Preparing a cat for an exhibition

The exhibition is not only solemn, but also quite a stressful event, both for the owner and for the cat. And here the expression that preparation for the exhibition should begin from the earliest age of the kitten is absolutely true.

What are exhibitions for?

In addition to the owner’s obvious desire to show the pet to the world, exhibitions are necessary so that the cat or cat can participate in breeding. In addition, it is at the event that you can find out the opinion of experts about the pet.

How to get to the exhibition?

There are a great many exhibition systems – FIFE, ICU, IFA, TICA, CFA and others. The easiest way to decide where exactly you will show your pet is to contact the breeder and find out if the cat is registered in any club. If there is no opportunity or desire, you will have to choose on your own. When the issue with the refereeing system is resolved, you can either contact the licensed club of this system, or find out the schedule of upcoming events on the website. In almost any case, to register for the exhibition, you will need copies of the pedigree or metrics (depending on the age of the kitten), as well as a copy of the owner’s passport. It is also mandatory to have vaccinations included in the veterinary passport. And rabies vaccine must be done at least one month before the show. Different organizers sometimes present their own requirements, so you will have to clarify in each case.

Socialization

If owners expect an affectionate nature and trouble-free nature from a domestic cat, then this is not enough for a show fighter capable of winning titles. An exhibition animal must be able to trust people and easily adapt to unfamiliar surroundings. Little kittens, from which they want to grow winners of the rings, must be accustomed to various irritants, the owner must show the pet that it is not worth being afraid of strangers, that they are part of his daily life. You need to walk with a kitten, take him to visit and, of course, take him to exhibitions. Participation in exhibitions forms the correct behavior for the baby in the hands of the owner or steward. But we must remember that different breeds of cats are shown in different ways, and it is better to clarify in advance how exactly your animal should be shown.

Grooming

One of the necessary stages of preparation for the exhibition is grooming. This concept includes not only hair care, but also claws, auricles and even teeth cleaning. After grooming, the cat should have a silky coat and skin without dandruff, clean ears, eyes, and the skin around them (without brown smudges). It is necessary to start preparing for the exhibition a few days in advance so that the coat is in maximum condition and matches the breed characteristics. And long haired cats it is better to bathe on the eve of the event, but short-hairedon the contrary, it is not worth it, since washing usually makes their coat excessively soft and plush.

The use of cosmetics is not prohibited, but you should not get carried away with tinting or tinting preparations; if there are already problems, they cannot be fixed in a couple of times, and if the judges notice your excessive zeal in masking problems, the animal may either lose a point or even be disqualified.

What to take with you?

To make your pet feel as comfortable as possible, try to create an atmosphere close to home. A cage or a tent is required for the exhibition – the organizers are ready to provide their own, but other people’s smells can scare the animal, therefore, if possible, it is better to purchase a personal “room”. It is worth taking with you a mattress-bed, to which the animal is accustomed. Required – water and the usual food, as well as bowls for feeding. Pet toys can also be used. In addition, you need to grab combs, pet cosmetics, diapers and disposable wipes. If the cat is accustomed to harness, then it will be a good help so as not to carry the animal all the time in your arms and not keep it locked up.

It is advisable for the owner to grab a folding chair for himself. According to everyone who has already gone through the “exhibition burden”, the organizers provide seating, but there are always not enough of them, and spending several hours on your feet is not a test for everyone.