Show day has arrived and we are all looking forward to another exciting competition. Our cats have been prepared for the show, groomed, nails clipped and in the pink of health.
When on arrival (eventually, as some of us travel hundreds of kilometres) we are given our vet slip with our cat's particulars and cage number. A veterinarian has been appointed by the club and he checks every kitten, cat and neuter to make sure the cat is healthy, has no fleas, ear mites, ulcers in the mouth and/or sore or weepy eyes. These cats unfortunately have to be rejected and all other cats the exhibitor brought with them are rejected and have to leave the show. Once through the vet inspection we find our cage/s and set up our white curtains. A white cushion or towel for the cat to sit on is also allowed. A toilet tray is permissible and can stay in the cage all day. Last minute grooming, the cat is placed in the cage and judging is about to begin.
There are two ways the Feline Control Council Clubs run their shows. One is 'closed' judging, were the exhibitors must leave the hall until after judging is completed. The other is "Bay Style" where the cat's cages are in a 'U' shape and the judge stands at a table and the exhibitors sit and listen to the judge. Each judge is assigned a steward whose job is to take the cat out of its cage, tidy the bedding and help in any other way to provide smooth running during judging. Many times the judge prefers to get the exhibit out of the cage themselves. This allows them to get the 'feel' before the rest of the judging of that particular cat. The steward's job is to also make sure the judge does not forget an exhibit when picking Best of Colour or Best of Breed.
Whilst all this is happening the card writers are filling in the award cards as each class is finished. The card writers will place the necessary ribbons or rosettes on the appropriate winners cages and will be watch out for 'cross-judging'.
The exhibits are sorted into the four main groups - Group 1 - Persian, Exotic, Birman, Turkish Van, Maine Coon, Ragdoll and Norwegian Forest Cat. Group 2 - Siamese, Foreign White, Orientals, Balinese and Longhair Orientals - Group 2. Group 3 consists of many different breeds - British, Manx, Russian, Abyssinian, Somali, Burmese, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Korat, Scottish Fold, Mists, Ocicat, Bengal and Burmilla. Last but not least come the Domestic and Part-Pedigreed exhibits, these are our Group 4 beloved pets. Group 4 are divided into Kittens and Adults. All Group 4 exhibits must be neutered before six months.
The three main groups are then sorted into kittens, entire cats and desexed. These are then divided into breed and colour groups. Kittens are in several age groups - 10 weeks to under 3 months, 3 months to under 5 months, 5 months to under 7 months and 7 months to under 9 months. Adults are 9 months and over. Juniors are 9 months to under 18 months.
The judging begins, for example, adults - all Seal Point - females and males, separated, and then Best Seal Point Exhibit. This goes on through Blue Pt, Chocolate Pt, Lilac Pt. Etc. When the judge has finished the colour section of the Siamese she/he then picks the Best and Reserve Siamese. The Orientals and others continue in this manner, the judge choosing her/his Best of Breed in the Group 2. The judge must then decide the Best and Reserve Group 2 Exhibit. The judge then picks Third to Tenth places.
We also have the following side classes, Members (of the club holding the show), Breeders, Owners, Type, Head Type, Coat & Colour, Eye Colour, Grooming and Purrsonality. The first three of these are usually picked from the Top Ten Exhibits, as they result from assessing the complete cat.
When all the groups have been judged, the Best Kitten, Entire cat and Neuter cat may be judged for Best Group Exhibit. When this has been decided a panel or sometimes an individual judge may then pick the Supreme Exhibit from each of the Groups. Group 4 is not eligible for Supreme but will be judged for Best and Reserve Group 4 Exhibit only.
Kittens are always a delight at any show and a 'prize' is usually given for Best Litter, sometimes in each group and/or overall. This will depend on the number of litters entered.
As all the winners are called out there is much clapping and hooraying. The trophy table has been an absolute delight and the rosettes, sashes and ribbons certainly finish off any trophy table.
The show is almost over, bags are packed, our cats are returned to their carry cases, show cages are pulled down and any rubbish around us is cleaned up. Not everyone can be winners, but our cats have done their best and hopefully were on their best behaviour. As we drive home we will start thinking of the next show and hope that our cat will be the 'Best' next time. We know he or she was better than all the rest in the show because it is OURS.
We hope you have enjoyed our day at a Feline Control Council of Victoria Club show and maybe one day when you are visiting our City you may be able to come along to a Show. Details are always available on our Internet site.
Written by Mrs Janet Wood-Bradley
Jayling Siamese. 9894 3531