What cats can participate in exhibitions. Participation of a cat in an exhibition: how to properly prepare a pet so that it takes its rightful place. Character and appearance. What is a cat breed standard?

This article describes general information on how to prepare not only British cats, but also cats of other breeds for an exhibition. It's no secret that at many Russian exhibitions poorly prepared, shedding, overfed and even unhealthy animals are presented. And it is very disappointing when a representative of such animals demonstrates them as an excellent breed type.

It seems that their owners paid $1,000 for the kitten and now believe that for that price the animal should prepare itself for the exhibition event.

But seriously, there is very little literature that gives competent advice for preparing a cat for an exhibition. Many periodicals have published materials on the training of only Persian cats, which is why owners of other cat breeds begin to think that they can take their pets to an exhibition at any time.

Many owners, deprived of information, follow illiterate advice or use the described preparation of Persian wool on their animal of another breed - many experts are faced with powdered Angoras and combed Siberians!

In addition, local felinological organizations do not inform owners that poor quality preparation can lead to deprivation of the title or cause a lack of nomination in Best in Show. And in the end, they begin to make claims to the experts and ask that during the examination they give priority to the type of animal, regardless of lacrimation and the quality of the coat. The texture of the coat refers to the same full-fledged breed characteristic as the type of animal, and you can “earn” about 5-10 points on it. If the wool is improperly prepared, it is impossible to determine its quality, which means that the animal is deprived of its 10 points, and the title accordingly.

By and large, each breeding center or club should provide consultation to its members on the issue of both the daily care of the animal and the issue of exhibition preparation of any breed that is available in this organization. Whether such consultations are paid or free depends on the club, but they must conduct them without fail. Also, clubs should have contacts of permanently practicing grooming specialists, and if the owner of the animal does not have the opportunity or simply does not want to prepare the cat for the exhibition himself, then he should have the opportunity to use the services of a groomer.

Physiological condition, health and conditioning.

The health of an animal presented for exhibition must be confirmed:

1. Documents from the veterinary clinic about the procedures carried out (certificate, veterinary passport)

2. External examination by a veterinarian, which is carried out before registration of the participant on the day of the exhibition.

Vaccination.

However, chronic diseases that are in remission cannot be identified during such an examination. Remember that it is in your interests to present a healthy animal at an exhibition, because... an exhibition is stressful for animals and it is likely that this stressful situation can provoke an exacerbation of diseases.

Consequence of injuries.

Before the exhibition, you need to make every effort to protect your pet from injuries such as abrasions, scratches, bites that the animal may receive during mating or fighting.

An animal that shows obvious signs of minor injuries risks losing 5 points. And if there are significant injuries, the animal may be disqualified altogether. If there are serious injuries that have left a mark on the appearance of the animal - a broken tail, wounded ears, eyes - this will not in any way affect the breeding career of the animal, but will be an obstacle to the exhibition career.

If you are a member of a felinological organization in which, in order for an animal to participate in breeding work, it must receive a breeding assessment at an exhibition, know: such an assessment is usually obtained at an exhibition held at the level of your club. The organizing committee and the heads of the club's breeding commission may require you to provide a medical report on the origin of your pet's traumatic defects.

Often, the show condition of cats can be disrupted by increased activity of the sebaceous glands, which are located at the root of the tail, as well as inflammation of their ducts. To prevent this, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the skin in the area of ​​the cat’s tail; if it becomes dirty, thoroughly rinse the area where the ducts are located.

In cases where signs of inflammation appear, you should contact a veterinary clinic. Excessive activity of the sebaceous glands may be a sign of metabolic disorders. Be sure to go for a consultation with a veterinarian - perhaps it’s a matter of housing conditions, breeding load and feeding that will need to be changed.

Pregnancy.

An expert can evaluate a pregnant cat until the pregnancy becomes visible externally (up to approximately 4 weeks). You should not forget about this if you have plans for a cat’s breeding and exhibition career.

Lactation.

A nursing cat can also undergo the examination, however, when signs of lactation are visible externally (absence or darkening of hair in the nipple area, enlarged mammary glands), the expert deprives the animal of five points from the overall score. That is why there is no point in putting a nursing animal on a title higher than CACIV.

Estrus is not an obstacle to participation in the exhibition. You just need to take into account that a cat in this physiological state is often nervous and excited.

You should also remember that the smell of a cat in heat excites cats, which is why you should not place the animal in a show cage next to such a neighborhood.

Shedding.

Shedding is a natural periodic state of an animal and is seasonal in nature. When cats are kept in an apartment with central heating, the intensity and frequency of shedding is disrupted, and sometimes it is very difficult to predict what form the animal will be in by the time of the exhibition.

You should try to note all the features of your pets' shedding - the timing of shedding, the rate of change of shedding areas and the growth of new fur. You should monitor the sequence of changes in different types of hair - undercoat, guard, outer coat, and also at what stage of molting the animal loses its decorative hair.

This knowledge gives an idea of ​​whether the animal will be in show shape by the required date. The order of changing hair types deserves special attention, because... the texture of the coat as a whole greatly depends on their ratio.

Cats usually shed unevenly. The greatest degree of shedding is observed in breeds that have a developed undercoat - British, Persians, exotics, etc. With the seasonal loss of undercoat, not only the appearance of the animal deteriorates, but also the typical texture of the coat is distorted - due to the fact that the coat is dominated by outer and guard hairs, it appears harsh, dry or coarser. The loss of outer hair and distortion of the coat texture is typical for those breeds that have thick, water-repellent outer hair, for example, Siberians. The fur of these animals often becomes softer during molting due to the absence of outer hair.

You should also know that molting can worsen the color. You should try to determine the extent to which your cat's color changes during shedding. Solid color (with the exception of white) during the molting period loses uniformity of tone - a clear contrast, and often the “smoke” itself due to the loss of undercoat in different parts of the body.

This also applies to chinchillas, shaded and cameo, their color becomes darker, the tipping loses uniformity, and it also happens that a shadow pattern begins to appear on the body and legs.

During seasonal molting, the pattern may lose clarity. In general, you can see that the consequences of shedding often affect smoky colors, chinchillas and cameos, i.e. colors that are characterized by white, contrasting and golden undercoat. The loss of the undercoat of such animals is really a big nuisance, which can lead to a decrease in the score due to a color defect, as well as to the fact that the external color of the cat will not correspond to the real one and stated in the evaluation sheet.

