| Any time you head to a cat show, you likely face | | | | long periods while sitting inside the show cage. It is |
| the event with a mixture of excitement and | | | | very important to keep cats of all ages stimulated |
| nervousness. If you are a first timer to showing cats, | | | | while they are trying their best to behave around so |
| you can rest assured that with a little preparation, | | | | many people and other animals. Kittens especially |
| you and your felines will be ready on the big day. | | | | need lots of activity and you can bring their favorite |
| Whether you are showing a special breed of cat or | | | | toys along inside their carriers or to engage them in |
| you are entering a favorite household pet into the | | | | play while at the show. You can also invite guests of |
| cat show, planning ahead of time will make it a much | | | | the cat show to see your cats (though for hygenic |
| more pleasant experience for both you and your cat. | | | | reasons they should probably not handle your cats). |
| Here are some helpful hints on what to bring to a cat | | | | While between show rings, it's a great time to get to |
| show as an exhibitor. | | | | know potential kitten buyers and to network with |
| A carrier is an absolute must. Not only will it help you | | | | other cat breeders. |
| safely transport your cat to the show and back | | | | Beauty and health supplies are also important to bring |
| home, the carrier will keep your feline comfortable | | | | to a cat show. You would never bring a dirty cat to |
| and secure while at the cat show. Purchase a metal | | | | a judge at a cat show, so you will want to bring |
| or plastic (not cardboard) cat carrier that is roomy | | | | along things like combs, brushes, nail clippers/file, |
| enough for your cat to turn around in and lay down. | | | | waterless shampoo, and towels to keep kitty fresh |
| Make sure it includes a sturdy handle and a door that | | | | and clean. A small bottle of baby powder can be a |
| latches securely. Each cat should have its own carrier, | | | | life saver for wet bottom accidents. You also want |
| with the exception of kittens who can ride along in | | | | to bring along baggies with food, bottles of fresh |
| groups of three at most. This will ensure that your | | | | drinking water, clean eating bowls and specific litter if |
| cats are as calm as possible while you travel, and it | | | | your cat may not like the usual litter provided at the |
| will reduce he chances of injury during transport. | | | | show. |
| Cage curtains are a necessity - helping to keep your | | | | Along with the supplies that you need to care and |
| cat, and his/her neighbors calm and safe from bites | | | | show your cat, you may want to bring along any |
| or scratches. The velvety cat show curtains line the | | | | breed information and pedigree paperwork you have |
| outsides and floor of the cage and allow your cat | | | | for your cat. Have your cat's shot and health or |
| privacy and security while waiting to be judged. Cat | | | | veterinary records with you to verify that your cat is |
| show curtains can usually be purchased from other | | | | licensed and has all rabies and FIV shots. This is |
| cat breeders at the show. You can also sometimes | | | | especially important for the safety of your cat as |
| find animal supplies retailers in the back of cat | | | | well as others at the show. Also note that if you are |
| magazines or animal show supply catalogues. But | | | | selling kittens or other things like gifts or toys, beds, |
| there are lots of sites online that also sell pre-made | | | | etc, then you need to have permisson from the |
| or custom made cat show curtains. Or, if you don't | | | | show administration before-hand. |
| want to invest in cat show curtains yet, you can use | | | | If you are prepared and bring all the necessary |
| simple towels or even a bed sheet to make sure | | | | supplies for the cat show, you should have a positive |
| your cat has privacy and can't see his/her neighbors. | | | | experience. You may even make some great |
| Cat toys are a must to keep your cat busy during | | | | contacts and leave with a prize winning pet. |