Proper Cat Show Etiquette for Visitors and Exhibitors:

Are you planning on attending your first cat show? It is a great opportunity to see beautiful, unique breeds of cats you likely won’t see anywhere else. Exhibitors come to showcase their best and most beloved furry companions. However, just like any other event, there are certain rules of etiquette for both visitors and exhibitors.

For exhibitors, the show rules and codes of ethics of the sponsoring organization set the expectations. You can find the rules on the associations’ websites. If you’re new to showing, let the entry clerk know and they’ll connect you with an experienced exhibitor that will show you proper cat show etiquette and help you have a successful show.

For visitors, it is primarily common sense, courtesy, and respect. The basic expectations are typically explained when you buy your ticket. Read on to discover the proper etiquette expectations for both visitors and exhibitors at cat shows.

Cat Show Etiquette for Visitors

It is important to remember when attending a cat show that the cats rule. You’re in their world now. Keeping these written and unwritten expectations in mind will make your day at the cat show more enjoyable. Look around at the entry area, there is likely to be a poster or a handout covering these basics.

The Number One Rule: Look, Don’t Touch

Do not touch the cats without their handler’s permission. This includes poking your fingers into the cats cages. Not only does this stress out the cats; but diseases can be transferred from one cat to another from our hands.

If the handler says no when you ask to pet their cat, don’t be offended. It takes hours to get some of these cats ready to appear in the show ring. Expect to clean and sanitize your hands if an exhibitor allows you to pet a cat. They usually have hand sanitizer on their tables. Be appreciative of anyone who allows you to touch their cat.

Some shows will have ambassador cats, pet me cats, or exhibition cats that are not showing but are there to meet the public and allow petting.

DO NOT EVER OPEN SOMEONE’S CAGE. It is private property. I had no idea that this isn’t obvious, but I was at a show recently where someone actually opened a cage because it was “too dark to see the cat in the back.” And, inexplicably, she got angry that the exhibitor was upset. Not only are you invading someone’s private space without permission but you could let the cat escape.

Cat Out! Don’t Be a Hero.

Cat out! That’s the call no one wants to hear. Kitty has escaped her handler or a judge. Or like my Treeno, he knows how to open the zippers of his cage and has gone for a walk. If you hear someone call “cat out,” just stand still. Shut the door if you are near an entrance. Don’t chase the cat. You’ll just add to Kitty’s fear and upset. And you’re likely to get scratched or bitten in the process. Raise your hand or call out if the cat is near you so the exhibitor can retrieve their baby. They call “cat caught” when Kitty is safely back in her cage and normal business of the show can resume.

Cats Get the Right of Way

The cats are there to compete. They need to get to their judging classes on time. If someone is carrying a cat it is your job as a guest to get out of their way.  If you are talking to someone showing a cat be understanding if they need to break out  of the conversation to get to a ring. 

Don’t Go Behind the Judging Table

The area behind the judging table is for the judge, the clerk, the steward, and the cats. Exhibitors will place their cats and leave the ring. Usually some chairs are available ringside. Have a seat and listen to the judge. He or she may share educational tidbits about the different breeds and what he or she is looking for in a cat.

Don’t Distract the Cats

Be quiet while you watch the judging. Don’t distract the cats on the table. This is an important moment for them. Don’t wave at them, shake toys, or make noise. Some of these cats are working on winning a major title and need to show at their best. 

No Running or Shouting in the Show Hall

This is pretty self explanatory. Cats are scared by loud noises and sudden movements. Running and jumping, screaming, and shouting are all scary for cats. If you have children with you, please do your best to contain their excitement and keep running and shouting to a minimum.

Related Post: What to Expect When You Visit a Cat Show

Cat Show Etiquette for Exhibitors

As a proud exhibitor of a beautiful feline, you are excited to showcase your cat’s unique characteristics and compete with other feline enthusiasts. However, it is important to remember that along with the thrill of the competition, there comes a responsibility to exhibit appropriate behavior and sportsmanship towards fellow exhibitors. After all, cat shows are not just about winning but also about fostering a community of cat lovers.