Prolonged and excessively intense shedding is a clear indicator of health problems. There can be many reasons - lack of vitamins, dysbacteriosis, liver disease, hormonal disorders, etc. Contact your veterinarian and do all the necessary tests before you start feeding your pet vitamin supplements.

Fatness.

Strictly speaking, cats of all breeds have the same nutritional requirements. Fat deposition in certain areas of the body, muscle mass and bone strength are hereditary and create the specific appearance of the breed. An animal that is in show condition should not have visible ribs; they should only be palpable. This also applies to the vertebrae of the back. When turning the body, the ribs can be slightly visible only in hairless and short-haired breeds of light build, for example, in Siamese, Oriental, and St. Petersburg Sphynxes.

For cats of any breed, belly fat is extremely undesirable, with the exception of the Ragdoll breed. However, these fat deposits are considered the least of the faults in heavily built breeds (British, Sacred Burmese, Siberian) than in lighter built breeds (Angora, Russian Blue, Norwegian Forest).

It is better to prevent deviations in the animal’s fatness than to urgently correct the situation a month before the exhibition. Many owners overfeed their pets. And if you sharply reduce the amount of food 1-2 weeks before the exhibition, the animal will certainly lose weight, but it will not be possible to get rid of the stretched skin that forms in place of fat deposits during this period.

It will take about a month and a half to restore skin elasticity. In addition, it is worth considering that animals lose weight unevenly, just like people. If you start feeding your animal less, it may well be that the cheeks will lose weight, but the fat in the abdominal area will remain in its place. This often happens in British and Siberian cats.

There is also the opposite picture, which is typical for the eastern group of breeds - deposits on the belly disappear so much that the body shape required by the standard is violated (tubular), but the massiveness and cheeks remain unchanged. And most importantly, a sudden “diet” leads to metabolic disruption and contributes to the development of dysbiosis.

The process of reducing body condition must begin no later than a month and a half before the exhibition. Did you realize it later? – take measures, but it is not recommended to force this process. Even if the animal earns a lower score at the next show, it will remain healthy and will be able to undergo high-quality training for the next show.

The amount of feed should be reduced gradually, and the reduced portion of the portion should be replaced with vegetables or steamed bran. If the animal eats dry food, it can be replaced with low-calorie food. These foods are suitable for animals that do not have indications for feeding specialized foods for the prevention and treatment of urolithiasis, hypoallergenic, etc.

There is no need to switch the animal to “unfamiliar” food two weeks before the exhibition, even if it is of high quality, no one is immune from an individual allergic reaction. It is very important to increase the animal’s exercise, especially when kept in small apartments and small enclosures.

Lack of nutritional status is often associated with nutritional imbalances, elevated levels of sex hormones (especially in young animals) or health problems. If there is insufficient nutrition, analyze the animal’s diet to see how complete the food is. You can try changing the diet, as well as making the feeding scheme optimal. When feeding dry food, it is worth using one that will promote weight gain.

If, after changing your diet, no improvement is observed, you should consult with a veterinarian, do tests for the presence of dysbiosis (one of the most common causes of weight loss), helminthiasis, and also to determine the level of digestive enzymes. If the cause of insufficient nutrition is the animal’s high sexual activity, then it is worth considering whether it should be exhibited right now or at the moment it is better to use the pet as a breeding animal.

Animal behavior at an exhibition and its resistance to stress.

It is necessary to prepare an animal for an exhibition from its very birth - this is a completely fair thesis regarding the behavior of a cat. The exhibition environment is unfamiliar territory for the animal; “strange” cats are very stressful, especially if the pet is not used to trusting people and quickly adapting to a new environment.

Trust in people and easy contact with them begins to form in infancy. It is recommended to periodically pick up small, suckling kittens, so that the animal gets used to humans (reaction to handling). Young animals that grew up in conditions of minimal interaction with people (for example, in a nursery, in an open-air cage) often become fearful and unsociable.

The aggression of a cat at an exhibition is most often associated with fear (unfamiliar people, place); less often, aggression is provoked by the smells of unfamiliar individuals (more typical for cats). Aggression, which is caused by the second reason, is practically impossible to correct, unlike a defensive reaction.

To prevent an unfamiliar environment from becoming a serious shock for the animal, it is recommended to gradually accustom it to a change of environment (walk with the animal, go on a visit with it, take it out into nature). The sooner an animal begins to participate in exhibitions, the easier it will be for him to adapt to them.

Participation in exhibitions at an early age forms the correct behavior of the cat in the hands of the owner or steward during the exhibition. It should be noted that the position of the animal during such a display varies depending on the breed, so it is worth finding out in advance the display option for your pet.

Many people show cats holding them in a free position in their arms - the front legs are held with one hand, the hind legs are supported with the other. Owners of breeds with a dense short body (exotic, Persian, British) - in a somewhat grouped (collected) position.

Bobtails are held in the arms in a slightly curved position so that the expert or spectator can simultaneously see both the tail and the head of the animal (or at least in profile). For a high-quality display, it will be enough if the cat behaves “well” in the arms not only of its owner, but also of people unfamiliar to it.

The most specific display is the demonstration of the eastern group of cats - Balinese, Oriental, Siamese, etc. When showing these cats, they need to be stretched so that others can estimate the length of their body.

Stretching display has 2 options:

1. Stretch “on the hand” - the body of the animal is located on an outstretched arm, its front paws are held with the fingers of the same hand, the hind limbs are supported with the second hand. This display is considered the most difficult, but it gives the animal the opportunity to show not only the length of its body, but also the shape of the back of its head and the length of its neck.

2. Free stretching “sagging” - the cat is held under the front and hind limbs, while the body sags freely. In this version, you can also show cats of other breeds with a characteristically long body (St. Petersburg Sphynx, Macoon). Bengals are shown in the same way so that those present can appreciate the animal’s patterned color to the maximum.

In order for animals to feel free, and not try to escape or shrink into a ball during a complex display, they need to be taught this from an early age. For Oriental and Siamese cat breeds, you can use any of the stretching options described above, so you should understand in advance which method they prefer.

