Annual Championship Cat Show

Each year, the Society conducts it's championship cat show. Typically this show is now held in mid March. It is a no longer a Burmese breed only show, with a small number of companion cats also exhibited, because sadly, we have had to change to an all shorthair show, over the last two years, as it was becoming unviable to hold a specialist "Burmese only" show.

We are proud to recognise our continuing sponsor, OZ PET, who provides pelletted litter and the  OZ PET litter trays as prizes for our shows.

Please take a while to browse through some stories of shows held in the past, and take a look at the planning for our latest show.

For those wanting to understand more about showing a cat, please read on...

 

Understanding a Cat Show

The first cat show for many new exhibitors is a complete mystery and yet somehow the novice exhibitor and pampered pet get through the day unscathed, taking home a few prize cards and sometimes a trophy.

Cat Show Dates

Complete list of NSW. Cat Show dates and club secretaries may be obtained from the NSW Cat Fancier's Association's website under "Show Calendar". As the closing date for show entries is normally 3 - 6 weeks prior to the show, telephone the relevant club secretary (or better still write enclosing S.A.E.) at least two months prior to the show to request a show schedule. For people who are unable to enter a show but would like to visit the show, the club secretary will advise of the venue. Most shows are open to the public from about 11.00 am or later.

If you would like to enter a show and require advice about the grooming and presentation of your Burmese, ask the breeder or another experienced exhibitor for help.

The day of the show

All exhibits must be taken to the show in a secure cat basket. Other essential items include a litter tray, (there are many suitable plastic containers available from your supermarket), some food and water for lunch, cage curtains and towel or pad made of plain white cotton material.

On arrival at the hall (normally between 7.00am and 8.00 am) exhibitors must  obtain a card with their entry details and a catalogue (if they have paid for one) from the steward seated at a small table near the hall entrance.

They then join the queue for veterinary inspection. Any exhibit showing signs of contagious disease, flea or parasite infestation will be rejected by the veterinary surgeon and not allowed entry to the show.  A refund of show fees is not made.

After  passing veterinary inspection owners take exhibits to the cages allocated, fit cage curtains and towel or pad on which exhibit sits.

If the exhibit appears distressed or frightened on being placed in the cage, I suggest that it be left to sit quietly by itself. Do not attempt to groom it or pat it as it will settle down much quicker left by itself. It may assist to cover the cage for a short time with a blanket. Burmese generally take shows in their stride but may be a little nervous at the first show. Just prior to judging allow your Burmese to use the litter tray and tray and then remove the litter tray from the cage. Do not feed your cat at the show until after judging is completed. Judging starts at about 9.00 am. and should be finished by about 1.00PM, after which exhibitors may return to the floor to attend their charges. ie. feed and litter tray.

At this stage, cards will be placed on the cages and reference to the catalogue will explain the competition and number of entries in each class.

Best in Section, Challenge and Reserve Challenge Awards

A Best in Section award is made in kitten classes only.

It is made to the best kitten of each colour and sex. ie. Best Brown Female Kitten, Best Brown Male Kitten, Best Brown Spay Kitten and Best Brown Neuter Kitten should each receive a Best in Section card or ribbon. The same applies for blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, blue tortoiseshell, brown tortoiseshell, lilac tortoiseshell and chocolate tortoiseshell kittens.

Challenge and Reserve Challenge awards are made in adult classes only. ie. cats over nine months of age. A challenge award will normally be given to the best exhibit of each colour and sex. ie. Best Brown Female Cat, Best Brown Male Cat, Best Brown Spay Cat and Best Brown Neuter Cat will each receive a Challenge provided the judge considers each is up to the required standard. A Reserve Challenge award is normally given to the cat placed second to the challenge winner in the open class.

At each show challenge winners are awarded a number of points ranging from eleven to twenty, depending on the number of entries in the class. (10 points plus 1 point for each cat in the class to a maximum of 20 points)

Champion and higher status

To be awarded the title Champion or higher, a cat must win a number of challenges and accumulate the prescribed number of points. Application for the title Champion must then be made to the NSWCFA Inc. on the correct form, enclosing the challenge cards and current payment.

Female, spay and neuter cats must accumulate 60 points and a male cat 70 points. In NSW the Grand Champion title is awarded to champion cats that accumulate an additional 60 points in the case of females, spays and neuters and 70 points for males. Higher awards can be attained by the collection of additional points as follows:

• Double Grand Champion – Male 70, Female/Neuter/Spay 60
• Bronze Double Grand Champion – 100 points
• Silver Double Grand Champion – 100 points
• Gold Double Grand Champion – 100 points

Miscellaneous Classes

These are additional classes which you can enter (usually you must enter 1) where you cat/kitten is judged just for the particular thing required. Eg head type, eye colour etc. See the front of your entry book for the definition of classes.

Open Shows vs Closed Shows

Closed shows are where the judging takes place away from exhibitors and public until judging is finished. Open shows are where the judging takes place in front of the exhibitors and public and the judges comments can be heard.

Exhibits must remain in their cages until 4 PM, after which they may go home.