What are cat shows? Cat shows are exhibitions where cats are judged by breed standards, condition, and beauty. As you might know if you’re a cat owner or have been in the past, cats have a lot more personality, grace, and agility than they’re given credit for in the media. Cat shows are every bit as interesting and exciting as dog shows are - and they’re a great way to connect with other owners, learn more about our feline companions, and take home a prize or two.
When you arrive at a show, you’ll find yourself in the midst of several exciting competitions. A cat show is actually composed of several separate smaller shows that run concurrently in various judging rings throughout a show hall. Judges preside over each ring, and every cat entered in the show is evaluated by each and every judge. These judges evaluate cats and give awards based on which cat best represents the written standard by which they are being assessed.
Judges are assisted by Ring Clerks, who are responsible for calling cats to the ring, recording the awards, and supervising ring stewards who clean the exhibition cages after each cat is called.
New to the show world? We love to welcome people to the community through our Junior Exhibitors Program and our Mentorship Program, where newcomers are paired with experienced TICA members/breeders to get the lay of the land.
Pedigreed Cats
For pedigreed cats, the judging standards outline ideals for each breed, and they’re approved by the TICA Board in advance, based on submission from Breed Committees. Breed standards are specific and precise enough to allow judges to evaluate cats objectively and accurately, but still flexible enough to allow for differences in interpretation between judges of keen eye and good intention. Check out our upcoming events. >>
Household Pets (HHP)
For household pets (HHPs), the standards are based primarily on condition, beauty, and show presence. We know that Mother Nature makes cats of all shapes, and sizes with great attitudes and charming talents — household pets in our HHP categories compete for standardized awards just like our Pedigreed Cats. We want to see your feline friend at one of our shows! Check out our upcoming events. >>
Categories and Classifications
In our Championship (pedigree) category, cats are classified as kittens, adults, or alters (neutered male or spayed female). The Championship classification is reserved for a male, female, neutered or spayed cat that is registered as a recognized breed and color in TICA. In our Household Pets (HHP) category and our NBC category, cats are classified as either kittens or adults based on their age. Kittens are 4 to 8 calendar months of age, whereas adults must be at least 8 calendar months of age on the opening day of the show. HHP cats and kittens are mixed breed/random-bred cats, half-pedigree “oops” cats, and pedigree cats that are not registered or do not meet the breed standards.
Provisional New Breeds, Advanced New Breeds, And New Traits
These exciting classes are for new breeds and new colours or traits in established breeds. These cats are registered with TICA, but have not yet met the requirements for Championship status.
Genetic Registry
TICA is a genetic registry, recognizing hundreds of different colours and patterns.
Classifications
Cats are classified as Kittens, Adults, or Alters (Championship), Kittens or Adults (Household Pets), and NBC (both kittens and adults). Kittens are 4 to 8 calendar months of age; adults must be 8 calendar months of age on the opening day of the show.
Judges Books
A TICA judge does not know the cats name, the owner, the breeder or the stats (Novice, Champion, Grand Champion, etc.) of the cats being judged. The judges book contains the entry numbers, breeds, categories, divisions, colours/patterns, age of the cat on the day of the show, classification (kitten, adult, alter, etc.) and the sex of each cat to be judged. Judges books do not contain genetic information.
In TICA, for example, a Siamese produced from two Oriental Shorthair parents would be shown as a Siamese. To the judge, this cat is a Siamese.
The cats are called up according to breed, division, and colour/pattern. TICA does not have Best of Breed ribbons; nor are any title points given for breed awards. Judges will announce their best, second best, and third best of breed, however, and will so note in their Judges Books.
TICA Colour and Division Awards follow:
Colour, Place, Points, Division