To reduce stress reactions to the maximum and increase adaptation to the exhibition environment, you can use special medications - usually immunostimulants (immunofan, SGOL - homogenized serum enriched with lactates). Do not try to overcome an animal's stress with tranquilizers, diphenhydramine and other medications intended for humans. Animals often experience a paradoxical reaction to such drugs, i.e. the cat begins to become even more excited, breathing becomes disrupted, and profuse salivation begins. Plus, it is extremely difficult to calculate a safe dose of this type of drug.

General rules of exhibition grooming.

After finishing show grooming, the cat must demonstrate:

- clean coat and skin without signs of dandruff;

- clean inner surface of the ears;

- clean eyes and the area around them without mucous and tear secretions and their traces (brown or yellow spots on the fur);

- clean area around the anus.

To comply with these rules, the cat must be washed - partially or completely - before the exhibition. It is worth noting that it is not at all necessary to wash short-haired and semi-long-haired cats before each exhibition, but only if the “problem” areas (discussed below) and the fur are not dirty.

The most common mistakes of inexperienced owners:

- washing the cat on the day of the exhibition;

- washing the cat with a product intended for humans;

- washing the cat with a low-quality product for animals.

As a result of such mistakes, the breed-specific texture of the coat is disrupted, dandruff and an allergic reaction appear. Therefore, to care for an animal’s fur, you need to use only specific products intended for cats. Ring 5 shampoos, products from Shows and Jean Pierre Hari, etc. have proven themselves well. Many shampoos of any consistency (dry, liquid) are specialized for colors and breeds. But do not forget that any shampoo, even from the most famous manufacturer, can provoke an allergic individual reaction in an animal. Therefore, you should not use unfamiliar means before an exhibition without first checking. Wash certain parts of the animal’s body with new shampoo at least a month before the exhibition, evaluate the quality of the washed fur, make sure there is no irritation, dandruff or allergic reactions.

The use of various products and the timing of washing are individual and directly depend on the color and breed of the animal. When grooming, you should pay special attention to the place where the ducts of the sebaceous glands are located - the outer surface of the tail root.

Other problem areas, especially in silver and white cats, are the insides of the paws and lower legs, the areas around the mouth and under the eyes. To clean “problem” areas on the tail and legs, you can use the same products as when washing a cat. Some owners use dishwashing detergents to whiten these areas.

The use of such products is allowed, the main thing is to choose ones that are pH neutral and do not irritate the skin. To get rid of deposits of tear stone, yellow spots on fur, and fat, there are special cosmetic bleaches (“8 in 1”, “Iraise Ring 5”). But it is best to prevent such stains from appearing, because... when removing them, there is a possibility that the product will get into the eyes, and this may cause conjunctivitis.

A healthy animal's ears are usually clean, but earwax can sometimes accumulate in them. Wax is removed with a cotton swab without the use of boric alcohol, anti-mite drugs and other medications that can irritate the skin of the ear. Wax is usually removed the day before the exhibition, but it is advisable to inspect the animal’s ears in advance - 2 weeks before the exhibition. The appearance of crusts and noticeable black dots in the auricle indicates the presence of inflammatory processes or ear mites, so contact your veterinarian immediately.

Nail trimming is another mandatory requirement in preparation for an exhibition. A “manicure” is given to the animal the day before the exhibition. This operation requires special nail clippers or nail clippers. The use of nail scissors, even well-sharpened ones, is undesirable, because... the claw may crack when trimmed or peel off. Before the procedure, examine the claw: it consists of dead tissue (the transparent tip) and living tissue (the white base with a blood vessel inside). Nail trimming is carried out only in the dead transparent zone so that the blood vessel is not touched. The claw is usually trimmed to about 2-3 mm.

Features in color preparation.

It is recommended to wash animals of dark and intense colors (chocolate, tortoiseshell, black, smoky variations, brown and black tabby) approximately 7-10 days before the exhibition. Animals with lightened and contrasting colors (silver tabbies, cream, blue), as well as dark colorpoints (blue, chocolate, seal) and cameo color - 4-5 days before the exhibition. Light colorpoints, chinchillas, biocolors - 2-3 days before the exhibition. Wash the day before the exhibition, i.e. for the night, you can have British, exotic and Persian cats of white color. Cats of other white breeds – 2-3 days before the exhibition. For these animals, like chinchillas and bicolors, on the day before the exhibition, if necessary, you can additionally wash the yellowing areas on the legs, the root of the tail, etc.

In monochromatic animals, individual white hairs are plucked out, which are found on the back, withers, legs, along the tail; in harlequins and bicolors, individual white hairs are found in colored spots.

Cold-colored cats (blue, black) are not recommended to take sunbathing before the exhibition - the fur may fade and acquire brown and rusty shades. To improve color contrast, Thai Shorthair and Thai cats are dressed in overalls or blankets during the shedding period, and the shedding hair is combed daily. But if this is done with colorpoints of other breeds, the quality of their coat may suffer. You can improve the uniformity of tipping in animals of silver shaded color and chinchillas by plucking the dyed to the base or the darkest coarse outer hairs, if there are not too many of them, of course, and also provided that the cat is not molting.

On store shelves there is a huge assortment of products for caring for the fur of animals of almost any color - conditioners, tinted shampoos, products that even out the color tone, for raising the coat, lightening or intensifying the color. Before making your choice, consult with the seller which option is right for your animal. It is not advisable to purchase new products immediately before an exhibition, but if you still really want to, then you need to test its effect in advance on a separate area of ​​the animal’s body.

Accessories for the exhibition.

1. Inside the decorated cage there must be bedding and a curtain that will cover the cage on 3 sides. The curtains serve not only as a background, but also thanks to them the animal is less nervous about the proximity of “strange” cats. If the exhibition allows you to use your own cages, then the side opaque walls of the exhibition box can be used for the same purpose.

2. Disinfectants, which can be used to treat cells, hands, and napkins for disinfection.

3. Rubber mitten (brush), metal comb, massage comb with rounded teeth - a set depending on the breed of cat.

4. Cosmetics (powder, means to eliminate traces of lacrimation if necessary) for long-haired cats.

5. Cotton swabs (preferably sterile) or paper napkins for cleaning eyes.

6. Eye drops for long-haired cats that are prone to watery and sore eyes.

8. Paper or gauze napkins.

9. Drinking water and water bowl for cats.

Also, do not forget to take with you the cat’s pedigree (or a copy of it), championship certificates (a copy of the certificate is possible), veterinary passport or veterinary certificates, paid receipt for the examination, club membership card (if available).

Exhibition ethics.

