What to Expect When You Visit a Cat Show

Last Updated on May 10, 2021 by Holly Anne Dustin

What Happens at a Cat Show?

Cats of all shapes and sizes and colors will compete and earn awards and rosettes and points toward titles.  There will be 4-6 rings set up. A judge will handle all the cats throughout the day.  Rings can either be all-breed, where short- and long-haired breeds compete together for the points and finals. Specialty rings are specific for short-haired or long-haired breeds.

Each cat is assigned a benching cage where they hang out between rings.  Exhibitors like to fancy up their cages. Sometimes the show will sponsor a cage decorating contest. It is fun to walk through the hall and see all the cats and their setups.

If you’re interested in a particular breed, ask at the door when you come in. The clerk might be able to direct you. People usually want to bench with their friends though so there isn’t necessarily a “Maine Coon aisle.” Other exhibitors might also be able to help you find the breeds you want to see. Your best bet is to sit at a judging ring for Champions or Premiers when the judge is evaluating the breeds you want to see. You’ll hear a call for long-hair champions or short-hair premiers for example and then just watch. Once you know the numbers of the cats you’re interested in you can probably figure out who the handlers are and watch to see where they are benched.

For a FAQ about how cat shows work, check out this post here.

What Will I See?

Cats of course! Lots and lots of cats.  Cats like you’ve never seen before unless you regularly visit a cat show.  Purebred cats, longhaired and shorthaired. Persians, Sphynx, Siamese, Maine Coons, Singapura, Bengals and my personal favorite, Norwegian Forest Cats.  Depending on which association’s show you attend you might even see a Lykoi or werewolf cat. You’ll see new breeds under development like the Tennessee Rex.  And you’ll see random-bred or mixed breed cats. Yes! Even your household pet can enter a show.

Can I Pet The Cats?

Generally no.  Definitely not without permission.  It takes a lot to get one of these beautiful creatures ready for their moment in the ring.

The cats get a lot of handling by the judges and can get overstimulated.  Exhibitors need their cats to perform well for the judges, so admire from afar and let them get their rest between rings. Most people will let you take pictures though.

Notice how the judges sanitize their hands and equipment between judging each cat? That prevents the spread of diseases that could be spread by handling cats without washing between.  Something like ringworm or a respiratory infection could really derail a cat’s show season. Use hand sanitizer between petting the cats if you are allowed to touch. Exhibitors will usually have some on hand.

The exhibitors aren’t being mean; they just want to protect their cats. But sometimes they will let you pet the cats; especially if it isn’t a grooming intensive breed.  Don’t ask to pet a Persian!

Most cat shows have designated Ambassador Cats or Pet Me Cats. Those cats are usually very sociable cats that are willing to hang out with you. Look for the yellow pennants if you are at a CFA show, those are the Pet Me Cats. Typically, they are cats that aren’t actively competing in that show.

What is Everyone Doing?

You’ll see a lot of people too.  Busy, maybe even frantic people. Vendors selling merchandise.  Exhibitors trying to hear the PA call their numbers, to get their cats groomed and ready for the rings and to record the ring results.

People bringing their cats up to the rings and back. If someone is moving about carrying a cat get out of their way. People with cats get the right of way in the aisle.  The cats getting to their classes are why they are there after all.

Why Won’t They Talk to Me?

Most people will.  But if they are prepping a cat for the ring it isn’t a good time to ask a lot of questions or try to talk to a breeder.  Go watch their class, or visit some of the vendors, and come back later.

Watch a couple classes with different judges. You’ll see that some judges will tell you a lot more about the cats and what they look for in each breed as they judge. Some are open to questions.  Remember though, most of them have a plane to catch to judge another show the next day and there’s a closing time on the show. They can’t spend all day with the same class.  I’ve been that last class of the day, 2 hours beyond closing time, and it is not fun to look forward to a long drive home afterwards.

Again, look for those with the Ambassador badge. They are there for you.

How Can I Learn More About the Cats?

See if the show has a Parade of Breeds or Breed Presentation.  A judge will show each an example of the breeds and handle the cat and explain the breed standards, colors, and patterns,  for the cats.  It is a good way to understand what the judges will be looking for when they look at each breed in the rings.

CFA publishes a breed brochure for each breed. Look for printed materials in the entry area that will tell you more about the different cats you will see and what happens at a cat show, as well as cat welfare and health issues. There’s usually activity sheets and coloring books for kids to learn about the cats too.

What Do All Those Ribbons Mean?

You’ve asked the most complicated question of the day.  Again look at the entry area, or by the judges’ tables. There is usually a poster or board with an explanation on it.  Don’t go in the ring though. The spectators are only allowed to go as far as the front row of the seating area!

For my explanation of the different ribbons, called flats, the judges hang when scoring a class, click here.

Why Isn’t There a Best Cat?

There is.  One for each class in each ring.  Think of each ring as its own little cat show.  Each class shows before each judge and they pick a top ten final, and then rank those 10 and the 1st place is the Best Cat in that class in that ring.  It means a lot to win those awards!

The cats are also earning points for their titles.  There are different requirements in different associations, but generally the cats earn points for each final they make depending on where they place in the top 10. They will earn titles such as Grand Champion or Supreme Grand Master when they reach certain point levels .

They also earn points toward the yearly breed, regional, and national titles based on how they scored compared to other cats in their breed or area.

Do the Cats Like to Show?

Most do.  You’ll see some unsure ones in kitten class, and some shy ones. Some cats get a little cranky about coming in and out of the judging cages.

Some shows and venues are more overwhelming for the cats than others. That’s another reason exhibitors cater to their cats and their needs between rings.

In the Household Pet class, you will probably see more cats that don’t understand why they are there; especially if it is their first show. Most of the pedigreed cats will have been trained for the cat show experience since kittenhood and do enjoy it.  The unhappy ones usually retire early.

How Do I Know When There is a Show in My Area?

Both of the major associations have their show calendars online.  You can find TICA’s on their website here. CFA’s calendar is on their site too. Depending on where you live, ACFA, CCA, or FIFE might also have shows in your area.

You might even be able to find a virtual cat show to enter.

Where Can I Learn More About What Happens at a Cat Show?

Cat Fanciers Association
The International Cat Association

I hope you go to a show and enjoy the celebration of all things cat.  If you have any questions, drop a comment or connect with me on Facebook.