It is a common misconception that only entire cats can be shown at GCCF Cat Shows. However, that is not true. There are a number of breed classes that our Chartreux can enter as an adult or kitten, entire or neutered.
Showing your cat for the first time may appear to be very daunting. However, once you know what to do, showing your fur baby can be a very interesting and enjoyable way to spend the day. Especially if you like cats in general, as there is a lot of spare time to look around the show. It is fair to say that some owners love cat shows and others do not, and the same can be said of their cats!
The GCCF website has a very good and detailed section on showing your cats, and a good way to start is to find a show nearby so that you make life easy for yourself and your cat. GCCF maintain a list of recognized shows on its website, together with the deadlines for entry. Some shows are only for a particular breed, but there are plenty of opportunities to show your Chartreux in the ‘All Breed Shows’.
If you find a show that you think would be suitable, you can contact the show organizer to discuss your application form if you have never completed one before. Many show organizers are very keen to see Chartreux cats represented at their shows and will help you with your application and in choosing the correct classes for your cat.
If you think that you might be interested in showing your cat, here are a few points that you need to know:
- Make sure you read the show rules and regulations, as even if you break them by accident or ignorance, you can still be disqualified.
- Your cat’s vaccinations must be up-to-date, and you must bring your current vaccination certificate, which must clearly identify the cat you are showing.
- For as long as the Chartreux are shown in Assessment Classes, you must leave a copy of the ‘Standard of Points’ document on top of the pen.
- Your cat must have clean ears and eyes, and the coat must be well-groomed.
- The tips of the claws must be cut off.
- It is advisable to have a top-opening cat carrier, so your cat can be easily lifted out for ‘vetting in’ on arrival at the show.
- You will need a clean plain white blanket, a white hook-on water bowl, a white feeding bowl and a white litter tray to put in the show pen you are allocated. These items normally come as a set and can be found online when searching for ‘cat show equipment’. The cat litter does not need to be white under GCCF rules, but most exhibitors use white or very pale-coloured cat litter. You may not add anything to the pen which would distinguish your cat in any way, and you are not permitted to spray the cat, pen or bedding with any stress remedies which would change the cat’s appearance or behaviour. Once your cat has been judged, the feeding bowl and a small toy can be put in the pen.
- The cat show organizer provides the pen, which is included in the entry fee. If your cat is big, you might consider paying extra for a double pen so it has room to stretch out.
GCCF Show Reports
The judges have 28 days to send their reports on each cat to GCCF for publication on their website.