Registration for the exhibition.

You must accurately indicate the details of your animal on the application form. If by the day of the exhibition there were changes in the exhibition class, a transfer to a different color and other changes were made, then it is necessary to notify the members of the exhibition committee about this, ask for changes to be made to the evaluation sheets before the start of the examination.

When submitting an application to participate in an exhibition of a club other than that of which you are a member, you should find out in advance in which organizations the declared experts were licensed and which felinological organization registered the exhibition. Find out in your club whether the titles that will be received from these experts and at the exhibition of this organization will be counted in it.

You cannot be late for registration on the day of the exhibition - the exhibition committee has every right not to allow your animal to be examined.

Do not forget that examination by a veterinarian when registering participants is a mandatory event. Before accepting an application for participation in the exhibition, the exhibition committee is obliged to warn all interested participants about how much a veterinary examination costs and whether they need to have veterinary certificates or a veterinary passport with notes on vaccination against certain diseases. Many organizing committees, in order to avoid misunderstandings, issue a memo to those who have signed up for the exhibition, which lists the requirements for the exhibitor, and take a receipt from the participants stating that they agree to comply with all the listed requirements.

In addition, when submitting an application, check with the organizer whether it is allowed to place animals in the exhibitor’s cages. If this is not allowed or you do not have your own cage, you need to find out the size and design of the cages that will be at the exhibition - knowing such data, you will be able to adjust the design to the desired size.

Behavior at the exhibition.

An exhibition is a celebration, and you should try to dress accordingly. Even if you are exhibiting an animal for the sake of sporting interest, then it is still not worth coming to an exhibition event in a tracksuit.

In cases where the examination is carried out in an open American or European ring, you should not interfere with the expert’s work - ask questions, comment on his actions, or get too close to his table.

If the examination is carried out without stewards and the owners have to carry their pets themselves to the expert’s table, in this case one should not speak to a member of the examination, unless the initiative comes from his side. Trying to find out an assessment or getting verbal approval for your pet can be regarded as pressure on the expert.

If stewards are present at the examination, but you have reasons to refuse their services (the cat shows aggression towards new people, is overly excited), then you need to ask permission from members of the exhibition committee to show the cat yourself. However, you need to take into account that they have the right to refuse you.

Unacceptable behavior towards members of the exhibition committee, the expert, exhibitors and stewards entails the removal of the participant from the exhibition and the removal of his animal from examination.

Claims to the exhibition.

If any complaints arise against the organizing committee (for example, replacing a previously announced expert), the work of the stewards (for example, a late call for examination), or the exhibition secretariat (data errors in the evaluation sheet), you must contact the members of the exhibition committee or transfer them through the senior steward, your complaints directly at the exhibition. Exhibition committee members are required to take action to correct errors.

In cases where the mistake of the secretary or steward cannot be corrected, because The examination of the competitive group of cats has ended, the exhibition commission is obliged to apologize and return your registration fee. But if an error occurs due to your fault (lateness for the examination, incorrect data on the application form), the exhibition in this case does not bear any responsibility and no one will return the registration fee to you.

If, in your opinion, the exhibition did not satisfy your claims, please contact the disciplinary commission of the organization that registered this exhibition in writing.

Claims to the expert.

The expert's assessment is not discussed or corrected. There is no need to express your complaints personally to the expert or members of the exhibition committee. All they can do to help you is to prove the expert’s competence in assessing certain breeds, because It is the exhibition organizers who can request a license from the expert, which confirms his right to conduct an examination. But if you think that:

— the assessment received by the animal is unfair (for example, the assessment sheet does not contain a justification for deprivation of the title, or the assessment and description do not correspond to breed standards);

— the expert’s behavior towards you or your cat was incorrect,

You can safely file a complaint with the disciplinary commission of the organization where the expert was licensed. The exhibition must provide information about this organization. If you have any complaints related to the evaluation of the animal, be sure to attach a copy of the evaluation sheet.

If after reading the article you still have not changed your mind about exhibiting your animal at various exhibitions, then I wish you high marks and many victories!

First time at the exhibition: tips for beginners

For all cat lovers who are not professional cat breeders, cat shows are mostly cultural events. Here you can chat about your favorites and watch the best representatives of different breeds competing for various nominations. On the other hand, a cat show is an important zootechnical event that helps breeders choose a worthy candidate for breeding work. In addition, receiving an award in one of the categories will be recognition of the skill and professional qualities of the breeder.

At the exhibition, each representative of his breed is assessed - defects are identified and traits that meet modern standards are determined. Such selection is necessary primarily for the development of new breeds and the consolidation of certain distinctive characteristics in them. Having looked at the cats of professional breeders, their lover himself may feel the desire to take part in one of the exhibitions. In addition, such events help you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your pets and take appropriate measures.

How to prepare for a cat show

A kitten or an adult cat should be trained in advance to the presence of strangers. Aggression or fear expressed at the exhibition may have a negative impact on the score received.

Of course, by the time of the event, the cat must undergo a veterinary examination and be vaccinated in accordance with existing standards. It is highly advisable to have with you a veterinary passport with notes on all vaccinations, as well as a certificate in Form No. 1, which can be obtained from the veterinarian. clinic. The animal must be washed and its claws put in perfect order. Particular attention should be paid to the ears, which some owners easily forget about.

During the exhibition, the pet will be in a cage - its size will be confirmed with the event organizers. You need to buy or sew special curtains and a pillow in advance. You should also take toys, toiletries and combs with you.

The cat should not be fed in the morning, otherwise an unpleasant embarrassment may occur during the exhibition. At small events, it is possible to clean up your pet by washing and drying it. If the competition has an international, or at least national, scale, no one will delay its holding for the sake of one careless participant.

With rare exceptions, such exhibitions are free. A cat show, the price for participation in which is determined by the organizer, is an event that will help both a novice breeder and the owner of a rare pet who wants to satisfy his ambition. There is no need to argue and think too long - usually the participation fee must be paid several weeks before the start of the exhibition.

Behavior at a cat show

The cage with the cat can be placed in a place predetermined for this number. If you have a choice, it is better to choose something away from the entrance and open windows.

The second stage after registration is passing veterinary control, where the documents and certificates you take with you will be useful. The ticket received at the control is retained until the end of the exhibition.

