This is an extract from the GCCF Publication "Showing Cats", available from the Office.

There are shows held almost every weekend and you can find information in cat magazines or by contacting the GCCF Office.

The public are normally admitted in the middle of the day until closing time at about 5pm. The cats are all placed in wire pens with a white blanket to sit on - often hiding a hot water bottle or an ice pack to keep them comfortable. The cats are all in similar  surroundings so that they cannot be identified by the judges. 

The judges move round the hall with their stewards, taking the cats out of their pens one at a time to be judged; you will recognise them by their badges and white coats. Judges do not normally speak to the exhibitors or the public until they have finished their judging. The results are written into a book and slips from the books appear on the results board later in the day; you will see the boards surrounded by exhibitors excitedly searching for their cats' placings.

The pens are in rows usually starting with the Long Hairs in pen number 1 and ending with the Siamese. The non pedigree cats may be in a different part of the hall. The show will have a catalogue which will give you information about the cats, their breeds and colours and will also have advertisements put in by the breeders so if you are thinking of buying a kitten it will be very useful. Many shows have notices or leaflets to help you find your way around.

There is one very special show held at the NEC, Birmingham each year in November where cats that have won the top prizes at other shows can compete for the title of 'Supreme'; this is the Supreme Cat Show. Here the cats will all be exhibited in large decorated pens and will be taken to special rings to be judged. If you are lucky the judge may give a commentary on the judging while you are watching.

 

Thinking about showing your cat ?

This does need careful consideration. The most important thing to decide is if your cat will enjoy the show because shows are meant to be enjoyed by the cats as well as their owners. Some cats are shy and nervous and a show would be an ordeal for them; a show cat needs an unflappable and friendly disposition. Cats are best introduced to showing at an early age so that they can get used to the idea before they get too set in their ways. Great care is taken at shows to reduce the risk of infection to a minimum but there is always a very slight chance that your beloved cat could become ill after a show - is it worth it?

If you have a pedigree cat you should also decide if your cat is 'good enough' to be shown. Take advice from the breeder and any other experienced person you know. If you have no one to ask contact the GCCF and ask for the 'phone number of the secretary of your local cat club; talk to them and join the club too so that you will start making friends with people who show.

How to enter your cat in a show

Once you have decided to have a go it is always best to go to a show without your cat to see how it is done without the worry of getting it wrong. You will also need to embark on a little light reading! Far better to know the rules than to find that you have broken them and are in trouble. This could result in your cat being disqualified. Tackling the entry form can be a bit daunting so give yourself plenty of time.

 HOW TO APPLY FOR SHOWS

The show year begins on 1st June and carries through until the 31st May the following year. To obtain a copy of the full Show List which gives details of all GCCF Shows held from June to May including Show Managers' names and addresses to send for schedules, please contac the GCCF Office :  GCCF, 5 King's Castle Business Park, The Drove, Bridgwater. TA6 4AG

Having decided that you want to enter a show, you should write to the Show Manager requesting a show schedule.  You will need to enclose a stamped, addressed C5 envelope.  Detailed information on showing is available on the GCCF web site at  www.gccfcats.org

A word of warning - many of the Championship Shows get booked up very quickly, so it is wise to send for your schedule, complete your entry form and send it back a couple of months in advance.

Having decided that you want to enter a show, you should write to the Show Manager requesting a show schedule.  You will need to enclose a stamped, addressed C5 envelope.

 A word of warning - many of the Championship Shows get booked up very quickly, so it is wise to send for your schedule, complete your entry form and send it back a couple of months in advance.

 HOW TO FILL IN THE ENTRY FORM

Before you begin to fill in your entry form, you will need to check that you have all the relevant documentation.   You will need:

 1. Your cat’s pink transfer of ownership documentation – please ensure that your cat is transferred into your name at least 3 weeks prior to the show.   If you are applying a long time in advance and you haven’t sorted out your transfers, write TAF (transfer applied for) in the relevant box.

 2. The GCCF registration number for your cat and the full names of its parents.   If your cat is not registered, you should write RAF (Registration applied for) in the box provided for registration number.

3. The GCCF breed number for your cat.

4. Your cat’s date of birth.

 If you don’t have any of this information, check with your breeder; it may be that they are waiting for registration documents to come back from the GCCF - summer is a particularly slow time for this.