Exhibitors demonstrate proper cat show etiquette by respecting the judges and fellow exhibitors, adhering to the rules and regulations established by the show’s organizing committee, keeping their designated area clean, and exhibiting good sportsmanship before, during, and after the show.

Respect the Judges

Be on time to the rings, take Kitty back to your benching space promptly. Keep the show moving so everyone gets to go home on time. Your judges probably need to make a flight.

Don’t be a distraction. Don’t put your cat in or take him out of the ring cage while the judge has another cat on the table. Don’t get in the way.

Leave the area behind the judge table after you place your cat in the cage. That’s not the time to offer treats or groom your cat. You can stay and watch, or go back to your benching area.

If your cat is new to the show cat game or is unpredictable you should be close to assist the judge if he or she needs help handling your kitty. Do whatever the judge wants you to do. Don’t converse. Just follow directions.

Don’t ask the judge about your cat. Some might be willing to talk to you after the show, but placements tell you what they want you to know. Listen to what they say about your cat and the other cats in your class. Remember, the judges aren’t supposed to associate a cat with a handler.

Always thank the judge that uses your baby in the final.

It is your job to clean up if your cat makes a mess in the cage. Borrow the steward’s spray bottle and paper towels. The clerk can tell you what to with your cat while you clean.

Be a Good Exhibitor

Show cats at their best health, grooming, and temperament.

Don’t make a mess. The show tear down people have to clean the hall. Don’t make their job harder. They want to get home too. Clean up after yourself. Don’t leave fur, litter dust, crumbs, kibble, or snack wrappers behind.

If your cat poops, clear it up into a doggie waste back or ziploc bag before you throw it away. No need to stink out your competitors.

The space under your table is where you can store your stuff, not under anyone else’s. Your curtains and cages need to stay on your side of the table so the person benched behind you can use the space they paid for.

Don’t touch other people’s stuff unless they have offered to share a snack or lend you a comb or grooming supplies.

Don’t fill up the aisle with grooming tables, camp chairs, strollers or carts. Keep the space you use to a reasonable amount. People have to be able to use the aisles.

Be a Good Sport

Don’t talk about your cat or your competition in the ring. Don’t chat with the judges.

Be supportive of other exhibitors. Exhibitors should not engage in harassing, bullying or menacing behaviors.

Don’t manipulate the entry counts by entering and absenting cats, entering multiple shows, encouraging others to enter or fail to enter certain shows.

Don’t post your cats’ results on social media during the show. Save it for your hotel room. Don’t tag or mention judges by name. It is acceptable to thank “those judges who used my cat in the finals.”

Don’t get so obsessed with your results that you forget to have fun and make friends.

Be a Good Representative of the Cat Fancy

Remember, as an exhibitor you represent the cat fancy. How do you want the public to remember you and think about breed cats and breeders? Will they want to come back to a show? Get involved in showing cats? Support breeders against restrictive legislation?

Be nice, be friendly, be happy to talk to the public and answer their questions. The visitors attending are your guests. They have paid to visit. Educate them about how shows work. Maybe their cat is the next household pet star. Or maybe they are your next kitten buyer.

If there’s a breed presentation – participate. I love to present my boys to the public in a parade of breed.

Related Post: Is Your Cat a Star? Showing a Household Pet.

Hook the kids. The biggest complaints people have after attending a show is “people are mean, you can’t even pet the cats.” You don’t need to let them pet your cat. But let them interact in another way. Maybe you have a toy they can use to get the cat to play, or a picture card of your cat you can give away. Ask them questions about their kitties at home and tell them how lucky their kitty is have such a good kid for a guardian. Explain nicely that the cats get scared if the kids are being loud. Make their interaction with you and your cats positive.

Summary

Attending a show can be a fun and exciting experience, but it’s important to remember the rules of cat show etiquette for both visitors and exhibitors. By following these guidelines of respect and sportsmanship, we can all contribute to creating a respectful and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone involved.

If you haven’t attended your first cat show yet, The Cat Fanciers’ Association, and The International Cat Association as well as smaller regional associations have online calendars to find the next best chance to show your own cat or visit and learn more about the many pedigreed breeds of cats.