As soon as the cat’s turn has come for the judges to evaluate, the owner with the pet in a cage approaches the named expert. At the same time, when answering questions, you cannot report its origin, because this may be considered a violation of the anonymity of the judging. Only after its completion can you answer specific questions about the cattery and the cat’s pedigree.

Cups, bright rosettes, diplomas and crowd applause are so attractive! I want to show off the beauty of my favorite, communicate with like-minded people, and recharge with a lot of positive impressions. But how to prepare a cat for an exhibition, how to get to the event and what to do once in the exhibition pavilion?

Before you think about how to get to a cat show, you should make sure your pet is ready to visit such a crowded place. There is no point in wasting time on grooming and travel if the cat is shy, aggressive and has never left the apartment. The socialization of the future starlet begins from a very early age. An unsociable, shy cat, surrounded by a crowd, a cacophony of alien smells and deafening sounds, will experience extreme stress. How can you participate in a cat show if the contestant hisses, scratches the expert and bristles her fur from fear? Most likely, such a cat will be disqualified or given the lowest score. As a result, money and time are wasted, the cat is stressed, and the owner is upset.

If a pet cannot tolerate the touch of others, does not tolerate a stranger touching its head, looking into its ears and eyes, touching its tail and paws, there is no need to subject its nervous system to such a load. There are online cat shows - a kind of amateur beauty contests for those owners who, for whatever reason, do not want to burden themselves with long trips. Of course, the titles and titles awarded to competitors are not recognized by official feline systems. But because of this fact, an online cat show does not lose its attractiveness for amateurs, because positive emotions do not depend on the presence or absence of a stamped diploma.

Record

So, how to get to a cat show? The easiest way is to contact the breeder from whom you purchased the kitten. If this is not possible, you need to call your local club or go to the WCF website to find out the schedule. You can choose another system, but most exhibitions in Russia and neighboring countries are held by WCF - World Cat Federation.

Now all that remains is to choose a date, not forgetting to clarify the details: the address of the pavilion, the start time, whether a tent will be needed for the cat exhibition or whether the organizers will provide cages for the participants to house the animals, how the fee can be paid. Usually the organizers provide the account number to which the transfer needs to be made. In addition, you can pay for participation in a local club. If you are interested in how much a cat show costs, check this point in advance. As a rule, the amount ranges from 800 to 2000 rubles, depending on the rank of the event. Typically, the exhibitor fee can be paid directly on the day of the exhibition, which should also be inquired about in advance.

Since only registered competitors can participate in the cat show, you will need to provide the organizers with some information: age, breed, gender, color, etc. If you communicate by phone, the operator will ask all the necessary questions. If you fill out an application in writing, simply check the pedigree and enter the data as it is written in the document, without distorting the nickname, color, etc. Now your pet is registered, his and your data will be included in the catalog.

In addition to personal data, at the registration stage you need to select a class. According to the WCF system, there are more than twenty classes: kittens, juniors, open class, international champion and so on. If this is your first cat show, and your pet is already ten months old, you need to enroll in an open class. This means that the cat will compete for the title “Champion” with other animals of the same breed and sex, but she can only get it (close) by receiving three CACs from three different experts at three different exhibitions (CAC - Candidate for Champion).

Bringing beauty

Since you need to prepare your cat for an exhibition one hundred percent, be sure to find out exactly how your pet’s coat should look. To do this, call the breeder or visit the breed forum. In general: long-haired cats are bathed the day before the event, short-haired cats a week before. Long-haired cats should have fluffy, airy hair without waves (if this is not a feature of the breed). Short-haired cats have a smooth, shiny coat, with no bristling hairs.

What to take with you?

Below is a rough list of what you need for a cat show:

• veterinary passport (all vaccinations must be done no less than a month and no more than a year before the date of administration);

• certificate Form No. 1, if the exhibition is not taking place in your hometown;

• a copy of the pedigree, for kittens a copy of the metrics;

• a receipt for payment of the fee or money if the fee is paid on the day of the exhibition;

• owner's passport and a couple of copies;

• disinfectant, combs, scissors, hair clips, lotion, powder and everything you need for the finishing touch;

• cat bed or mattress, disposable diapers, cotton pads, sanitary napkins, toilet paper;

• filler, bags, scoop, tray;

• water, usual food, treats, bowls, a couple of teasers;

• food and drink for yourself, a small folding chair, a notepad, pins or tape, a pen.

Your first exhibition

Preparation for the first exhibition

You have made an important and, of course, the right decision and purchased a purebred kitten. Congratulations, both you and the breeder in particular, and felinology in general, will benefit from this. When purchasing a kitten, the breeder must explain to you what the breeding prospects are for your baby: either he will be a pet, or a sire, or a star of exhibitions, which will significantly affect his price.

So, you have purchased an exhibition class kitten (breed and show class). Your kitten must have excellent health, both physical and mental, have no genetic or phenotypic defects, and have a good pedigree. When deciding to participate in exhibitions, you must clearly understand that you are incurring certain material costs and obligations. When raising a show animal, it requires more attention than a pet.

What you need to pay attention to

1. The animal must be properly raised, without defects in physical development.

To do this, you need a properly balanced diet (including super premium food from companies such as Acana, Orijen, Jams, Eukanuba, Brit, Bosch, Royal Canin, etc.); physical exercise; daily grooming. Grooming is the care of a kitten, which involves caring for the cat’s fur, eyes, ears, claws and, in general, the appearance. The amount of time spent on grooming depends on the cat's breed.

2. You must pay attention to the mental development of your kitten.

What is meant: The kitten should not show aggression towards people or be afraid of them. At the show, a calm, friendly cat arouses everyone's admiration (especially the judges). The kitten should be comfortable traveling in a car and in a portable cage (you will appreciate this when traveling to an exhibition, especially to another city). The kitten should be more or less calm about the presence of other cats and not panic or become aggressive. The sooner you start showing your kitten, the calmer it will behave at subsequent shows (the same applies to traveling in a transport crate). Encourage the kitten to communicate with other people, take it out to visit quiet companies, and visit relatives. Find him a playmate, preferably his brother or sister, or a clean, calm neighbor's cat.

3. Veterinary care.

Your kitten should have a permanent veterinarian who monitors it from the moment it arrives with you. The kitten must be dewormed and vaccinated against viral diseases and rabies.

4. You need to decide which club your kitten will belong to.

To do this, visit several exhibitions, because The face of the club is its exhibitions. This is a grandiose spectacle and show, and not a get-together in a dark corner.

