Press Release

International Cat Show with Maine Coon Special

The Aristocats Cat Club (Part of Felis Britannica and FIFe) will be holding an International Cat Show at The Bourne Leisure Centre, Queens Road, Bourne on Saturday and Sunday 20th & 21st October 2012

This is the second year this has been held at the Leisure Centre and it is hoped to make it an annual event, Felis Britannica shows are unique in that the public are able to watch the judging process and listen to the comments judges make to the exhibitors whilst making their assessment

All cats are welcome and visitors are allowed in from 0900 to 1700 each day for a small entry fee. There will be in excess of 150 cats for the public to see and you will be able to talk to the owners and breeders about the various breeds on exhibition, which will include Norwegian Forest Cats, Bengals, Abyssinians, Ocicats, Siamese British Shorthairs and Orientals to name a few.

Judges have been invited from The Netherlands, Denmark and Norway and we expect cats to attend from across Europe too.

Visitors are welcome and will be able to look at their favorite breeds of cat and talk to the owners who will be only too pleased to “Cat Chat” Visitors are also able to watch and listen to the judging, understand the judges placings and learn about a variety of different breeds.

Here is a little information about what is involved at exhibiting at an international cat show and more information can be obtained from either Wendy Chapman 01255 870170 or (wendy@wendele.com) or John Tipper 07885 201402 (john.tipper@btinternet.com)

Showing at an International Cat ShowGetting up early on the weekends might seem alien to many, but for those of us who choose to show our wonderful cats it comes easily. Those early morning starts and miles on the motorways are a small price to pay for a day of friendly competition, learning that little bit more about our own breed from experienced judges, discovering new breeds and of course a great chance to catch up on the gossip and any new feline arrivals. Best in Show is the ultimate goal for any exhibitor but as they say ‘winning is not everything’, it helps, but is not essential to have a fantastic day out at a cat show and of course we all take the “best Cat” home anyway.

This International show is run under the European Governing Body the FIFe (Federation Internationale Feline) www.fifeweb.org

FIFe currently has three clubs operating in the UK who run shows under the FIFe “open door policy”, details of the clubs can be found on the FB website www.felisbritannica.co.uk. This “Open doors policy” means you do not have to be a FIFe member to exhibit so long as the cat is registered with a recognised governing body i.e. FIFe, GCCF or TICA. Household Pets can also be entered and they do not have to be registered with any organization, just have up to date vaccinations.

This ‘try before you buy’ policy allows great flexibility and gives you a chance to check out the show experience to see if it’s for you and your cats. If you would like to bring a GCCF registered cat to a FIFe show please do observe their 13 day rule.

Entries for the Show at The Grieg Centre close on Saturday 1st September so you still have time to enter and details and entry forms can be found on the web site www.felisbritannica.co.uk. If you would like to enter your pedigree cat or your much loved family pet and would like more information, please email John Tipper at the email address below or Margaret Scott at entries@vikingcatclub.com

At all shows, cats are vetted in by a qualified Vet and cats are required to have all relevant vaccinations up to date.

There are five categories that are judged under FIFe, category I Persians and Exotics, category II Semi Longhairs, category III Shorthairs, category IV Siamese & Orientals and finally category V household pets (longhair or shorthair. Cats are shown in one main show class this is based on age and any previously gained titles. Many clubs also organise fun show classes that often carry cash prizes! These include all breeds in all categories such as First time exhibit, Cat bred by exhibitor, Kitten, Stud, Queen, Neuter & litter class etc and take place once the main judging has been completed.

During the show, the cats are kept in pens which are provided by the club and you are very welcome to decorate these pens with curtains, cushions and anything that will make your cat feel at home, You will be with you cat all day so make your pen area your own, it’s not unusual to see grooming trolleys become impromptu picnic tables come lunchtime. Don’t forget a litter tray and food bowls

Judges come from all over Europe and indeed the world to judge at UK shows, the breadth of knowledge and experience having handled a large number and a wide variety of cats is vast, providing a great platform to learn more about your own and other breeds.

Unlike some UK cat shows, exhibitors present their own cats for judging and it is not necessary for the cats to go in holding pens, if they are happy sitting on your lap in the audience to wait their turn that’s just fine. However, stewards are very happy to assist if you are unable or don’t want to present you cat, please just ask. Exhibitors do not have to leave the hall while judging takes place, the whole experience is relaxed and open and you are able to watch and listen to the judges while they make their decisions. Often the Judges will talk to the assembled audience about their placements and many of them enjoy this audience participation.

Whilst appraising your cat in front of you, judges will give a verbal and written critic and very often ask questions, this interaction allows for explanation and reasoning which can be as helpful and insightful to a first timer as it is to an experienced breeder. Qualifications and placements will then be given – this is at the judge’s discretion and can be withheld. Depending on how many cats are in the class, a ‘Best in Variety ‘may be awarded.

The first stage of judging complete, it is now a nail biting wait until all cats in the category have been judged and the nominations for Best in Show begin. These are not usually automatic so be prepared to be called up again for further presentation whilst the judge makes a final decision as to who will go through to the all important ‘Best in Show’. This gap in judging for you and your cat is a great time to watch other classes being judged and learn about other breeds, indulge in a little retail therapy or just relax and chat with the other exhibitors.

Eagerly awaited, ‘Best in Show’ is the highlight of the day, as podiums are re arranged the atmosphere heightens and expectations rise. The hall buzzes as finishing touches are put to already perfect grooming; last minute advice and good lucks are given from new friends and old. Once your cat has been called and you have taken them to a holding pen, you can take your place in the audience to watch and wait, this is the only time where a steward will present you cat.The panel of international judges will assess each category separately and each has its own Best in Show, decided from the winning Male Cat, Female Cat, Male Neuter, Female Neuter, Junior and kitten that have been chosen from the nominees. The Best in Show in each category is then judged to decide on the ‘Best of the Best’ overall winner.

Whilst judging is taking place the anticipation is always electric, you could hear a pin drop before each decision is made and then its tremendous applause and congratulations. All winners receive trophies and rosettes and very often additional prizes from show sponsors. Official photographs will also be taken by the show photographer for use on club websites and magazines.

Registered cats will also gain points throughout the season that go towards the annual points awards which are presented each year at the awards dinner organised by Felis Britannica. This also includes the sought after award of “Breeder of the Year”.

If you would like to enter the show, please contact John Tipper at felisbritannicapr@gmail.com or telephone 07885 201402