Raising a Show Cat: Kitten to Champion

Bringing a kitten into your life can be a delightful experience, especially if you aspire to enter the world of cat shows. Preparing your kitten for the competitive environment of show cat competitions requires time, patience, and a proper upbringing. There are no guarantees of course, but if you follow these tips for raising a show cat, your new kitty could be a grand champion one day.

Choosing the Right Breed

When it comes to raising a show cat, choosing the right breed is crucial. Different breeds have different characteristics and standards that judges look for in competitions. Research different breeds and their specific traits to find one that aligns with your lifestyle, show goals, and preferences. Consider factors such as coat type, body structure, and temperament.

It’s important to choose a breed that you are passionate about and that you believe has the potential to do well in the show ring. We all have something we love that attracts us to a specific breed or breeds. For me, it’s big and furry. My daughter likes the athletic, agile breeds.

Finding a Reputable Breeder

Selecting a reputable breeder is crucial to acquiring a healthy and genetically sound kitten that will meet the standard for your breed. A quality breeder will take the important process of socializing their kittens during their early weeks seriously. Finding a reputable breeder is essential when it comes to raising a show cat.

A reputable breeder has a deep understanding of the breed standards and prioritizes the health and well-being of their cats. They will provide you with the necessary documentation and information about the cat’s lineage and health certifications. Not every preservation breeder has a long show career of their own; but if you plan to raise a show cat it is helpful to see that your cat’s parents, grandparents, etc. had successful show careers.

Your breeder should be registered with reputable cat associations and who have a good reputation within the cat breeding community. By finding a reputable breeder, you can ensure that you are starting your journey to raising a show cat on the right foot.

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Early Socialization

Start socializing your kitten from an early age to ensure they develop into confident and well-adjusted show cats. Introduce them to various people, experiences, and environments. Encourage positive interactions, playtime, and exposure to gentle handling. The process of early socialization is something you’ll have to leave to your breeder for the most part because the best time is weeks 2-7 in the kitten’s young life. But you will take up the process when you bring him home.

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Laura Thomas, a Persian breeder, lays out the following for early training of a baby show cat:

• At five weeks of age, begin to show the kitten how to play with toys in unfamiliar areas such as on your desk, in your lap, on the grooming table.
• Teach the kitten how to jump up for the toy, trusting you.
• Begin bathing your kitten. Bathe every 3 weeks, then 2 weeks as you get closer to showing and then weekly when your get to one month before the kitten goes to his first cat show.
• Share loud noises near your kitten.
• Introduce the kitten to new people and friends.
• Have the kitten learn to be carried on your hand and forearm.
• Have the kitten learn how to use and enjoy a sisal rope pole. https://www.purrinlot.com/kitten-training-show.htm

Training and socializing your kitten from a young age to sights, sounds, experiences, and people will result in a confident cat that is not phased by new experiences. A comprehensive socialization, exposure and habituation plan can be found at the Cats Protection’s website. Click to download it here.

Show Preparation

Now its your turn. You have homework while you wait for your kitten to come home. As your kitten grows and learns how to be a good show cat from her breeder, you have time to study the specific requirements and standards of the show association you plan to enter. This includes understanding the breed’s standards, coat care, and any breed-specific handling techniques.

Go to cat shows in your area and watch how the judges handle your breed. You’ll see the Persians be fluffed so the judge can check out their body structure under all that coat. The judge will measure the “break” of their muzzle. The athletic breeds will be stretched out. A Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat will have their muzzles measured. Is the Maine Coon square and the Norwegian Forest a nice triangle? You want your kitty to be used to the handling techniques he will experience in the ring.

Related Post: How Cat Shows Work

Training and Conditioning

To prepare your kitten for the show ring, start training and conditioning them early:

Practice grooming sessions with your kitten when you get him home, introducing them to brushing, nail trims, bathing, and blow-drying. Ask your breeder for product recommendations.

Practice with a ring setup, or as close as you can get to a real ring set up. Practice taking him out butt first. Most cats don’t like that but that is how the judges will do it.

Practice handling techniques with your kitten. Regularly practice ring procedures, including examination and posing, to acclimate your kitten to show expectations. Make it a fun game with your show style toys and copious amounts of Kitty’s favorite treats. Do it often, but not for long periods of time.

It’s also important to expose them to the sights and sounds of a show environment, such as loud noises and crowds, so they are prepared for the competition setting. Take Kitty out to pet friendly stores where he will meet strangers, hear loudspeakers, and be in a big open space. The other method for exposing him to show hall noise is to take video at how and play it for him while you practice.

They also need to accept being around many other cats. If you have friends with cats that would tolerate a visit, that’s great. Otherwise, try collecting rags or socks that have the smells of other cats on it. Let Kitty experience other scents.

Before Kitty ever gets to the show hall, she’ll need to learn to travel. Teach her to love her carrier. Practice a few road trips. She’ll have to get used to staying in hotels.

Companion Cats

But what if I want to rescue a cat instead of buy a breed cat, you ask? Go for it. Household Pets are welcome at most shows. All of the training and socialization tips still apply. Expect things to be more of a challenge if you are adopting an adult cat. Look for a social and outgoing kitty that likes other cats for best luck. I’ve started a 4 year old and a 13 year old in the show game so don’t give up on your cat without trying.

Related Post: Household Pet Cat Show

Mentoring and Professional Guidance

Seek the guidance of experienced show cat breeders or handlers who can mentor you through the process of raising a show cat. An experienced handler can offer valuable insights, training tips, and support as you navigate the world of show cats. Attend the shows in your area, connect with exhibitors, and observe how professionals handle and present their cats. Both the major cat fanciers organizations have mentorship programs that can help get you going with your new baby.

Summary

Raising your kitten to be a show cat requires dedication, patience, and a well-rounded approach. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can lay a solid foundation for your kitten’s success in the show ring. Remember to prioritize their health, socialization, and training throughout their growth process. With time and effort, your kitten may blossom into a beautiful, confident show cat, ready to compete and shine in the rings.