So, you are fully prepared for the exhibition. Your kitten is properly raised, friendly, vaccinated, and belongs to a club.

It is better to hold the first exhibition in your city and your club. Exhibitions are planned in advance, check with the club for their dates, follow the news on the club’s website. Typically, exhibitions begin to be announced 1.5 - 2 months before the date.

To participate in the exhibition, you need to submit an application for participation in the exhibition and pay the exhibitor fee at least 2-3 weeks in advance.

You need sew curtains and a pillow into an exhibition cage, the dimensions of which will be confirmed with the exhibition organizers.

It is better to sew curtains from opaque, easy-to-wash fabric. In my practice, I noticed that the most universal color is blue.

You can buy your own exhibition tent and accessories for the exhibition in advance (a compact folding toilet tray to match the color of the tent, a deck chair for the tent, etc.)

Nowadays there are many different models of exhibition tents on sale (price range 1,500 - 10,000 rubles)

For example, in an online store www.sturdiproducts.ru you can purchase very beautiful and high-quality exhibition tents and premium carriers from a famous American brand SturdiProducts:

On the Russian pet goods market there are many budget models of exhibition tents from the Russian manufacturer - Ladioli LLC, Maloyaroslavets: www.ladioli.rf

A Russian-made exhibition tent can be ordered in advance at the club before the exhibition (then it will cost much less than in retail) , or buy it yourself at a pet store. Using your own tent is convenient for you and safe for your cat.

About vaccinations:The cat must have veterinary passport with vaccination marks against rabies and viral diseases. The “validity” of rabies and antiviral vaccinations is 1 year. After vaccination, a quarantine period of AT LEAST 3 weeks must be maintained before the exhibition.

A three-week quarantine after any vaccination is not a whim of veterinarians and exhibition organizers, but a necessity. Vaccination is not a “health shot”, but a serious provocation of the immune system. An animal that has not been quarantined, whose immunity has been weakened by vaccination, can become seriously ill and even die due to the stress of the exhibition! DO NOT RISK IT! GET ALL NECESSARY VACCINATIONS IN ADVANCE!

If you are going to an exhibition in another city, then you will need to take it from your state. vet. clinic certificate form No. 1. It is issued according to a veterinary passport with vaccinations, after examining the cat. This certificate is valid for 5 days.

Basic rules of show grooming for all cat breeds

To the exhibition you need to take with you:

— documents for the animal (veterinary passport, copies of pedigree and title certificates);
- money;
- curtains and bedding for the cage / your own exhibition tent;
— toilet, litter, garbage bags;
- bowls for food and water;
— drinking water;
— food;
— care items (wipes, disinfectant, comb, powder, cotton pads, etc.);
- pen, paper, tape, scissors, pins.

So, you're at the exhibition...

There is a lot of fuss at the exhibition, you are worried, your actions:

— choose the place you like in the exhibition hall (not at the entrance, not in a draft);
- take the cat, money and documents and go to registration. Check that all information about your cat, your data, and show class are stated correctly in the catalog. Pay for participation in the exhibition, if you have not done so in advance, or confirm payment; Receive at registration the exhibition catalog and your catalog number (the exhibition number is issued in TWO copies, one must be attached to the exhibition cage, the second must be hung on YOURSELF so that the stewards and organizers of the exhibition can always find you).
— go through veterinary control; Keep the veterinarian's coupon until the end of the exhibition.
— after veterinary control and registration, arrange your exhibition space. Attach curtains to the cage, an exhibition catalog number, place a toilet in the cage and prepare the cat for the exhibition. Make sure the cat won't escape from the cage. Talk to the cat, pet it, calm it down;
— try not to leave the cage for a long time and do not leave the cat unattended. If you are leaving, ask your neighbors to look after the cat;

About the examination...

- when you are called for an examination (your number is announced into the microphone or a steward calls you), take the cat for examination, asking the steward which expert you were called to see. Now at exhibitions using the WCF system, both the best and show cats are shown by the owners themselves.

For an objective assessment of the animal, judging must be anonymous, i.e. the judge only knows your cat's show number. Therefore, if you start telling the judge about who and in what famous nursery you bought your cat, etc., this will be a violation of the show rules.

You can ask the judge any questions you have about the cat.(without specifications indicating its origin).

In exceptional cases (for example, when a judge doubts the color of a cat) AFTER JUDGING, it is allowed for the judge to familiarize himself with the pedigree of the animal he has judged.

Precautionary measures at the exhibition

— I advise you to inject or drip a drop of the drug “Fosprenil” into your nose the day before the exhibition and directly during the exhibition, after consulting with your veterinarian;
— treat the cage with a disinfectant solution and let it dry before hanging the curtains;
— do not allow anyone to touch the animal except a veterinarian, steward and expert;
— Avoid contact with other cats;
— do not give your cat antidepressant drugs, especially human ones (including valerian), the reaction can be unpredictable.

Please review the exhibition catalogue, read the exhibition rules and adhere to them.

The general rule is that title diplomas and evaluation sheets are issued only after the end of the exhibition, when the “best in show” competition ends. You cannot leave the exhibition without permission before it ends.

If you notice an error in writing information about your cat, contact the secretariat, the sooner the better. If you have any problems or questions, it is better to contact the exhibition organizers rather than solve them yourself.

DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER ON THE SECOND DAY OF THE EXHIBITION! (if you participate both days). There is no need to undergo veterinary control on the second day.

If you haven’t been called for an examination for a long time, go to the owners of cats of the same breed as yours and find out whether their animals have been sued. If you have been sued, go URGENTLY to the secretariat and to the exhibition organizers and find out why you were not invited to the examination, otherwise you risk being left without an exhibition assessment! Because If by this time the judge has already completed the examination of all the animals, made comparisons, assigned titles and nominations and submitted the protocols to the secretariat, he has no right to judge you separately. It is possible that you were on the list of absentees by mistake, or did not hear when your number was announced, and the stewards could not find you, etc. BE CAREFUL!

A few words about exhibition classes. Depending on the age and rules of the system under which you are exhibiting, your cat at the exhibition belongs to a certain exhibition class.

Exhibition classes (in the WCF system)

Liter-class — litter of kittens from 10 weeks to 3 months, at least 3 animals. The entire litter is evaluated as a whole.

