A cat show is a judged event where the owners of cats compete to win titles in various cat registering organizations by entering their cats to be judged after a breed standard. Both pedigreed and companion (or moggy) cats are admissible, although the rules differ from organization to organization. Cats are compared to a breed standard, and the owners of those judged to be closest to it are awarded a prize. Often, at the end of the year, all of the points accrued at various shows are added up and additional national and regional titles are awarded.
In the US, each judge has a separate ring with cages. The cats are brought up to the judge, who removes each cat in turn and then replaces them when they are done. Spectators, including the owners of the cats are present and in the audience. The cats' owners are given a number for each cat and are responsible for getting them to the ring when they are called.
In Europe, many times the cats are judged in a so-called traditional style. Traditional judging is often combined with ring style judging, so a cat show may consist of several rings plus traditional judging. With traditional judging, each cat is assigned to a judge, who gives a written report to the owner. Each judge may nominate a cat to the final judging, when all judges examine the finalists, and the final rewards are given by voting of the judges.
In Australia, the shows can be either "closed style" or "open style" judging. In closed shows, the cats are placed in undecorated cages with white curtains and bed, and the owners must leave the hall. The judges for each ring will examine each animal in turn and decide on awards. Then the owner may return. In open style, the owners and other spectators may stay to watch the judging, as the judges talk to them about the cats.
| “ | ...I found the principal idea of many of its members consisted not so much in promoting the welfare of the Cat as of winning prizes... I have also left off judging of the Cats, even at my old much-loved show at the Crystal Palace, because I no longer cared to come into contact with such " Lovers of Cats." | ” |
| – Harrison Weir - the creator of cat shows - on Cat shows, Our Cats and All About Them, 2nd edition | ||
 Judge handling a cat at a cat show |
 Typical cat show benching cage in the US. Cats wait here until their owners are called to enter them into the ring |
 Fancy cat show benching area decorations |
See also
- Harrison Weir - Creator of the first cat show
- Cat registry
- Show cat
- Show Cats: The Standard of Perfection, a documentary about cat shows and show cats.
References
- Here, kitty, kitty, kitty ... Assemble 850 felines, and the fur begins to fly Reyhan Harmanci, San Francisco Chronicle November 21, 2006 article on 2006 CFA International Cat Show in San Mateo, California.
- 2008 CFA International Cat Show website in Atlanta - accessed November 22, 2008.
- A Very Brief History of Cat Shows, 2003, Sarah Hartwell
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