WHICH CLASSES DO I ENTER?

Now comes the confusing bit…. the classes you should enter.    Follow these steps and you may find life a little easier:

 1. Go to the Semi Longhair Section in the Show Schedule.

 2. Look under the section headed Champion Adults –     Kittens – Neuters.   Go to the section which applies to your cat or kitten.

 3. You should find a listing which reads something like this:

160   Bicolour Ragdoll …...Mrs Double-Barrell

162 Colourpointed/Mitted Ragdoll….. Mrs Double-Barrell

The number is what you should enter on your form where it reads “Open Class”.

MISCELLANEOUS & CLUB CLASSES

There are a number of miscellaneous classes in which you can enter your Ragdoll and have it compete against other Rags and other breeds in the Semi Longhair Section.   There is often a minimum number of classes you need to enter (usually the Open + 3 sideclasses) and a maximum allowed (often between 6 and 8).  Details are printed in individual show schedules.

 1. Go to the Semi Longhair Miscellaneous Section of the schedule where you will find as in the Open Classes, that the sections are split into Adult, Kitten and Neuters.   Select the section that applies to your cat and then read the following summary of what the classifications mean.

 Adults: 9 months old and over on show day.

 Kittens: 14 weeks - 9 months old on show day.  Neutered kittens are shown in the same class.

Neuters: Neutered adults, male or female, may only enter classes specified for neuters.

Breeders For exhibits bred by the exhibitor(s).

Novice Exhibit that has not won a 1st prize in any class at a GCCF show.

Maiden Exhibit that has not won a 1st, 2nd or 3rd prize in any class aGCCF show.

Limit Exhibit that has not won more than four 1st prizes in any class at a GCCF show.

Debutante: Exhibit that has not been shown before   under GCCF rules.

Adolescent 9-15 months old on show day.

Junior 9 months-2 years on show day.

Senior 2 years and over on show day.

Veteran 7 years and over on show day.

Abbreviations

AV Any variety      A Entire Adult

AC Any colour      K Entire Kitten

AOC Any other colour         N Neutered Adult

M Male      F Female

NK Neutered Kitten

2.   Select the section (Adult, Kitten or Neuter) that is specific to your cat and then you can choose the classes in which you wish to enter your cat.   For instance, if you have a female kitten aged 5 months which hasn’t been shown before, you could enter it for any of the following miscellaneous classes:

AV Kitten                 AV Non Breeders

AV Novice               AV Maiden

AV Limit                   AV Debutante

Make a note of the numbers alongside the listings for the classes you wish to enter and then write them down in the Miscellaneous Classes box on your entry form.

3. Fill in the “breeders” box with the full name of your cat’s breeder, or if you bred the cat, write “Exhibitor”.

4. Check your form thoroughly for spelling errors, or wrong information as you can be disqualified for not providing the correct details.   It is always wise to copy the cat’s details from your transfer certificate.

5. Sign the form in the relevant spaces.   Remember if your cat is jointly owned both must sign.   Write a cheque for the correct amount and send the form back to the Show Manager.   It is wise sending a stamped addressed postcard with your entry so that you have an acknowledgment of your entry, and you should keep a photocopy of your entry for your own records. 

 CLUB CLASSES

You are also entitled to enter your cat in “Club Classes” for Cat Clubs that you are a fully paid up member of.   To enter these, go to the section in your schedule titled “Club Classes” and follow the same procedure as before.    

WHAT CAN MY CAT(S) WIN?

At Championship status, your cat will be judged against other Ragdolls of a similar pattern and if in the judge’s opinion the cats are worthy of a Challenge Certificate (CC), this will be awarded + a rosette to the male and/or female cat judged to be the best exhibit in their respective classes.  The judge may then choose between the two CC winners which cat merits the Best of Breed award.

 In Miscellaneous and Club Classes where your Ragdoll will be judged alongside other Semi Longhair breeds, placings are normally given from 1st - 6th or from 1st - 4th and if your cat has been placed, an appropriate card will be put on the pen at some stage in the afternoon.   There is usually a tear-off section on the card which you take to the Show Table to obtain your rosette athough most shows nowadays put the rosettes onto the pens throughout the afternoon to prevent exhibitors from having to collect them. Rosettes are usually only awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th placings.

