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INTERNATIONAL DIVISION

Cats Centerstage

Welcome to the world of cats-in this case, CFA cats. The Cat Fanciers' Association, generally known by the initials "CFA," is pleased to welcome you to an inside view of its shows. We hope you will enjoy looking at the wide selection of pedigree cats and household pets, each of which competes for various awards presented by our highly trained, professional judges.

While we take the competition seriously, you will find that each of us shares one basic belief : cats are loving creatures and they have the uncommon ability to bring people together. We hope you enjoy the show.

The first cat show was held in 1871 at the Crystal Palace in London. By the turn of the century, the breeding and exhibition of pedigreed cats were popular activities in England, and they were becoming popular in this country as well. The Cat Fanciers' Association was founded in 1906. The largest cat registry in the world, CFA and its affiliate clubs produce over 400 shows a year worldwide, which attract a total of over 100,000 entries. CFA is dedicated to promoting the welfare of all cats-pedigreed and non-pedigreed alike-by increasing the public's awareness of the beauty, charm, and dignity of these splendid companions.

Show Format

A cat show is composed of a number of separate, concurrently running, individual shows held in the various judging rings throughout the show hall. Each show is presided over by a different judge who presents his or her awards independent of the decisions of other judges. Hence, a cat which is chosen best in show by the judge in Ring 1 may not always be given the same award by the judge in Ring 2.

Individual shows can be classified as either allbreed or specialty. In an allbreed show all cats, regardless of coat length or type, compete for various awards. In a specialty show only those cats of similar coat length (or type) compete for awards.

Competition is held in the following categories: championship, premiership, kitten, provisional, AOV and household pet. Championship competition is for unaltered, pedigreed cats at least eight months old. Premiership competition is for neutered or spayed pedigreed cats that are eight months of age or more. Kitten competition is for unaltered or altered, pedigreed youngsters between the ages of four and eight months. Provisional competition is for those breeds which have not achieved championship status. AOV (Any Other Variety) competition is for registered cats or kittens whose ancestry entitles them to Championship or Premiership competition, but which do not conform to the standard for their breed. Household Pet competition is held for all random-bred or non-pedigreed cats. Houschold pets older than eight months must be altered in order to be eligible for CFA shows, must have all of their physical properties, and may not be declawed.

 

Show Hall Etiquette

Every cat in the show hall has been assigned a cage where it stays with its owner or agent when it is not being judged. This is the cat's "benching" cage. Though it is difficult to resist touching these elegant creations-and some of them, indeed, may invite you to shake hands-please refrain from doing so. You might spread unfriendly micro-organisms by petting one cat and then petting its neighbor down the row. This is why a judge sprays his hands with disinfectant every time he finishes judging a cat. lt is also why some exhibitors hang signs on their cages that warn against petting their cats. Nevertheless, cat fanciers are happy to discuss their particular breed(s) with visitors. If you preface your inquiries by saying "Do you have a minute to answer a few questions?" you will learn everything you want to know about a cat that has caught your attention. The only exceptions to this rule are the judges, whose schedules do not allow them to answer questions while they're examining cats.

Breed Standards

Every cat-whether in championship, kitten, provisional, or premiership competition-is judged according to a written standard for its breed. Part blueprint because it describes the ideal specimen for the breed, and part constitution because it can be revised by the members of a breed council, a breed standard is precise enough to allow judges to evaluate cats accurately, and flexible enough to leave room for differences in interpretation between judges of keen eye and good intention.

Championship Competition

FIRST PLACE SECOND PLACE THIRD PLACE WINNERS
RIBBON


Registered, unaltered, adult members of the 34 breeds recognized by The Cat Fanciers' Association are eligible to compete for two titles at CFA shows: champion and grand champion. Every championship cat begins its show career in the open class, where it competes against other cats of the same breed and sex and color (with the exception of a few less populous breeds). First place ribbons are blue, second place red, and third place yellow.

A first place award in the open class is accompanied by a red, white, and blue winners ribbon. Once a cat has collected six winners ribbons, it becomes a champion. At its next show it is eligible to compete against other champions for points toward the grand champion title.

After a judge has handled the open cats in a breed, division, or color grouping, he judges the champions in that group. He then awards first, second, and third place ribbons to the three best male and to the three best female champions. Next, the judge moves on to the grand champions and repeats that process.
BEST OF COLOR CLASS 2ND BEST OF COLOR CLASS
BEST OF BREED / DIVISION 2ND BEST OF BREED / DIVISION BEST CHAMPION BREED / DIV

When all the cats in a color group have been appraised, the judge awards the best of color class (black) and second best of color class (white) ribbons, which go to the cats in the group that best meet the standard. Once all the color classes in a breed have been evaluated as well as those within all divisions (seven in the case of Persians, including the Himalayan pattern, and two in the Burmese, Scottish Fold, Japanese Bobtail, American Curt and Manx), the judge awards the following ribbons: best of breed or division (brown), second best of breed or division (orange), and best champion of breed or division (purple). The best champion of breed receives one point toward its grand championship title for each champion it defeated in that breed. Once a cat accumulates 200 points, it becomes a Grand Champion.

Judges

The men and women evaluating the cats in this show hall are among the most thoroughly trained and well qualified persons in the world in the art and science of cat judging. CFA judges have demonstrated skill at breeding cats and a flair for exhibiting them; they have served on show committees in a number of capacities including show manager and entry clerk; they have acquired experience as ring clerks and master clerks; and they have demonstrated good moral character in the cat fancy.

