Thinking of showing Basil!

[NoahsMommy]

There is a cat show out here on the 11th and they have a household pet category. I am thinking about showing Basil. Any ideas, thoughts?

Has anyone here shown their cats?

[moosmom]

Noahsmommy,

I've shown MooShoo, Maya Linn and Faberge in the household pet category. It's a blast! You meet so many cool people. MooShoo after almost a year now has reached regal status. Maya Linn was Best Household Pet Kitten 13th Nationally, which is a big deal. It's fun but is a little expensive. I have TONS of ribbons. I'm proud of my kitties. Good luck! I know you'll enjoy it.

[NoahsMommy]

MoosMom...

Great! Moo is such a neat kitty, of course he's regal! Did he enjoy it do you think?

Regarding the shows...do we have to bring one of those cages? What else do we bring? I sent an email with a ton of questions and haven't heard back, so any help would be wonderful.

[Uabassoon]

I was planning on showing Zasper and I had her entered and everything, but then she passed away. After that showing just sort of left my mind. Maybe I should think about showing Tibby, she seems to do well in strange places. In the house she's shy but if I take her to the vet she is so lovey with everyone. Corkscrew is the total opposite, at home he isn't afraid of strangers but at the vet he is so scared of everyone.

[All Creatures Great And Small]

Refresh my memory for me - which one is Basil? Is he the grey/Korat kitty? Whichever, I think you should go ahead and show him, it would probably be a blast! I've never been to an actual cat show, but I like going to state/county fairs and watching the kids in 4H show their kitties. Can you show all of your kitties? (Hmm - that might be tricky, logistically - maybe you should just start with Basil and see how it goes! )

[moosmom]

Noahsmommy,

You'll need a set of cage curtains. They provide the cages and sometimes even litter. Don't forget to register early. They have registration deadlines.

Cage curtains are very easy to make. You can also buy them at the cat show from vendors although they can be expensive $70+.

They're very easy to make. You only need 4 1/2 yards total of material. 1 1/2 yards for the top, 2 yards for the back and another 1/2 yard for the table top. That's it.

You'll need to bring with you their vaccination paperwork, food dishes, a favorite small kitty mat or bed, a jar of turkey babyfood (I'll get to that in a minute) and a wand teaser and some catnip.

Basil will be given a number in the household pet category. You will need to now if what his color is (orange with white, tiger tabby, etc.) When you call to register they can help you with that. You'll also need to provide his date of birth (cat's must be at least 6 months old and have their vaccinations up to date).

Benching (having Basil there in the cage and ready to be judged) begins usually about an hour before the public is allowed in. Always make sure you have hand sanitizer with you in case someone wants to pet your cat. If you PM me with your phone number and address, I can call you and answer any other questions you might have. I will also send you a sign "Please Do Not Touch Cats". People can be very curious and just stick their hands in the cage without asking.

[NoahsMommy]

Darn!!! I just got an email from the company that is handling the show....no household pet category after all. That's pretty annoying, considering it was on the application...

Maybe next time....

Now that I want to do it, does anyone have any good resources for shows that DO allow household cats to be shown?

[NoahsMommy]

Originally posted by All Creatures Great And Small
Refresh my memory for me - which one is Basil? Is he the grey/Korat kitty? Whichever, I think you should go ahead and show him, it would probably be a blast! I've never been to an actual cat show, but I like going to state/county fairs and watching the kids in 4H show their kitties. Can you show all of your kitties? (Hmm - that might be tricky, logistically - maybe you should just start with Basil and see how it goes! )

Yes, Basil is the grey Korat kitty.

As for showing all of them...I don't think the others have the personality to tolerate it. Noah would bite, Noel would hide and poor Olivia wouldn't enjoy it. Basil's the only one that would enjoy all the attention away from home.

[Russian Blue]

I have heard many great things from people who show their cats in the household category.

First off, it's a great way to make new friends, get some free stuff, and just have a great time. Also, I heard people really like the household category because it is more layed back and no stress.

I would love to show Nakita. She is great with visitors in the house, but I don't think she could adjust to all the noises and smells of a cat show.

If you get a chance, go for it! And of course let us know how it turns out. Check your local cat association for shows in your area. They will have a lot of info and advice!

[All Creatures Great And Small]

Russian Blue - LOVE the new sig pic! You just can't take a bad picture of Nakita, can you? What a character!!!

I know my kitty would never be able to be shown, because he LOATHES being held, and is afraid of most strangers, especially men. That's what I found so funny about some of the 4H shows, that these are just regular pet kitties, many of whom DON'T want to be there, and they do not all comport themselves with the grace and dignity of seasoned show kitties. There were plenty of growlers, hissers, and "I'm-not-coming-out-of-this-carrier" entries. One entrant had to unscrew the top from the carrier, because it was the only way the judge could get a look at the vicious beastie inside!

[NoahsMommy]

Originally posted by Russian Blue
Check your local cat association for shows in your area. They will have a lot of info and advice!

OK, I did a yahoo search for "cat association california" and I had not much luck. Any other ideas?

[Cataholic]

Let's see...first, you can show Basil to me! He he he..

Second, my experience, which has been limited to 4-5 shows here in Cincinnati, while entertaining, and lovely to look at...I have NOT found the people to be very nice, friendly, excited, etc. I feel like I am bothering them with my interest in their cats, and I find them kind of ugh, snobby, sorry!!! But, that is just one person's experience, right? I will admit the same thing when it is dog shows,too.

[Russian Blue]

Originally posted by All Creatures Great And Small
Russian Blue - LOVE the new sig pic! You just can't take a bad picture of Nakita, can you? What a character!!!

Thank you!! This pic really had me laughing and is my favourite!! But yes, Nakita does sometimes have a really "bad" hair day! I just use a digital camera and erase those pics!

[Russian Blue]

Originally posted by NoahsMommy

OK, I did a yahoo search for "cat association california" and I had not much luck. Any other ideas?

Check here:

Cat Fanciers Association

Or here:

More Info

You can just email around and ask the various associations.

[Uabassoon]

I'm on the CFA list serve and I get emails all the time for shows in California.