How to know whether a cat could be shown?

[pinklizzy]

Hi all,
When we brought Imogen home, we had no plans to show her, largely because neither I or OH drive and there aren't all that many shows close to us and also because I have no idea how it all works.
Since then though, I've become a member of the British Shorthair cat club-I wanted to be able to learn more about the breed etc. They have a show in September and they've sent through a show programme.
At the same time, one of my mum's friends has started showing her maine coon kitten and my mum was asking about showing Immy and has offered her chauffer services!
This is getting a bit long-winded but basically I wondered how I could tell whether she's of show quality?
I've read through the breed standard and looked at pictures of other BSH on the internet but is there any other way to tell?

[Soupie]

Can you ask her breeder? failing that have a bash and see what the judges think ;)

do you have a photo I could see? I do quite a bit of stewarding in the British section and am getting my eye in so to speak.

[Jac]

Not that I'm into the show scene (yet) look at the breed standards. Ears, eye colour ect. Go with your gut speak to the breeder and post pics here.
Go with the flo. Plus if your baby doesn't like it......what's the point but you wont know til you give it a bash.

[Moli]

I bought Casper as a show quality kitten.....although the breeder knew I would not show him...But Oliver was bought as a pet only..So the breeder should be bale to tell you...

[pinklizzy]

Soupie, I have asked her breeder but she isn't really interested in showing. I have lots (and lots) of photos so I will try and up-load one later. I just didn't want to turn up to a show and not be allowed in!

[Soupie]

Hi there

Email the piccies to walker.s17@sky.com and let me have her breeding too and I can cross reference any family on the show bench :D

I don't show British but show in the British section so hav e a lot to do with them!

[dandysmom]

PL, was she bought as show quality or pet quality?

[pinklizzy]

PL, was she bought as show quality or pet quality?

She was bought as a gorgeous kitten! ;) Her breeder is one of my colleagues, a vet who breeds as a hobby more than anything else. I picked Imogen to be my baby as she was born-I assisted with the c-section! She struggled to breathe at first and I spent nearly an hour giving her oxygen and cuddling her-she was meant to be my girl!

[dandysmom]

Awww, I'd forgotten that! I'd say go with Soupie's suggestions; she can probably tell you if she meets the breed standards! I've never shown but enjoyed going to them with my breeder friends very much...it's addictive!

[angieh]

I could go all gooey and say if I were a judge at a cat show, Imogen would get best in just about everything. But I'm not going to, it would be too soppy!

(More pictures of Imogen would be LOVELY Liz!)

[Hreow]

Does she not just have to be registered with whatever organisation that supports the show? (GCCF etc.) I know GCCF are discussing letting pedigree non-registered cats compete in the "Household pet" section under a new heading, but I don't think that even that is a done deal yet. You could always write/email the organisers and ask them, that would be one way to get an answer. :-) (Does it not say in the show-rules?)

If she is registered, then they wouldn't disqualify her for being atypical, she'd just not win and you can read the critique to find out if it is worth another bash under a different judge. And you'd find out if it is something you'd both enjoy or not. :D