Once you have decided which classes to enter, turn to the entry form. This must be filled in with the cat's name and registration number, the parents of the animal, the open class number and the side class numbers. Then fill in the entry fees section, your name and address and sign the declaration.

Send this, with a cheque for the correct amount, and a stamped addressed envelope, to the appropriate section manager (this is usually inside the front cover of the schedule, and often on the entry form). If possible, photo copy the completed entry form before sending it. When the entry is accepted, the section manager sends back the S.A.E., confirming that your cat is actually entered in the show.

THE S.A.E. IS VERY IMPORTANT, SINCE WITHOUT CONFIRMATION, YOU MAY DRIVE HALFWAY ACROSS THE COUNTRY ONLY TO FIND THAT YOUR ENTRY ARRIVED TOO LATE OR THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF CATS HAD ENTERED BEFORE YOU, AND YOUR CAT IS NOT INCLUDED.

Most people give their cats a bath a few days before the show and make the main preparations the night before the show, so that it is just a matter of final touch up on the day. Your cat's breeder may be able to advise you on show preparation. You will need to take the following:-

White litter tray

White food and water bowls

White blanket (not cellular) - 'vetbed' is allowed

Food

Bottle of drinking water

Grooming kit

Cat litter

Food fork & tin opener (if req.)

Cloth damped with pet safe disinfectant solution Small cat toy (if desired)

MOST IMPORTANT: The cat's vaccination certificate, which must be up to date (i.e. the last booster must have been at least one week ago, and not longer than 12 months).

If you forget everything else, you can usually obtain them at the show, but the certificate is very important, as it will be asked for by the vet.

When you get to the show you join the line of people waiting to 'vet in'. As you near the vets' tables, you collect your envelope with the tally and class confirmations in. Then you proceed to the vets' tables where a vet will examine your cat. The vet looks for dirty ears, eye problems, nasal discharge, sneezing, fleas, worms, skin disorders, signs of an upset tum, if the cat is pregnant (females) or monorchid (one testicle) (un-neutered males). If the cat is in good health, the vet will sign the class confirmation document, and you may proceed to your pen.

Once at the pen, give it a wipe with the damped cloth. Put in the litter tray and water bowl. (Tip: put the water & food bowls at the back). Also put in the white blanket - then the cat.

Allow him to settle and offer a little food if you wish. Give him a groom just before 10.00am. Hang the tally either around the cat's neck, or on the front of the pen.

Make sure that you remove any food before judging, but leave the water in the pen. Only the blanket, water bowl, litter tray and of course the cat, are allowed in the pen when judging starts. (No toys or food). At 10.00am you will be asked to leave the area, sometimes even the show hall, for judging to commence.

Once the hall has been cleared, the catalogue goes on sale, and it is important that you check your entry is correct, not only the classes you have entered, but also spelling of the cat, its parents and the breeder & exhibitor names. If it is not correct, find the Section or Show Manager, and explain what is wrong.

Judging is done by comparing the cat to an agreed written document, the Standard of Points

The results will appear on the Awards Board, you will be able to locate it because from very early on there are swarms of people congregating around it, and by early afternoon they are up to 10 deep! Results appear in class number, so look up the number of your open class as it is usually the first to appear, though if the judge has several classes before yours, it may be into the afternoon and some of the side classes may be up first.

Rosettes are always given for the open class, though there may be a choice of them or money for the side classes. Check in the original schedule, and ask someone as shows do differ in what they offer.

You are allowed in after the morning judging, usually 12.30 or 1.00. Now you can leave your cat's food in the pen all afternoon, even if judging hasn't finished. However, you should not place any toys or other distinguishing features (advertising cards, photos etc.) in or on your pen until all your cat's classes have been judged. This can lead to disqualification.

The show normally closes at 5.00pm, at which time you may leave. There is normally a mad dash to pack up! After all, it is a long day - but it must be enjoyable, because so many people continue to show for years. Remember, you can only show one a fortnight, and this rule goes for any cat in your household, not just the one you have shown.

Well, that's about it, you'll learn much more by going out and taking part. GOOD LUCK!!

To contact us:

General Enquiries: Tel/fax 0114 2692306 (UK)

Kittens available countrywide, Tel: 01484 666728 (UK)

                                      Email: steve@butters.force9.co.uk