Supreme Court - Where The Judges Are - Everything you want to know about attending cat shows or showing cats with the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA).

Supreme Court

- Where The Judges Are

This wing of Capitolcats deals with shows, judging, the various rulings (ribbons) and what they mean. Visitors should note that information here is based on the "law" of the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA). ACFA is the organization in which we participate. Most of the information contained here is fairly standard among cat associations in the United States and Canada but can vary widely from that of organizations outside those boundaries.

Cat shows are typically held on weekends, with each show featuring a number of "rings," each with a different judge. Since judges are not allowed to compare notes, your cat has a chance to win awards in each ring.

NOTES FOR SPECTATORS:

A note of caution...Your fingers spread germs. While we understand that it's fun to pet or play with the animals, please ask. A cat show is like a school in that what one "kid" gets, they all take home to the "family". Many of our exhibitors have tiny kittens at home and feel it necessary to limit outside contact. Just ask!

You will see judges washing their hands and the judging table between each cat. And the show employs stewards (see right) to wash the judging cages between cats.

Please remember that cats have the "right of way". If you see someone approaching you with a cat, please step aside. Exhibitors have just a few minutes to get their cats to the ring.

JUDGING:

Exhibitors enter 2-4 weeks prior to a show by sending information about their cat and an entry fee to the entry clerk. The entry clerk records the information into a show catalog, listing the cat's entry number and class, registration number, name, date of birth, sex, color, breed, name of sire and dam, and name of owner and breeder. Every exhibitor receives a catalog in which to mark their placings. Catalogs are available for spectators to purchase at the door.

Upon arrival at a show each animal is assigned a number and a benching cage. When exhibitors arrive at a show, they decorate their cages and place the cats in them. As numbers are called, cats are brought to the ring for judging.

Here you see LeAnn judging a show.

Judges have a special catalog listing the cat's entry number, sex, age, breed and class. Judges do not know who owns the cat or what bloodlines it come from until the judging is complete.

Registered cats and kittens, are evaluated according to a written "standard" for their particular breed. The standard has been approved by a majority vote of the breeders of that breed within the association. Household pets are judged for health, cleanliness and purrsonality.

Depending on the show, exhibitors are able to show their cats in 6-10 different rings, each with a different judge. The judges evaluate each animal on its own merit without consulting other judges Each judge will choose their top cats, kittens, alters or household pets. Points are awarded for each placing, and, on Sunday afternoon, prizes may be awarded for the best overall felines....the "Best of the Best".

There are two types of rings...Allbreed and Specialty. In an Allbreed ring, the judges selects his or her Top Ten Allbreed Cats, Top Ten Allbreed Kittens, Top Ten Allbreed Alters and Top Ten Allbreed Household Pets from the best of all of the breeds in that category. In a Specialty ring, the judge evaluates longhair cats only against other longhair cats and shorthaired cats against other shorthairs. Then the Specialty judge names his or her Top Five Best Longhaired Cats and Top Five Best Shorthaired Cats. This continues through all of the classes.

NUMBERS DESCRIBE THE CLASS:

1-89 = Kittens - Registered kittens at least four months old, but less than eight months of age.
90-99 = NBCs - New Breed or Color - This is a special class for new breeds trying to earn Championship status or for new colors working to gain recognition.
100-199 = Long-haired Adult Cats - Registered long-haired cats more than eight months of age that have not been spayed or neutered.
200-299 = Short-haired Adults Cats - Registered short-haired cats more than eight months of age that have not been spayed or neutered.
300-399 = Alters - Registered adult cats that have been spayed or neutered.
400-499 = Household Pets - A "pet" cat which is judged according to health, cleanliness and purrsonality, and not held to the "standards" of a particular breed.

RIBBONS:

BLUE (1st place) - First place in the class.
RED (2nd place)
RED, WHITE & BLUE (Winners ribbon) - This is given to adult cats who have not achieved the ranking of "Grand Champion". Cats earning 4 winners ribbons become "Champions". After winning 16 winners ribbons and 6 rosettes from 6 different judges, a cat becomes a "Grand Champion".
BLACK - Best of Color - This means the highest quality cat in a particular color, NOT the best colored cat.
WHITE - Second Best of Color
BROWN - Best of Breed - Presented to the cat best meeting the breed "standard".
TAN - Second Best of Breed

ROSETTES

Reserved for the top cats in each ring.

