Back then, Cat Fancy targeted an audience interested in bloodlines and breed standards. The magazine boasted an exhaustive index of breeders as well as passionate letters about specific cats.
Today’s cat owners tend to be much more enthusiastic about watching adorable cats and hearing about rescue stories. Some might even consider entering their own fur baby into a show!
The Origins of Cat Shows
Are You A Cat Lover or Judging One? — Chances are if you love felines, chances are that you have attended or judged one. But where did these juried competitions originate from?
Before cat shows became the extravagant spectacles we know them as today, they were more laid-back events held locally offshoots of poultry and livestock shows; prizes would often be awarded for having the heaviest cats or being prolific mothers (though judges often decided the winners based on personal preferences).
At Harrison Weir’s behest, London’s Crystal Palace hosted its inaugural cat show in 1871. Although Weir was initially skeptical of his plan – lacking breed registries or standards to judge cats at that point – but his determination paid off and quickly organized classes, prizes, and an event schedule – which led to its modern form being born.
The Rules of Cat Shows
Rules for cat shows vary by organization, but all require participants to have their cats spayed/neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations, free from parasites and not pregnant or lactating at time of entry. Some shows focus on one breed only while others allow all cats – even household pets! – including household pets!
Once a contestant registers their cat and submits all necessary paperwork, they are assigned a number that corresponds with one of the cages on the judging table. A judge then examines and compares it against its breed standard – cats that earn the most points in their class receive a trophy!
One of the most essential rules to abide by when viewing cat exhibitions is not touching their caged felines. While spectators might feel inclined to pet or hold beautiful felines, touching can spread bacteria and viruses from cat to cat if touched directly. An exception could occur if a judge requests for someone else to present their cat.
The Purpose of Cat Shows
Imagine attending a cat show as an extravagant display featuring beautiful cats with well-off owners showcasing them and celebrating feline beauty – not to mention an opportunity for cat enthusiasts to meet each other and bond over felines! It makes perfect sense that cat shows would bring together such people and showcase feline beauty!
Harrison Weir, an artist and passionate cat enthusiast, organized the inaugural cat show in 1871. Weir conceptualized an official cat fancy consisting of breed standards, competitions and an authoritative governing body to govern these events.
In 1910, three independent clubs that registered pure-bred cats joined together to form the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF). Since then, this massive organization has licensed and run 150 cat shows per year; overseen large numbers of pedigree cat registrations; published the cat bible “The Cat;” licensed new breed shows each year; licensed new shows annually for licensing; published their bible “The Cat;” issued licenses annually at each show; published Natural Cat magazine dedicated to organic foods and herbal therapies for your feline friends!
The Benefits of Cat Shows
At a cat show, visitors navigate between rows of tables containing cages containing cats. Some may vie for championship status while others enter friendly competition. Many owners of the felines bring them regularly, even decades.
GCCF was established in 1910 to oversee modern cat fancy. As its names implies, it was among the first registries to develop breed standards similar to what the Kennel Club offers for dogs.
Today’s cat lovers relish every chance they get to attend cat shows. They enjoy listening to experts discuss the complexities of breeding and judging; purchasing merchandise to help their cats live longer and healthier lives; spending time with fellow enthusiasts – not to mention celebrating their beloved fur babies at these unique events! Unlike dog shows, cat shows provide insight into an industry often less well-known than their canine counterparts.https://www.youtube.com/embed/c46UyHSOYQY