| If you are a cat lover or have been thinking about | | | | handle the felines by category and then make their |
| showing off your own feline friend, then you may be | | | | decisions based on conformity, personality and |
| interested in attending a local cat show to see what | | | | appearance. Cats are not expected to perform any |
| it's like. A cat show is an exciting event for any | | | | special tricks or anything like that. Instead they are |
| animal enthusiast to attend - the energy and | | | | judged on how well they cope with being handled |
| playfulness of the different breeds of cats shown | | | | and their looks and unique features for each breed. |
| makes it lots of fun for people of all ages to enjoy. | | | | At many cat shows, spectators will be allowed to |
| Most professional cat shows are sponsored by clubs | | | | walk around and visit with each of the breed and |
| affiliated with the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), an | | | | category rings, once the judges are complete with |
| international club that's dedicated to the recognized | | | | their inspections. Breeders and handlers are willing to |
| breeds and well being of cats. At the cat show, you | | | | answer any questions from you and are also happy |
| will find multiple "Ambassadors" that are happy to | | | | to talk with you about your own special breed cats, |
| walk around answering questions about the various | | | | if you are a cat owner. They are also willing to talk |
| types of cats. Many of the cat show ambassadors | | | | about special concerns unique to each breed and give |
| will be glad to take you on a walking tour of the | | | | helpful advice to help you make the decision to |
| entire arena and introduce you to the cat owners, | | | | purchase or adopt a kitten of a particular breed. |
| breeders and handlers who are there prepping their | | | | Should you choose to purchase a kitten from a |
| felines for the show and attending to their animals. | | | | breeder at the show, you will find many beautiful |
| It's recommended that you seek out an ambassador | | | | colour varieties and temperaments in felines to |
| for any questions you have or if you just need tips | | | | choose from that are of champion bloodlines. Be |
| on proper etiquette at a cat show. It's perfectly | | | | prepared to pay substantially more for one of these |
| acceptable to ask questions about the cats and their | | | | royal beauties, however. as a champion purebred cat |
| care and unique characteristics, but it's not generally a | | | | can cost anywhere from $500 USD on up. You will |
| good idea to ask to touch or hold the cats | | | | know, however, that you are getting the best of the |
| themselves, unless offered to do so by a handler. | | | | best in the type of cat that you choose. You will also |
| Keep in mind that each cat has their own special | | | | have an investment in a cat that is show quality that |
| personality and may be overwhelmed by all the | | | | you can raise to be a future champion or for |
| hustle and bustle typical at a cat show. | | | | breeding purposes. Be sure that you don't get caught |
| Unlike the pet shows that occur on television, you will | | | | up in wanting a cat, but that you can commit to the |
| not expect to see people walking cats around a ring | | | | lifetime of that animal and the care it requires. |
| on leashes. Instead, there are special rings set up for | | | | A cat show can be an exciting experience for cat |
| each category of cats - from purebreeds to kittens | | | | lovers of any level. Be sure to visit one sponsored by |
| to everyday household pets who are not purebred. | | | | the CFA and see what surprises await you in the cat |
| The judges walk around and carefully examine and | | | | world. |