be decorated. Review the rules several times at least a few weeks before the show so that you can ensure that you are in full compliance.

Before the Show
Start by properly grooming your cat a few days before the show. Make sure to maintain their regular dental and other routines. Spray them for fleas even if you think that your cat is free of them. Fleas and scratches can disqualify you from a show, so it is best to save yourself the trouble and make sure to take precautions before the event. Clean your cat's fur, make sure it is well groomed and brushed, and that its nails are properly cared for.

Showing a cat can be a lot of hard work, but the bonding that you can do with your feline and the sense of accomplishment that can be gained is well worth the effort. Follow the guidelines above to properly prepare your pet and you will have a fun and rewarding time.

Don't forget to check your pet insurance policy to ensure that it covers your cat for any mishaps which may occur whilst at a cat show. Some pet insurers will not cover show cats as they refer to them as "working animals". Call 0844 55 70 300 to find out how Animal Friends Pet Insurance UK can help cover your cat against the cost of veterinary care in the event of an accident.