Thread: First cat show

Originally Posted by harrymc

I think then my next show visit will be to a GCCF show, there is one at the NEC Birmingham in November, can't wait for that one

I'm really curious to see what you make of GCCF - aside from looking at some stunning MC's, I didn't like it at all, but I might just have been unlucky; the people weren't especially friendly (although that doesn't mean they were UN-friendly), and the cats were couped up in the show pens all day. Plus it was a baking hot day and all of them seemed to be breathing way to fast for my liking. Cats were stunning though, which made it worth the trip!

Originally Posted by FreyjaRoMaine

I'm really curious to see what you make of GCCF - aside from looking at some stunning MC's, I didn't like it at all, but I might just have been unlucky; the people weren't especially friendly (although that doesn't mean they were UN-friendly), and the cats were couped up in the show pens all day. Plus it was a baking hot day and all of them seemed to be breathing way to fast for my liking. Cats were stunning though, which made it worth the trip!

Have to say that we had this exact discussion today about this valid point. For me personally I don't think I would show Harry for the reasons you say. When we were at the show yesterday an announcement came over the loud speaker to ask the owner of a cat to return to his cage as he was in distress. I can't imagine it's something the cat would enjoy, it's the owners that get the pleasure from it. That isn't to say of course that it isn't lovely to see all the cats, after all where else would you get to see them. This also isn't a dig at anyone that does show their cats, I'm saying it's just not what I want for Harry who is for me purely a pet.

I feel the same way you do. The TICA show was much more fun, although a bit manic. The cats spend the day in their own pens around the edge of the judging rings so they only spend a short amount of time in the judging pens. And you stick around whilst the judges do their thing, where as GCCF you're all booted out. Much more relaxed, and apparently FIFe goes one stage further with you handling the cat for the judges. I think Freyja would get on with FIFe so we're giving it a go in Edenbridge, purely for kicks - like you, I got my MC to be a member of the family as opposed to a show piece, but her breeder is confident that she'll do well so I'd like to give her a chance. If she likes it, we might do it again; if she doesn't, I'll revert to spectator only!

Yes I would say that would be a good move. Let me know how you get on, is the show soon ?

Originally Posted by harrymc

Yes I would say that would be a good move. Let me know how you get on, is the show soon ?

October 3rd - not too far off, and it'll give me time to get some chain mail gauntlets for the bathing stage, I have the feeling I might need them...

Yep,we will be at that one but only taking the black & white boy Wellynton Boots & he also spends a lot of time sitting out on a chair so people can say hello to him,at Worthing last year Shimba got publics choice which meant more to me than him winning BIS neuter but again I think it was because this big mean cat sat on his chair & when people were allowed to make a fuss of him they couldn't believe how soft & gentle he was.
I can understand people though not wanting their cats touched because you don't know what can be passed on but I reckon working at a vets mine are pretty hardy anyway,
except if I have been in contact with something really infectious such as ringworm mine all get picked up & cuddled as soon as I walk in the door.
Anyone living near Grantham there is a FB show on the 12th September,last heard 191 cats going to be there.....

Hi Harrymc - were you at the Thornbury show ?? If so the hope to be mum and dad of my kittens were there ( still only a thought not yet a conception)!

We have found both FB & TICA to be much more relaxed & that in its self makes it seem friendlier but I also think it is because you are allowed to stay with your cats all the while, you tend to get there & make friends with your neighbour even down to sharing any goodies you take along & everything seems much more nicer for both cat & owner.We always have fans to put on our cages if it is too warm but I know once at a GCCF show we were told to remove them & it was a boiling hot day so several of us said we would withdraw our cats & in the end were allowed to keep them on,don't know if that rule has been changed but you don't have to worry at either of the other two.Luckily most of the halls the FB use are sports halls so there is AC being pumped round.Did go to one show where it had gone wrong & it was so cold we even went & bought extra blankets for the cats to cuddle up into,can you imagine MC's tucked up....Also at FB & I think TICA when your cat gets the required certificates or points to become champion etc you have to move up into the next class,so at FB if you do a two day show & on the first day your cat gets its last certificate for that level you have to go & report it & the next day you would start working for the next level up, it might have changed now at GCCF but you did used to be able to put your cat in for a certificate that they already held. In the FB once your cat has reached the top you can enter for Prize of Honour that then entitles that cat to have the chance of being nominated & go for Best in Show which is great if you have a cat that you want to continue showing. We have done that with our Merl but now he goes along occasionally just to be on exhibition & lay in his chair all day having the fuss & cuddles that he has become accustomed too & he luvs it....not something he could have done at a GCCF show.