HHP showing

I have very recently acquired a cat that I would like to show in HHP. He is a DMH and I think 2-3 years of age. He is so easily adaptable to any situation he's in and friendly as can be that I think he'll handle it really well. The problem is, I find everything so confusing I'm starting to think the idea was only "good in theory". I have found a show that I'd like to enter him in, but I'm so afraid that I won't know what to do once I get there. Also, I'm confused by simple things like crate size. The flyer says cage size is 22x22x22, but you can buy a "double space". So if I have a wire crate that is 36x24x27 and payed for a double is that allowed? He's a fairly large cat so I don't think he'd have room in a 22x22x22 inch crate once there is a litter box in there. Really, any helpful hints would be great!

Oh, and this is Finn.

There is a CFA show in Allen Park, MI August 15-16.

He's completely deaf, so I'm sure that has a lot to do with him being unphased by commotion but I'm confident a show won't bother him. He's been in situations outside of our home before with lots of other animals around, people passing through, various people petting him, etc. and he will just sit there watching it all. He even lets me bathe and blow dry him in the middle of that kind of atmosphere. He's really a good boy.

Am I allowed to bring a my own wire cage then? Would the cage that I have, a 36x24x27 inch wire cage, be allowed?

Originally Posted by whiteforest

I have very recently acquired a cat that I would like to show in HHP. He is a DMH and I think 2-3 years of age. He is so easily adaptable to any situation he's in and friendly as can be that I think he'll handle it really well. The problem is, I find everything so confusing I'm starting to think the idea was only "good in theory". I have found a show that I'd like to enter him in, but I'm so afraid that I won't know what to do once I get there. Also, I'm confused by simple things like crate size. The flyer says cage size is 22x22x22, but you can buy a "double space". So if I have a wire crate that is 36x24x27 and payed for a double is that allowed? He's a fairly large cat so I don't think he'd have room in a 22x22x22 inch crate once there is a litter box in there.

Really, any helpful hints would be great!

Oh, and this is Finn.

Click to expand...

What a BEAUTIFUL boy!!! I too am new to cat shows..I just got a new kitten about two weeks ago who has a super temperament too. Am hoping to get her in her first show by the time she's six months old in Sept. Good luck!

Am I going to get any sort of direction from anyone at the show? As in, how will I know what it is I'm supposed to be doing with Finn once I'm there? I guess this probably sounds silly, but I don't really know.

First of all, most people I know purchase a double cage space. And you only bring your own cage if you have one of those sturdi-cage nylon pop up ones. The show cages are large enough, and for your first show you can just bring about 4 towels to use as curtains.

The cage has no bottom and a top that flips up. You lay down a towel under the cage, and then line the back three sides. Then you flip the top closed, and it's best to clip the top with large paperclips. A towel is then laid over the top to complete the cage curtains and shield your cat from all the cats around him. They feel safer when enclosed on three sides. There are two doors in the front of the cage, and you use those to take your cat out.

It's best to teach your cat how to be removed tail first as that is the way the judge will remove him from the showing cages when it's his turn.

When you enter, you can put a note on the application saying that you are new and that you want to be placed with an experienced shower. And when you get there, you can tell the entry clerk that it is your first show, and they can set you up with a club member who can show you the ropes.

I have shown three times total, and the first two were very nerve wracking. It gets easier, and people are forgiving of mistakes.

Your cat gets a number, and the show will generally follow a posted schedule. There will be a lot of exceptions however, depending on how fast the judges work, and cats may be called to two different rings at the same time. The schedule is flexible. In the showing rings, there are place holders above each cage. You keep an eye on them, and when your cat's number is put in the place holder, you put your cat in that cage, then sit down and watch. It really is easy once you get the hang of it.

The cage is provided by the club. You bring him in a carrier. Unless you wind up showing a lot, its not necessary to provide your own cage.

With a larger cat, its worth buying the other 1/2 of the cage for a single entry so the cat have more room and you can have the litter box in there. I'd only use a single size cage on a kitten or small breed under 7 lbs.

On the entry blank, you can make a note that you are a 1st time exhibitor and if there is anything special to know, please send it with the confirmation or you can ask to be benched with someone willing to help you out as you are a first time exhibitor.

It does help if you can attend a show before you actually show, but not necessary.

You don't need fancy curtains - some matching towels (5) for the 3 sides (inside) and one for the top and bottom is all you need for "curtains". You can clip them on the cage at the top. Most all cat shows have lots of people to help you set up and explain things - please do NOT hesitate to ask your neighbors for a little help. We want you to have a good experience.

Some basics:

Wash and comb the cat a few days before the show - be sure ALL tangles are out of the coat (belly and legs are more likely to tangle). A good shampoo to use on him (for whites) is Nexxus Simply Silver shampoo (its purple, so don't worry). I used that on my white rexes and they had a white sparkling coat.

Be sure you take all combs with you to the show. If you want more hints/tips, email and ask specifically so I can tell you what you really need to know/do.

I agree say it is your first time showing and ask to be put next to someone that can help you.
It was easy after my first time.
I have only shown two times so far.
They will call the numbers.
You need to listen for your cats number.
If they have to keep calling your cats number the cat will be disqualified.
After they call the number look for the cage with his number.
After the cat is jusged wait until the numbers are turned down before you get him out of the cage.
It is real easy.
Cleos first show was a 2 day show and I had to learn fast.
Sometimes 2 rings do go at the same time.
That is what happened with Cleo last time.

I agree is it intimidating, but just remember that everyone there was a newby at one point. It gets really easy.

Thank you guys so much! Having someone at the show to point me in the right direction is exactly what I need so that will be great.

I do have some grooming questions as well. How often before a show would you bathe? I asked my boss (she's been a groomer for nearly 50 years) about some whitening shampoos and she suggested bathing with Palmolive first (to cut grease), then a whitening shampoo, then vinegar (for alkaline?) so that the coat blows out extra fluffy. Does this sound appropriate? I hadn't heard of anything like this anywhere else.

Also, I'm trying to clear up stud tail on Finn. He was neutered last week so I'm crossing my fingers that that will help, and have been using cornstarch so absorb the oil in the fur. If that hasn't cleared up by August, does anyone know at what point I should do the cornstarch in his tail the weekend of the show? After the bath? A few days prior?

You have the basics. If the hair is more on the fine silky side and not cottony, then a few days before (2) you can wash him.

There are a few longhair cat breeders/showers in here that can help you in exactly what to do and when.

Why don't you start a new thread specifically for asking how to wash you gorgeous cat for a show - you'll get more response.

Thanks, I'll do that.