Showing a Somali

Hello,

Tried to post in the showing and breeding forum but it wouldn't let me.  I just wanted to know if anyone has any advice on how to begin showing a cat?  I have a pedigreed Somali and was interested in showing her..  I've been researching it, still seems a little confusing so just seeing if anyone has advice/steps on how to do so for a complete beginner?  And if anyone knows of a particular way or products for grooming somali's for show..  I'm sure I can find a groomer online local but just wanted to ask around here too

What country are you located in?  The Cat Fanciers Association has a mentor program that may interest you if that is the association you will be showing in. I  show Persians but will help any way I can. I am in New England, in the USA. My first suggestion is to go to as many shows as you can and talk to the other Somali exhibitors. Can the breeder you got your cat from help you? I am not sure of the grooming requirements for Somalis - but will check around.

Hi thank you! I live in the United States.. California.  Yes the breeder said she will help in any way possible she's very excited.  I just wanted to see if anyone had special tips for COMPLETE beginners.  I have been to 2 shows and loved them  I'm 24 so relatively young from the crowds I usually see there but still wanna get my foot in the door

What show(s) are you planning to attend next? I'm in the Southwest region and get to quite a few of the shows in southern California and Arizona. I show HHPs and was showing my aby until he got sick. I also clerk for shows and can help you out with some of the technical aspects of showing. The breeder will probably be the best one to help you with grooming tips.

I really wasn't sure what shows were the best to attend for beginners.. From what I've seen the CFA shows are the best?? Not too sure but thats what I've seen.  And yes thank you I'd love technical tips!  Sorry about your Aby hope he's ok 

AshleyLucas said:

I really wasn't sure what shows were the best to attend for beginners.. From what I've seen the CFA shows are the best?? Not too sure but thats what I've seen.  And yes thank you I'd love technical tips!  Sorry about your Aby hope he's ok :slant:

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If your cat is already registered in CFA, those are the shows you want to look at. It's possible to cross-register between CFA and TICA, but it can be a long drawn out process, especially if you don't know exactly what you're doing.

Are you in southern California or Northern California? The state is split between two different regions in CFA. There's a show this weekend, Jan. 23-24, in Del Mar, but it's a huge show and could be more confusing than helpful for you to go as a spectator. It might be difficult to find someone who has the time to show you the ropes. There are smaller shows in Palm Springs Feb. 13 and Glendale Feb. 27.

Is your breeder near you, or at least in the same region? It would be great if s/he was at the first show you enter and could walk you through the process. If not, there's a place on the entry form to mark that you are a new exhibitor. That way you'll be benched next to someone who can help out.

Thanks!  Yes I think where I live I could really go to either norther or souther because I'm right in the middle..  I'm hoping she can come to the same shows as me and if not I will definitely check the box on the entry form for beginner!  I didn't know they offered that option thank you

http://www.cfa.org/Shows/EnteringAShow.aspx

This may be of some help when entering a show to explain the form a little.

Thank you!