stupid question!

[pinklizzy]

Can ask a possibly stupid question?
How do cat shows work? I'm assuming all cats need to be registered to enter? I have very vague memories of attending the GCCF supreme show with my granny at the age of about nine but can you go just as a spectator/visitor like you can at dog shows.
I'm only really asking because I'd like to be able to learn more about the cat breeds.

[dandysmom]

Not stupid at all! Yes, you can attend as a visitor; cats do have to be registered. Our breeder members will no doubt be on with information about that. Going to a show is not only great fun it's an excellent way to learn about the different breeds...trouble is, you end up wanting one of everything! At least I do!

[smudgley]

No question is stupid if it needs asking :)

there are a few members who regularly attend shows, I'm sure they will post some info about them for you.

[candyshandy]

I don't show my cats but go and ooh and aah over the ones entered into the show.

They tend to open to the public after the judging usually about 12 ish. There are also stalls there with traders/charities selling kitty goodies, food, litter etc.

I haven't been for a while - had a mad busy year last year but I'm hoping to go to the Wigan show in a couple of weeks.

[pinklizzy]

Thanks everyone! Just one more question? How would I find out if there are any shows locally to me? Are they advertised anywhere, like in the dog newspapers? I don't drive so am pretty limited to places I can get to by train!

[Fran]

Hi, yes to show under the GCCF, pedigree cats must be registered with them. Moggies can also be shown under the GCCF in the household pet section and obviously these do not need to be registered with the GCCF. You would be best going to visit some cat shows and finding out what it's all about. The general public are usually allowed in the show hall after the open judging has taken place, usually around middayish.

Here's a list of all the GCCF shows for the next year. Have a look and find some that are nearish to you and pop along, admission as a visitor is usually only a couple of pounds or so :D

http://www.gccfcats.org/showsnew.html

[pinklizzy]

Thanks Fran,
There are a few that I could maybe get to easily-I'm on the Welsh/Shropshire border so will also try and get to the Supreme show-work permitting! Off to crufts next week for two of the days!

[Fran]

Thanks Fran,
There are a few that I could maybe get to easily-I'm on the Welsh/Shropshire border so will also try and get to the Supreme show-work permitting! Off to crufts next week for two of the days!

The Supreme is well worth going to! Lots to see and lots to buy ;) However, it does run differently from all the other GCCF shows in that the public are allowed in whilst judging is taking place and the cats are not judged in their own pens like they are at usual shows, they are taken to 'rings' for judging. Also they do not have side classes just the open classes. So well worth going to but not a true representation of what goes on at the usual bog standard type of show.

Enjoy Crufts!