Kitten class —3-6 months(a nomination for the “Best in Show” competition is carried out among all kittens exhibited in this class, and then the “Best Kitten in the Show” is selected without division by gender).

Young class —6-10 months(similar to the kitten class, the “Best young animal in the show” is selected at the competition. The score obtained in this class (for cats only) can be recognized only for one mating as a “divorce”).

Open class — from 10 months The animal is fighting for the CAC title(candidate for Champion) and receives a breeding assessment (i.e., having received an expert assessment of the cat not lower than “very good”, and the cat not lower than “excellent”, the animal can be used in the breeding program).

When obtaining any title, competition may arise between animals of the same breed, sex, color and exhibition class. For example, several British shorthair blue cats claim the CAC title and then the CAC title (candidate for champion) and the excellent I rating are given to the best of them, and the rest receive the excellent rating and, accordingly, places 2, 3, etc. up to 5th place, subsequent animals receive a rating of “excellent” without a place, followed by a rating of “very good” or “good” depending on compliance with the breed standard. Such competition is natural and, if you win, pleasant. Having received three CAC titles from 2 different experts at 2 shows, your cat becomes the champion of the breed for that season and is forever assigned this title. Receiving the title Champion for an animal gives the right to lifelong breeding, and the prefix Ch is added to the name of your animal (for example Ch. Ruaztec Pablo Picasso of Nostalgie).

Champion class — your cat is vying for the CACIB title(international champion) from 3 different experts in 2 different regions.

International Champions Class — your cat is vying for the CAGCIB title(Grand International Champion) from 3 different experts in 2 regions at 3 different exhibitions.

Great international champion class — your cat is vying for the CACE title(European champion) from 3 different experts in 3 countries at 3 different exhibitions.

European Champions Class — your cat is vying for a CAGCE title(Grand European Champion) from 3 different experts in 3 countries at 3 different exhibitions.

Grand European Champion Class — the cat claims the CASM title(world champion), from 3 different judges in 3 countries at 3 shows on 2 continents.

World Champion Class, Honor Class— the cat is automatically nominated for the “Best in Show” competition without passing an examination.

If your animal is of a wonderful type, in good condition and well prepared for the exhibition, then in addition to receiving a title, it can go to competition “Best in Show” - the best at the exhibition (to receive a nomination for best - “nom bis”).

The exhibition organizers announce the numbers of the participants who received nominations into the microphone after the end of the judging, or the steward will bring you a piece of paper with your number and the inscription “nom bis”. Be careful! You can find out if your animal is nominated for best at the exhibition secretariat.

Best in Show is the finale of the exhibition, when in a solemn atmosphere a panel of judges selects the winners of the exhibition and presents awards and gifts.

First make a choice best litter exhibitions (litter-class), best kitten exhibitions (kitten), best young animal exhibitions (junior), best domestic cat exhibitions (Household pet), best castrated animal exhibitions (Neuter).

Adult cats are divided into groups:

- short-haired group,
- semi-longhair group,
- long-haired group,
- Siamese-oriental group.

In each group, the best male and female cat are selected and then compared with each other., Thus, the best representative in each group is chosen, the loser receives the title — Best shorthair (semi-longhair, longhair, Siamese-oriental) of the opposite sex (Best opposite sex).

The four winners in groups are compared with each other and placed in places:

— best of the best 4;
— best of the best 3;
— best of the Best 2;
- Best of the Best.

If the judges disagree, a draw is made. If there is no competition in one of the groups, the only representative automatically becomes the winner. If, for some reason, your cat did not receive a title or did not make it to the Best in Show competition, do not be discouraged, this can happen to anyone. Judges are people too, they have a subjective view of each cat breed. And since the judge's opinion is not discussed, do not put yourself in an awkward position by proving that your animal is the best. For every cat lover, his cat is the best. Go for it, you will be lucky at another exhibition, because... The factor of bad luck is also present.

I wish you and your cat good luck at the show!

Based on materials: zoolife.com.ua felicity-club.ru

Every cat owner considers their pet unique. However, not every owner knows that he can show it at special events. In the article we will look in detail at how to prepare a cat for an exhibition, what documents are needed, how a cat exhibition takes place, and what rules must be followed. This is a good opportunity not only to show off your animal in all its glory, but also to win a prize.

What do you need to participate in the exhibition?

Any cat that meets the conditions of one of the registration organizations can take part in the exhibition.

Age

Usually, if a kitten has reached 3-4 months, he is gladly accepted as a candidate. But kittens that are younger than this age are accepted only with the kitten’s mother as part of the litter.
There is no age limit for an animal to participate in an exhibition, but it is not recommended to take a cat over 10 years old to such events.

If you are going to use your pet for breeding, remember that in this case they will only be able to evaluate it from 10 months. Until this age, a cat can participate in exhibitions, however, after 10 months, any pet that is recognized as suitable for participation in breeding is presented to the exhibition again.

Health

It is very important that the cat is completely healthy:

• Vaccinated against rabies, panleukopenia, calicivirosis and rhinotracheitis no earlier than a year and no later than one month before the exhibition.
• Dewormed with a broad-spectrum drug.
• The cat should not be injured by people or other cats. An animal that shows a minor injury, such as a scratch, bite, or abrasion, may lose several precious points when judged by the experts. And if there are significant injuries, the pet may be completely removed from participation in the competition.
• The animal must not have congenital defects - strabismus, bald spots, blindness, cleft lip, etc.
• A pregnant cat is only assessed until it is noticeable in appearance - approximately 5 weeks.
• Nursing cats are also taken to exhibitions. However, noticeable signs of lactation can significantly reduce the score.
• Neutered and spayed cats can only take part in classes that are available to them.

So, if your cat meets all of the above requirements, think about whether the animal will be able to visit such crowded places. Often unsociable and shy cats, when surrounded by a crowd of unfamiliar people and animals, loud noise and strange smells, experience very severe stress. And, most likely, there is no point in wasting your time and money in this case. After all, if a contestant hisses or scratches an expert, he will be disqualified.

XI International Cat Show “Grand Prix Royal Canin”

Certificate form No. 1. The certificate will indicate the sanitary and epidemiological situation in the area of ​​your residence.

These certificates must be issued at a state veterinary clinic.

When issuing any certificate, keep in mind the fact that it is valid only for 3 days from the date of receipt.

