I will be attending a CFA Cat Show this July in Sturbridge, MA. Even though I've owned cats all my life, this is my first show and I have a few questions. First, will I be allowed to take pictures (for personal not professional use)? Would it be impolite to initiate discussions with exhibitors or should I just observe since they may be nervous or waiting to be called? Finally, are cat shows a good source for grooming supplies? I currently own a Siamese but will be bringing home a Maine Coon kitten in a few months and their grooming requirements are obviously quite different. Any information forthcoming would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Lisa

-- Anonymous, June 08, 1999

Answers

You can take pictures.If taking of judging ring, it might be polite to make sure the judge knows,so judge won't be holding a startled cat.Exhibitors should always be friendly,they're there to socialize as well.Supplies are generally available,but ask some breeders for their recemmendations about grooming.

-- Anonymous, June 08, 1999

You can take photos at shows but I would strongly suggest you NOT take photos during judging. It is better to follow the owner back to their bench area after judging and ask permission to take a photo of the cat there. Photos taken during judging can easily startle a cat...even when the cat is just in its ring cage before or after judging, it can upset it. You will get a much closer photo back at the owner's benching area anyway. Regarding supplies at shows, this is a hit and miss matter! Sometimes there are lots of useful supplies and sometimes little. I recommend you find your supplies before the show, if possible. As far as grooming advice is concerned, you cannot do better than to go to this website: http://www.coonyham.com (a famous Maine Coon breeder and judge) then select "show kittens" and at the bottom of the page is a link to "grooming". This is a comprehensive article about how to groom a cat for showing. Feel free to talk to exhibitors and ask questions....most are very helpful and willing to give advice, particularly if you tell them this is your first show. However, when an exhibitor is preparing a cat for a ring (i.e. they have the cat out of the cage and are grooming it), step back and don't bother them. Wait until they have finished the ring and talk to them then. In addition, if you have not already let him/her know, when you get to the showhall you might want to identify yourself to the entry clerk at the show as a "newbie" and he/she can perhaps place you close to an experienced and helpful exhibitor. If you have other show questions, please feel free to e-mail me privately. Good luck!

-- Anonymous, June 12, 1999