A prospective judge must have seven consecutive years of breeding experience before applying to the judging program. Once accepted into the program, trainees must pass examinations on breed standards and show ring mechanics, and they must apprentice with experienced instructors. School teachers, executives, blue collar workers, doctors and lawyers during the week, CFA judges are masters of their second craft on show weekends-where they are regularly in touch with the finest pedigreed cats in the fancy.

Finals

After a judge has examined all the cats in allbreed championship competition-or all the cats of similar coat length (or type) if he or she is doing a specialty show-it is time for finals: the curtain call wherein the judge presents the top ten cats in show.

As a reverent hush envelops, the crowd gathered about the ring, the judge introduces the cats in ascending order of merit until the best cat in show has heen held aloft to the applause of the spectators. This is the moment every cat breeder lives for: a moment of exaltation and triumph that cat showing holds in common with all competitive endeavors.

Premiership Competition

Altered cats (neutered males and spayed females) are judged by the same standards as those of whole cats. Altered cats need six winners ribbons to earn the premier title, but since there are fewer cats in premiership than in championship competition, only 75 points are needed to become a grand premier. Cats in premiership competition are also presented in top-ten finals.

Kitten Competition

Kittens compete with other kittens of the same breed, sex, and color for first, second, and third place ribbons. Best and second best of color class are also awarded, but there are no breed or division wins in kitten competition. When all kittens have been judged, the best kittens are called back for finals.

National Awards

All chainpionship cats, kittens, and premiership cats who make finals at the end of a show receive points, on the basis of cats defeated in that show, toward the national titles that are awarded at the end of each show season. (A show season generally runs from May through April.) National tides are awarded to the 25 highest scoring championship cats, the top 15 premiership cats, and the top 15 kittens. Each of the seven CFA regions also honors its highest scoring cats at the end of the season. In addition, national honors are awarded to the best and second best cats in each of the 37 breeds and divisions recognized by CFA.

Household Pet Competition

Household pets are judged in one group without regard to sex, coat length, age, or color. They must be altered if over 8 months old, have all of their physical properties and may not be declawed. There is no written standard for household pets. They are judged instead for their uniqueness, pleasing appearance, unusual markings, and sweet dispositions. Each household pet reflecting good health and vitality receives a merit award; and at the end of judging, the best household pets are introduced in finals.

If you are the proud owner of a fine-quality, pedigreed kitten or cat, or if you have a show-stopping, mixed-breed charmer at home, you may be interested in joining the cat lovers who partake in the good fellowship of exbibiting at CFA championship and household pet shows. If the show bug bites, you can contact CFA for a current show calendar, check the schedule of events in various cat magazines, or look in your local newspaper, which will often carry notices for shows in your area.

Before you enter your special cat in a show, however, you ought to become familiar with show procedures. Order a copy of the show rules and breed standards from CFA; then, if you have any questions, contact the entry clerk of the show in which you are interested. He or she will mail you a show flyer and an entry blank. Be sure to find out the closing date for entries, so yours won't be late. And don't be shy about asking to be benched next to an experienced exhibitor willing to help you and your cat make it through your debut.

General Information

Kittens, both pedigreed and household pet, must be at least four months old when the curtain goes up on the opening day of the show. Pedigreed kittens don't need a CFA registration number; but pedigreed adults-who must be at least eight months old by show time- have to be registered in order to compete. All entries must be radiantly clean and in the peak of good health. Cats with ear mites, fleas, flaking skin, and runny noses reflect poorly on their owners and constitute a danger to other entries. What's more, they and their owners may be asked to leave the show hall. Make certain that your cat's claws have been clipped recently, both fore and aft, in accordance with show rules. For the protection of the other entries in the show, be sure that your cat has a current negative feline leukemia virus test; and for your own cat's protection, see to it that his vaccinations are up to date.

If you are planning to show a pedigreed cat for the first time, it might be a good idea to visit a show beforehand, take a picture of your cat along, and ask a few breeders if they think he has the right stuff for a show career.

Before The Show

A good diet and frequent grooming (bi-weekly for shorthair cats, more often for longhairs) are all part of rehearsals for that opening performance. If you bathe your cat several days before the show, he will still be clean by show time; and the natural oils will have a chance to return to his coat, making him shine like the star you want him to be. Clean your cat's ears gently with a Q-tip to remove any wax or dirt. And remember to clip his claws.

At the Show

Transport your cat to the show hall in a sturdy, enclosed, carrier lined with disposable diapers. Plan to arrive early for check-in so that you can set up the benching cage and help your cat (and yourself) get settled in this new environment. Cover the sides and back of the cage with substantial fabric that can be attached with metal clips, and cover the floor of the cage with a rug or sturdy towel--nap side down. Show committees usually provide litter, but you should bring a small, disposable, litter pan. Also bring your cat's favorite treat, toy, pillow, and a supply of grooming aids: combs, brushes, Q-tips, cotton balls, tissues, etc. A good book or crossword puzzle is recommended for between the acts.

Judging

Your cat or kitten will be listed in the show catalog by number. Listen carefully for that number over the loudspeaker when it's time for your cat's class to be called. (Catalogs also contain judging schedules.) Be sure you have a secure grip on your cat when you carry him to the ring. Place your cat in the cage that has his number on top, and be sure the door to the cage is fastened securely before you take a seat in the gallery. Try to keep your knees from knocking too loudly while you enjoy your cat's first command performance. And as they say in the theater, break a leg!

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