I will soon be showing my 7 month old Maine Coon kitten. I have been trying to work with him on stretching out but am having limited success. All he wants to do is purr, cuddle or play, which is great except that he needs to learn to stretch for the show. Unfortunately for me, the breeder just left for a three week trip to Paris,and I am on my own! Any suggestions for a first timer? Also, does anyone have any tips on which shampoos are best in bringing out the rich tones of a warm brown classic? I did read Laura Cunningham's article on grooming; it was quite informative. I was wondering if any of the specialty shampoos I see at the shows are worth getting. And if so, where do I find them when I'm not at the show? After shampooing is it best to blow dry with or against the grain? I'd appreciate any help or references you could give. Maybe someone from the Austin are would like to adopt this middle aged MC lover!!! Thanks so much for any responses.

-- Anonymous, October 01, 2000

Answers

I am also new to showing (this is my 2nd year). My brown classic tabby will be 2 this month. In my area, we only have 3 shows a year so I do not really work with him because he is not shown enough for him to remember. He behaves well at the show because he does not hiss or try to bite, etc. But he is shy and will often crouch down and not play with the toys. He will show interest, but not play. But he only needs 2 more ribbons to become an ACFA grand champion and this was accomplished in only 3 shows, something I thought he would never be able to achieve. So, only the judges can see the promise in your kitty and I think they allow for timidness to some degree. I have done research at the shows and have found some wonderful Maine Coon breeders who will take the time and show you their shampoos they use and how they groom. Just approach them when it looks like they are on down time and I am sure they will answer your questions. I use the Dawn shampoo and a degreaser around his ears. I brush with the grain and then fluff him a little at show time. I bought some Bay rum spray for his coat but have not even used it yet. I found the smell strong and at my last show, I was fortunate to be benched across from a very nice breeder who was also a ring clerk and watching him groom his champions, he preferred a natural look and I tend to agree with him.

My maine coon is so strong and against baths that his last one it took me and my husband to keep him in the sink. Again, he does not get a bath once a week so he does not get accustomed to it. I hope to acquire another cat in the future and will start a grooming program from the start. So good luck, any other questions, just ask. Just remember, they were once like you.

-- Anonymous, October 02, 2000