|
Cat shows are a somewhat unique affair.
Predominantly a "social event", with many breeders
meeting each other to exchange information, discuss
problems, show off their newest acquisitions, meet with
prospective clients, and to simply party with friends,
there is often not a great deal of "action" going on, in
the traditional sense. Though there is an
"agility" course at some shows - where cats are run through an obstacle
course, the majority of shows do not incorporate it at
this time. Mostly, it is a matter of displaying
the cat(s) in a
show ring, having a judge go over them,
individually, and then taking them back to their cages
to await the next ring. In between those times, a
visitor may notice a great deal of talking going on
between breeders, a lot of grooming being done, as they
get their cats ready for the next ring and even a number
of people sitting, reading books and a few, even
taking "cat naps".
|
A Typical Show Ring |
|
A Typical Show Hall |
As a visitor
to a cat show, you may find that things appear chaotic
and disorganized at times. They probably are, but
remember, there are 6 (or more) "rings" underway at any
given time, with hundreds of cats needing to be seen in
each ring, each day and as with any large event, any
number of things can be going on that will cause changes
to be made, on the fly. Each exhibitor has to keep
track of what is going on around them and the changes
that may be taking place, what ring they are supposed to
be getting ready for, getting their kitten / cat ready
and at the same time, being able to talk with fellow
exhibitors and you, the visitor. There will be
moments when you may arrive, just at the wrong time and
the breeder may simple have reached their wits end
trying to juggle everything they are doing and they may
appear to be less than warm and fuzzy towards you. If it
is a breeder / exhibitor you really wish to talk to, wander off
for a bit and
come back when they appear less frazzled.
Otherwise, try and remember
that something (other than you) may be causing that
particular person, at that particular moment, to be less
than talkative...
Note: In 2009, we will be putting together a
"Behind The Scenes Tour Of A
Cat Show" that will walk you through what a cat show
is like and try to explain what is going on right in
front of you, not to mention, behind the scenes, as well. We
have always enjoyed the "Disney - Behind the scenes"
tours...:-) Please check back from time to time to
see our progress on this.
2010 - This project is still being worked on.
|
In the mean time, visit the "New
Bee" website for more information on "CFA"
cat shows. |
In the mean time, if you are planning on visiting a show
that we are at, look us up, we will gladly walk you
through and explain what is going. And, if you are
not interested in Maine Coon's, or Norwegians (Gasp!),
we'll even help you find a breeder who works with the
breed you are interested in... :-)
|
Red Adair
and Alexander being judged at a show - At 5 & 6 Months of Age |
|
Red Adair at the show in New Berlin, IL
|
|
Each judge has
their own style of judging a cat, some take a
relatively long time going over each cat to get
a "feel" for it, others are more efficient in
their process. With kittens (as shown
above with Red Adair and below with Alexander), most of the judges
understand that the kitten's future at shows can
be highly dependent on how they are handled and
made to feel comfortable early on. The
pictures above and below, show a bit of this judges style,
to be sure, she spends time going over the
required traits, but she also makes sure the
cat/kittens feel comfortable by playing with
them. Of course, too much playing would
slow the show down to a crawl, just one reason
why I could never be a judge! |
|
.jpg) |
.jpg)
Alex is #26 |
|
Alexander at the show in New Berlin, IL |
|
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)