About Us About the Cats Contact Details Current kittens Our Girls Our Boys Photo Gallery Show Guide Show Standard Breed Numbers Show Dates Links

A Brief Guide to Showing your Cat  (Applies to the UK only) Cat shows are a good day out even if just visiting.  There are usually many stalls selling cat food, toys and bedding, many a bargain can be obtained at a cat show and often items you do not see in the everyday high street pet shop.  Should you decide to enter your cat winning a rosette or two is fun but whatever the result always the best cat you take home is your own !  Should you decide to have a go and enter below are some brief notes which may help. Firstly Check whether your cat is registered with the GCCF or the FIFe and that you have transferred ownership to your name.  You should always check with the breeder of your kitten/cat to see if there were any obvious show faults that would preclude any awards being made.  Remember also that non pedigree cats can also be shown, they are judged on temperament and condition. GCCF Shows The GCCF have quite a few shows around the country, often every two weeks.  When we started showing all of our cats were registered with the GCCF and could not be shown in any other organisation.  This rule has now changed and you can now show your cats with another organisation, as long as you have informed the GCCF office of your intention.  The GCCF have a rule that you cannot show your cat more often than 13 days. You can ask the GCCF to send you a list of shows or CatWorld magazine often have a list of show dates and contact names.  Once you have decided which show to enter send an A5 size self-addressed stamped envelope for the show manager to return the schedule to you.  Schedules are normally available 3/4 months prior to the show date. Often the closing date for entries to shows are 6-8 weeks prior to the show date. Your schedule will normally contain all the instructions and rules for entering.   If you are unsure of which class to enter your cat into I would advise checking with the breeder of your cat/kitten.  Always remember to enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with your completed entry form  so that the show manager can acknowledge receipt of your entry. You need to enter the 'Open' class, plus three other miscellaneous side classes. Cat Shows (FIFe rules) There has been some changes within FIFe shows recently and details on how to enter shows are available on the Felis Britannica website (http://www.felisbritannica.co.uk). Here you will find all the show dates where you can download entry forms and schedules. You can enter your GCCF registered cat into FIFe shows under the open doors policy.  You will need to register the cat with FIFe to claim any titles gained. Shows are about once a month, check the Felis Britiannica website for diary of events for dates.  These shows are normally held on a Sunday.  Sometimes they hold a two-day show, Saturday and Sunday.   With the FIFe you enter the Open class, additional classes are sometimes available and will be listed on the schedule. Remember that if showing your GCCF registered cat in a FIFe show you need to write to the GCCF office to tell them.  A standard letter can be used, with the cat's name, registration number and shows to be entered.  The GCCF 13 day rule will apply, please ensure that you do not enter a GCCF show the weekend before or after the FIFe show. The Difference between GCCF and FIFe shows In the GCCF shows all the cats are judged in their pens.  Your cat will be allocated a pen 2ft x 2ft and to ensure that all the cats are judge fairly and anonymously they will only be allowed a white blanket, litter tray and water dish.  The Open class judging is done in the mornings and no exhibitor is allowed to be in the hall.  At 12.30/1pm exhibitors are allowed back into the hall where you can feed your cat, but this must also be a white dish.  The Miscellaneous side classes are judged in the afternoon and you must be careful not to speak to any of the judges until after your cat has been judged in all it's classes. In FIFe show rules, they operate a 'ring judging' system.   You can either book a single or double pen which can be decorated with blankets, baskets and curtains how you wish but should always include a litter tray and water bowl.  You can stay with your cat all day.  When it is your cat's turn to be judged you will take your cat to present to the judge, there are holding pens available if required. Vetting-in Your cat/kitten will be checked by a vet before being allowed into the show.  Checks will be for any signs of disease or parasites.  Before leaving for the  show you should ensure your cat/kitten is in the best of health, is clean and that your have trimmed the claws.  Most importantly all vaccinations/boosters must be up-to-date at least 7 days  for the GCCF and 15 days for FIFE prior to the show date. Finally If you need any advice on entering and showing either GCCF or with FIFe then please contact me.   Have a good day out, remember you always take the best cat home !