SHOW EQUIPMENT

1.  A carrying box - preferably not wicker and definitely not cardboard.

2.  A standard show kit is available by mail order or purchase  

the necessary items at the show:

 a)  Plain white blanket or vet bedding with plain edging, no       

distinguishing marks or colours are allowed, neither is the  cellular type.

b)  Plain  white litter tray.

c)  White feeding bowl (must be removed before judging).

d) White water dish (do not remove during the show).

e) Cat litter + scoop and toilet/kitchen roll.

f) Cage wipes or a suitable mild disinfectant for cleaning the  inside of the pen - aerosols are forbidden.

g) Grooming kit - brush and comb.    You are not allowed   powder in the show hall. 

h) Food and water for the day.

PREPARATION OF YOUR CAT

1.  If you decide your cat really does need a bath, make sure this takes place at least a week before the show,          otherwise the coat will not lie properly.   Alternatively, a couple of days before the show you could apply a little talcum powder (preferably non-scented) but you must make sure that no trace of the powder is left in the coat before you leave for the show as your cat could be disqualified.

2.      Ears.   Be very careful to remove all signs of wax from the ears as this is a favourite reason for rejection at vetting in.

3. Check that the eyes are bright and clear. 

4. NEVER take a cat to a show with the smallest skin lesion as this will almost certainly be considered as indicative of ringworm.   You will be rejected at vetting in and you and all cats resident with you will be barred from shows and showing until clearance is obtained.

5. NEVER take a cat that is slightly “off colour” to a show.   Your cat should be in ‘tip top’ condition.

THE BIG DAY

1. Make sure you leave home in plenty of time.   Do not feed your cat before leaving as this can cause travel sickness.   Check that you have your bag with all your show kit, food and water for the day and, of course, your cat. Remember to take your cat’s current vaccination certificate as you will be asked for it at vetting-in.

 2.   When you arrive at the show hall you will be given an envelope containing your vetting-in slip, tally and admission sticker.

3.   Vetting-in. This usually takes place between 07.30  am and  09.30 am - check your schedule. There is almost always a queue. A vet and his/her steward will carefully examine your cat’s ears, eyes, coat, feet and under its tail.   It is possible to ask the vet to allow you to open your cat’s mouth in order that it may also be examined. Provided everything is okay, your vetting-in slip will be signed and you will move into the Show Hall.  Don’t lose your vetting-in slip - it is irreplaceable and may be needed to claim those cherished rosettes.  If you are unfortunate enough to be rejected (heaven  forbid) you will be given a form by the Show Manager stating the reason for rejection and telling you what you need to do to obtain clearance.

4. When you have found your pen, check it for security; for example, door not shutting properly.   If you have any problems with your pen contact the Show Manager at once.   When you are satisfied that your pen is secure, wipe it down carefully with disinfectant.   Place your food and water bowls in the rear right hand corner of the pen and your litter tray between them and the front of the pen.   Now introduce your cat to its home for the day and let it have some breakfast.   Keep fussing him/her to help them settle.   When your cat is finished eating, remove the food dish and lightly groom him/her whilst in the pen, give him a final groom and cuddle, check that you have removed the food dish and that you have a clean  litter tray.   

 5. Judging starts about 10.00 am and it is then necessary for all exhibitors to leave the hall for that well-earned cuppa, a gossip and to purchase the show catalogue.   You should check you entries in the show catalogue and if you find an error immediately go and rectify it with the Show Manager.   You will be allowed back into the hall once the Open Class judging is completed - check time in the schedule - usually 1 pm.   Judging of the Miscellaneous Classes continues well into the afternoon - be sure that you stay away from your pen if you see a judge or  steward handling your cat.

 6.  Results Board - By 12 noon the Open Class results may be up on the board and it is worth having a look to see how your cat has got on.   The results are listed by class  number and then you check down the list for your pen number to see whether your cat has been placed.

Below are some of the Abbreviations used by Judges on the Results Slips:

CC – Challenge Certificate

GC – Grand Challenge Certificate

BOB – Best of Breed 

CNH - could not handle   

Disq - disqualified

W/H - Withheld  

A - absent.

7. Collecting your rosettes.   Your Open and Best of Breed    rosettes should automatically be placed on your pen by an official of the Show.  Towards the end of the show, your Challenge Certificate or Grand Challenge Certificate, which is a card bearing your cat’s name and signed by the judge will also be placed on your pen.