NOTES FOR EXHIBITORS

If you would like to exhibit in one of the classes for registered cats, it would be helpful to consult with the breeder of your cat or kitten, attend a cat show and see other cats or kittens within that breed, or purchase a copy of the standard for your breed and see how you think your animal meets the standard before your show. Many registered cats and kittens are sold as pet quality because they do not meet the standard well enough to be show cats in that breed.

If you have purchased a "pet quality" cat or kitten or have a "farm cat" or have rescued a pet, there's a special category just for you. It's called the Household Pet (HHP) class.

HHP's are cats which are more than 8 months old and have been neutered or spayed. They do NOT necessarily meet the standards for a particular breed and ARE NOT judged according to breed standards. Instead, they are evaluated according to health, cleanliness and "purr-sonality."

PREPARING FOR THE SHOW...

Once you've decided to show your cat, you'll need to obtain information on upcoming shows. Try contacting this club. Be sure to enter in advance of the show!

Other preparation includes getting your cat accustomed to being handled by strangers, getting used to a carrier, getting used to other cats and grooming. Most cats are bathed prior to a show. For cats with greasy coats, bathing once a week for several weeks will make the coat nicer. Longhaired cats generally require the same treatment. Cats should have their nails clipped, ears cleaned.

It is very important that your cat be current on its vaccinations and be in a healthy condition to prevent the spread of disease both to your animal and to others.

Get kitty used to a certain bed or blanket, or, if kitty has a favorite toy, make plans to bring the toy or bed to the show. It is important for kitty to feel as comfortable as possible at the show.

You will need to provide cage curtains for the size cage you have selected. These cover the top, back and sides of the cage and prevent kitty from seeing other cats (and other cats from seeing kitty). These may be fancy custom-made items or towels carefully laid over the cage. Safety pins and binder clips are often used to secure the drapes to the cage. You need to think about drapes earlier than the morning of the show!

ENTERING THE SHOW...

Generally, your entry should be received by the entry clerk 2-3 weeks before the show. Check the entry information for an exact entry date and where to send your entry and payment. Payment and entries must be received in advance and are non-refundable. This assures the show committee that you will be present and helps them in planning.

On the entry form, you will be asked for your name, address and phone number, the cat's name, it's parents (if known), birthdate, color, registration number (if you are showing a registered cat) and sex. You should indicate if you want a single cage or double cage. Most cages are double ones (usually 22X22X45) and come with dividers. You automatically receive a single cage with each entry. Most people entering one cat will pay for the double cage because it gives their cat more room and keeps them further away from other animals.

THE DAY BEFORE THE SHOW...

Time for final preparations. Most people will bathe their cat on this day. If you are showing a purebred cat, it is helpful to contact the breeder and ask about their bathing and grooming regime. Clip the cat's claws, clean its ears and remove any staining.

THE DAY OF THE SHOW...

One or more club members will be stationed by the door to guide you to the check in table where you receive your catalog and tell the entry clerk you have arrived. They will show you the benching chart that indicates where your assigned cage is. Then you go to that portion of the show hall and set up your cage. Plan to arrive during the first 15 minutes of check-in. That will give you plenty of time to set up. Set up (especially for beginners) can take 30 minutes or more. Besides, by arriving early, you are giving your kitty time to acclimate to the sights and sounds of the show hall, as well as the other cats.

Transport kitty to the show in a carrier, preferably with paper towels, a bed or cloth towel inside in chance kitty has an "accident." If kitty isn't used to traveling, it's not unusual for them to vomit a hairball or have to go potty. If it's cold outside, cover the outside of the carrier with a blanket or towel to prevent kitty from getting a chill, but don't over heat.

Don't be concerned about kitty wanting to hide under the bed or crying. Be calm and reassuring. Let kitty sit in your lap. If kitty calms down, you might want to walk through the show hall (away from the judging rings) and let kitty look at the other cats (Not too close - remember, they might spoke too.), people and objects. Giving kitty this special time to satisfy his curiosity can help a great deal.

