Tips for a Cat Show???

Hello,

Well, I'm thinking of entering Lola in an upcoming cat show (just for fun). However, she's a bit of a scaredy cat sometimes.....she'll be fine one minute, then bolt out of the room the next. She's always been ok at the vet (where there are a number of resident cats wandering around), so I don't expect her to have a problem with the other cats in the room. I think she'll be fine, as long as I'm there to hold her or she can go in her carrier (she loves that thing) if and when she gets nervous. I'm planning to bring some toys to distract her, plus some treats. Does anyone have any other tips to make this a pleasant, calm experience for her?

Hi there Leli,

I would only show a outgoing, well natured cat at a show because timid, nervous cats are no fun at all for the handlers or judges. If your cat is unpredictable and has never been "caged" so to speak I wouldn't show her. Also since your cat is going to be in her show cage most of the day she will need to be use to people. Showing them when they are kittens makes it alot easier for when they are older. But you never know, some cats suprise you. Go along and see how you both like it.

Sam.

Hello,

Well, she's kind of a timid cat, but is still a kitten...she's also been getting more and more confident lately, but has the occasional bolt. Plus, this show is just for fun (no entry fee, no prizes except a ribbon for the top 3) and says no experience needed. I'd like to use it as an opportunity to help her get used to people by making it enjoyable for her (she's a suck and likes attention, so me, my boyfriend and my friend all playing with her and petting her will rev up the purr machine for sure). Also, because it's just for fun, I won't have a problem taking her and leaving if she gets upset. Are there specific toys that are good at shows? I've never done it before. I considered entering Sammy, who is a people-loving, calm and collected, can't startle him, friendly cat (polydactyl tuxedo, as you can see from my signature), but he's not a fan of other cats - he starts growling like a dog whenever we're at the vet, which I'd assume would be frowned on at a show.
Anyway, any tips of experiences you guys would like to share would be great.