| Getting Your Cat Ready for a Show |
| I think cat shows are fun, fun fun!! (Especially when your cat is winning.) It can be a long day, but you'll meet interesting people, learn a lot about your cat, and eat some good food. They also sell the latest and greatest in toys and food. First, it helps to start early. Make sure your cat is exposed to a lot of people she doesn't see every day. Have them handle her to get her used to the idea of strangers. Then, if you have a "slinky" breed, described as non-cobby - Maine Coon, Turkish Angora, Oriental, Siamese, Aby - make sure you carry her in the "stretch" position - one hand just under the front legs, around the ribcage, the other just in front of the back legs, with her extended full length. Young cats don't mind this at all, and it's a must. You should also try standing her up - just lift her front legs up, and try to keep her up on her back legs, rather than walking or slumping down on her butt. Practice grooming. Clip claws regularly, clean ears regularly, brush, give baths every few weeks. Touch her face often as well, just to get her used to it. And always, always treat!! This is part of something that you've seen if you've ever seen the dolphin show at an aquarium. That thing where they roll over and put their tail flat on the surface? They're trained that position and do it every single day. That way, when the once a month vet visit needs a blood sample from that tail area, it's no big deal to the dolphin to offer it up. Get the right supplies. You need a good carrier, food, food and water bowl, litter box (a small one - and they'll sell them at the show), and a small bed. You'll need curtains for your benching cage, but it doesn't need to be fancy - you can fold sheets around the side and over the top and that will do just fine. For those inclined to go further, the cage dimensions are a 21" cube for a single cage, and a 21" by 42" rectangle if you go for the double. Singles aren't bad, but most everyone goes for the double. A full size or large cat won't fit very well in a single. Then, go and have fun! Remember, that's the goal here. And many shows have household pet categories for those who don't have pedigrees. If your cat is healthy and relatively calm, the chances are excellent that they will come home with a ribbon to show off. Good luck! |