Pull out your catalog and locate your cat's entry number. This number is probably on a cage on the cage or may be listed on the front of your catalog. If not, locate the classification for your cat (kitten, adult, alter, HHP) and go through the entries one by one until you find your cat. I turn down the corner of the page where my entry is located so I can find it easier. Check to see that the information printed on the page is correct. If not, you need to see the master clerk and make corrections. This is very important! Ask your neighbor or the entry clerk where the master clerk is located. When you make the corrections, be sure to ask the master clerk if the judges will receive the correction, or if you need to tell the clerk in each ring. If you catch a correction BEFORE judging starts, it generally is announced to the entire show hall (along with the absent cats and other changes) and the judges will have it in their books. If you are showing a registered cat, it is helpful to bring a COPY of the registration certificate in case there are questions.

Go through the catalog and locate the FINALS page (more later) and other information about the Association in which you are showing, other shows, etc. You will find the judging schedule, usually on the back cover or inside back cover. This tells you which ring you are going to first and in what order your cat will visit the other rings.

If you haven't already done so, introduce yourself to your neighboring exhibitors. Some will be very friendly. Cultivate those friendships. Remember that they need time to set up, so don't bother them when they are working, but offer to help lift a cage or move a carrier if needed. Tell them this is your first show (or second or whatever) and ask about their kitties. Maybe they'll offer to answer any questions. Regardless, if you do have a question about something regarding the show, ask anyway. If they don't know or are too busy, you can go to the entry clerk or ask someone in the check-in area.

Most new exhibitors are nervous and excited and transmit those feelings to their cats. You need to calm down and relax. It's okay to be excited, but take a few deep breaths, particularly before you pick up your kitty and try to be as calm as possible. When your entry number is called, take kitty to the appropriate judging cage and place him inside. You don't need to grandstand about this. Watch how the other exhibitors handle this situation. Judges appreciate exhibitors who wait to place kitty in the cage when the judge is occupied on the other side of the ring or at the judging table. We don't like exhibitors who stand in front of their kitty and play with a teaser to attract attention. (Neither do the other exhibitors. - This can lose you friends before you've even made them!)

There are chairs by every ring for exhibitors and spectators. Go sit quietly and watch the judging. It is permissible to talk quietly if the judge is not talking. Please don't say negative things about other people's cats. You don't know who is listening. You can ask, "Why do you think the judge put this cat over this cat?" Positive comments are always appreciated. This is a great time to make friends with a person who has a cat in your class either just before or just after you. Find out where they are benched. Then you can help remind each other to get to the rings in case one of you doesn't hear the announcement.

When the judging is completed, your cat's number is turned face downward on the cat and you can go take kitty back to the benching cage. Sometimes there are several exhibitors doing this at the same time. Hold back and let the other exhibitors go first, particularly if you only have 1 or 2 cats entered in the show and don't have to get to another ring. This is show etiquette and simple politeness. Some exhibitors may have four or more entries and may be rushing from ring to ring, especially if they are showing in more than one class. Besides, when taking cats to and from the ring, it's very easy for the cats to come face to face with each other and upset kitties. Be patient and wait.

After the judging comes FINALS. That's when the judge picks his top cats. You will hear the announcer calling, "Finals in Ring ___ Check your numbers." That means you need to go to that ring and see if your cat's number is on a cage. If so, go get kitty and put him in that cage. Get your catalog and write down the finals as the judge announces them. Any of the exhibitors can help you find the appropriate page where the final sheets are located. When the finals are completed, you can pick up kitty and, if you wish, ask the judge to sign the ribbon. Be sure to thank the judge for your final. CONGRATULATIONS!

This procedure continues throughout the day in every ring. Be sure not to leave the show hall until all of the rings and finals have been conducted. I take a pen and mark a line next to every ring after the cat has been judged, then I mark a line by the FINALS portion of that ring when finals are called. By the end of the day, every ring should have two marks. Sometimes your cat will be judged in two rings before finals are called in the first ring. It all depends on the schedule. And schedules change, so be alert to those changes.

Most people leave their cages set up when they go home Saturday night. Just remove the food and water bowls (unless you have extras) and leave. Sunday morning you'll need to repeat the same basic steps you did Saturday, including check-in, although you won't have set up to do.

Be a gracious winner and good loser.