Additional documents if you are planning to travel to an exhibition abroad

You need to obtain an international veterinary passport.

If your cat is purebred, you will need to have documents with you confirming this:

1. contract of sale,
2. kitten birth metric
3. pedigree

Basically, such documents are drawn up and issued immediately after purchasing a purebred kitten.

For the first time, it is better to participate in an exhibition that is located near you.

The Supreme Cat Show is the world's largest cat show, held annually in Birmingham. 2010

Other little things

It is advisable to fill out the form and submit an application for participation at least a month before the opening. It is very important to fill out the form correctly: indicate the exact gender, age, breed, coat color, nickname, etc.

In case any questions arise, the telephone number and name of the administrator should be indicated on the first page of the form.

In addition to personal data in the form, you will need to select the appropriate exhibition class, which is divided depending on the exhibition system in which your pet will take part.

Cat Show Systems

All cat exhibition systems are divided into 3 types:

1. European
2. American
3. British

Each system differs in judging methods, show classes, titles and much more.

European system

The wcf system is one of the European ones, which is currently considered the most popular in Russia. It is known for the fact that its experts are relatively loyal to new breeds and quickly recognize them. In addition, according to the wcf system, the cat is accompanied by the owner throughout the entire exhibition, which, you see, is important for a pet. Score sheets and diplomas at such an event are issued only after the exhibition. European exhibition systems also include fife, ofa, farus, mfa, wacc.

American system

The American exhibition system is distinguished by the fact that experts do not evaluate cats on tables. There are rings where cats are described verbally. And instead of evaluation sheets, participants in such exhibitions are given ribbons called ribbons. According to the American version, systems such as tica, cfa, cff, icu, rui and wca work.

British system

The British system is not as popular as the European and American ones. There is only one system here - gccf, which evaluates cats sitting in cages.

Titles and exhibition classes

Traditionally, cats are included in one open class and 2-3 more at will. For purebred cats, the open class is characterized by breed. For example, Bengal, Scottish fold, and others. If the cat is not purebred, open classes are divided into pet colors - black, tabby, etc.

There is also a debutant class - for cats that are participating for the first time, or comic classes for outbreds (for example, “the cat with the longest tail”). It is better to apply to the maximum number of classes allowed to increase the chance of winning, especially since the cat will be able to get used to the new place.

For example, the wcf rules have developed 20 assessment classes and 5 age groups. To receive the title of champion, interchampion, etc., as well as to move from a low class to a high one, a cat must receive a certain number of diplomas in accordance with the exhibition class. And only on the basis of all these diplomas will the animal receive a title certificate as confirmation of the title title.

The main goal of the exhibition of outbred cats is to promote care and responsibility towards all domestic cats.

Outbred or even stray cats always participate in the exhibition on an equal basis with others and can just as deservedly receive awards and certificates. However, remember that desire alone is not enough to win the exhibition of a kitten you picked up on the street; you need to properly care for and train your pet.

Outbred cat show in Penza, 2015

Preparing a cat for an exhibition

The exhibition should be taken seriously, so it is better to plan everything carefully in advance.

List of required things

Prepare or purchase from a specialized store everything you need to participate:

• performance cage;
• a curtain with which you will hang the cage;
• cat litter;
• toilet and filler;
• a bowl for food and a separate one for water;
• food and water;
• disinfectant;
• toys;
• comb.

It is recommended to choose a cage made of metal with multi-colored inserts made of specially selected fabric. You can sew the curtain yourself using your cat's favorite fabric. She will be able to hide her pet from neighboring competitors and keep the cage warm.

Cat show in Moscow “Vozrozhdenie-2014”

Before hanging the curtain and laying down the rug, thoroughly clean the cage with a cat-friendly disinfectant.

Preparing the appearance

The cat should also be prepared for the exhibition. To receive an award, the animal must look and feel 100%!

If you have a long-haired pet, take care of its appearance six months before the start of the exhibition, but if it is short-haired, 3-4 months will be enough. You should bathe your cat at least twice a month, using a conditioner after bathing. Brush your cat as often as possible, gently clean its ears and trim its claws.

Providing food

It is not recommended to feed your pet before traveling. It is enough to feed him the day before the exhibition. You can feed your cat upon arrival, but it is best to do this after participating in the exhibition. But the animal should not need water, so constant access to it should be provided.

Cat Show Rules

In order for experts not to disqualify a cat, it must meet all the proper requirements and rules.

Traditionally, cat shows take place in several rings over 2-3 days. Most often they are organized in the cold season, when animal fur begins to grow and looks most attractive.

It is advisable to arrive at the exhibition at least an hour before the opening so that the cat can recover from the trip and get used to it a little. In addition, you will need to have time to show the animal to the veterinarian and find a comfortable place. If you are late for the examination, you may be disqualified.

Main stages of the exhibition

• Upon arrival, you must immediately go to the registration desk, give your name and present all the necessary documents. You will be given an exhibition catalog and a registration number under which you will participate. In the catalog, be sure to check the accuracy of the data in accordance with your documents.

• A veterinary control table is usually located not far from the registration desk. Let your cat out on the table only after treating it with a disinfectant! If your veterinarian won't do this, take care of it yourself or use a disposable diaper.

• After the cat has been examined, you will be given a ticket, which you must keep until the end of all days of the exhibition.

• Then you can go into the hall and choose a place that is comfortable for you and your pet. Set up a display cage here and place your things. Check the decoration of the cage: hang up the registration number, decorations, toys - whatever you have prepared. Before calling an expert, you can take a photo of your pet or chat with participants and guests of the exhibition.

• After the announcement of the start of the exhibition, exhibitor owners wait for their numbers. As soon as you hear your treasured numbers, go to the expert and put the cat on the table. You only need to hold your pet if it starts to run away or if an expert requires it.

• Give the expert the opportunity to evaluate all the advantages and disadvantages of your animal. It is not allowed to talk or distract the expert. Try to be calm and confident, because the cat will sense your mood.

• At the end of the examination, you may be called back to the table for comparison if any pet is similar to yours. Next, the expert will fill out an evaluation sheet, which will be given to you along with your diploma after the entire event.

Cat show in Moscow “Beaumonde cats 2014”

The winners of the exhibition receive various souvenirs and sometimes substantial sums of money. But the most important thing is that participation in the exhibition will give you the opportunity to once again be convinced that your cat is the best, regardless of whether she receives high marks or not!