Have to agree with your sentiments there Boomer. But, I have had the same experience at ACFA and TICA as well as CFA. Now that I have been showing for a bit over a year I can kind of understand, but I still believe that part of our responsibility as cat breeders is to promote our breed and answer questions. How else will people become less ignorant/more educated and let go of stereotypes?
For example, and I am not assuming the Original Poster doesn't know this information: I have had a number of people come to my benching area and tell me that a kitten should be homed at 8 weeks or earlier to ensure that it becomes a good house cat.
I keep a stack of CFA pamphlets on top of my cat cage for people to take if they wish.
In terms of the do not touch signs, I agree that was rude, but the easiest way to transfer cat diseases is on our hands. We touch one cat then touch another.. and the absolute worst, worst thing that can happen to your cattery is an outside disease getting in. Your reputation can be ruined, and you will need to go to extraordinary measures to wipe out whatever contaminant made it in.. quarantining all cats until it is gone. Feline diseases seem to be much worse than their doggie counterparts. Kennel cough is comparatively easy to clear up.
Anyway, to each his/her own, and of course this is just my opinion after just 2 years in the cat world. Maybe I'll change my outlook after a few years.
