Cat Show FAQ

a CFA affiliated cat club founded 1946

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about cat shows

Question

Answer

What breeds will be at the show?

Any breed recognized by CFA may be entered in the show, either in competition or in exhibition. CFA currently recognizes 37 pedigreed breeds for competition showing in the Championship Class: .Abyssinian .American Curl .American Shorthair .American Wirehair .Balinese .Birman .Bombay .British Shorthair .Burmese .Chartreux .Colorpoint Shorthair .Cornish Rex .Devon Rex .Egyptian Mau .European Burmese .Exotic .Havana Brown .Javanese .Japanese Bobtail .Korat .Maine Coon .Manx .Norwegian Forest Cat .Ocicat .Oriental .Persian .Russian Blue .Ragdoll .Scottish Fold .Selkirk Rex .Siamese .Singapura .Somali .Sphynx .Tonkinese .Turkish Angora .Turkish Van

In addition, there are 4 provisional breeds: .American Bobtail .LaPerm •Ragamuffin•Siberian

Question Answer

How are the cats judged?

Each pedigreed cat is judged according to a written standard for its breed. The standard different for each breed (for example, a long haired Persian has a different coat than the hairless Sphynx). Household pets have no required look, so are judged on beauty, condition and temperament.

Will there be rescue cats and kittens for adoption at the show?
Yes, many different humane and feline rescue groups will be represented at the show. Some may charge a fee for adoption. It is up to the individual rescue or humane groups to screen adoptees and set their own fees.

Will there be pedigreed cats and kittens for sale at the show?
Yes, many breeders bring cats or kittens for sale. Other breeders may have kittens at home too young to bring to the show, so if you see a cat you like be sure to ask the owner if they have kittens available at home or litters due in the near future. Many breeders place business cards on their cages for this purpose.

May I bring my own cat or other pet to the show?
No, only CATS entered in the show are allowed in the show hall. Deadline to enter your cat is about a week before the show. If you are interested in entering your cat, please see the exhibitor section on the home page with links to entry forms and the entry information on the flyer.

How can I tell if my cat is pedigreed?

By its registration papers. Many breeds developed naturally; in response to climate or other conditions and are similar to other breeds that evolved independently. For example, cats from all over the world in similar climates, such as the Siberian Cat or the Norwegian Forrest Cat, have traits in common with the Maine Coon. Many mixed-breed cats came from the same gene pool, and have a similar appearance.

Can I take pictures of the cats?
Yes, feel free to bring your camera but please, no flash photography, you might scare the kitties. Always ask the owners' permission before taking any picture.

Will there be pet supplies and novelties for sale?
Yes, there will be several vendors selling cat-related items. This may include general pet supplies, toys, T-shirts, jewelry or other items.

Can I touch the cats in the show?
Please do not touch the cats without the owners' permission. Touching can pass germs from cat to cat, or oils in your skin can damage show grooming. A few owners may allow you to touch their kitty if your hands are clean and disinfected. Feel free to ask, but please don't be too disappointed if some owners say "no." They just love their cats and are trying to be careful.

Is there handicapped access to the show hall?
Yes, the show hall has handicapped access, and convenient off street parking.

Question	Answer
How are the cats judged?	Each pedigreed cat is judged according to a written standard for its breed. The standard different for each breed (for example, a long haired Persian has a different coat than the hairless Sphynx). Household pets have no required look, so are judged on beauty, condition and temperament.
Will there be rescue cats and kittens for adoption at the show?	Yes, many different humane and feline rescue groups will be represented at the show. Some may charge a fee for adoption. It is up to the individual rescue or humane groups to screen adoptees and set their own fees.
Will there be pedigreed cats and kittens for sale at the show?	Yes, many breeders bring cats or kittens for sale. Other breeders may have kittens at home too young to bring to the show, so if you see a cat you like be sure to ask the owner if they have kittens available at home or litters due in the near future. Many breeders place business cards on their cages for this purpose.
May I bring my own cat or other pet to the show?	No, only CATS entered in the show are allowed in the show hall. Deadline to enter your cat is about a week before the show. If you are interested in entering your cat, please see the exhibitor section on the home page with links to entry forms and the entry information on the flyer.
How can I tell if my cat is pedigreed?	By its registration papers. Many breeds developed naturally; in response to climate or other conditions and are similar to other breeds that evolved independently. For example, cats from all over the world in similar climates, such as the Siberian Cat or the Norwegian Forrest Cat, have traits in common with the Maine Coon. Many mixed-breed cats came from the same gene pool, and have a similar appearance.
Can I take pictures of the cats?	Yes, feel free to bring your camera but please, no flash photography, you might scare the kitties. Always ask the owners' permission before taking any picture.
Will there be pet supplies and novelties for sale?	Yes, there will be several vendors selling cat-related items. This may include general pet supplies, toys, T-shirts, jewelry or other items.
Can I touch the cats in the show?	Please do not touch the cats without the owners' permission. Touching can pass germs from cat to cat, or oils in your skin can damage show grooming. A few owners may allow you to touch their kitty if your hands are clean and disinfected. Feel free to ask, but please don't be too disappointed if some owners say "no." They just love their cats and are trying to be careful.
Is there handicapped access to the show hall?	Yes, the show hall has handicapped access, and convenient off street parking.