On November 24, 2007 we attended a cat show held in Oklahoma City, OK. My oldest daughter, Staci, came with me and helped out as we brought 3 cats to show. It was alot of fun to spend time with Staci.
Mapleleafrags Sapphire Martini earned her CHAMPION title at the show.
Josie earned another title at the show also.
And we took one of the new kittens, Mapleleafrags Slow Gin Fizz, to the show. She is a seal bicolor girl and only 4 months old. The kitten class does not earn titles but she did very well and we heard nothing but positive things from the judges about this new girl.
Below you will see a few photos from the show. Enjoy!
This is how we both felt at the end of the cat show!!! LOL!
Nov. 3/4, 2007 in Springfield, Missouri Megan and I made another "road trip" with 3 cats! We had a blast and the cats were highly successful at the show!
At this show Caitlyn earned her Quad Grand Champion title!
Josie also earned another title!
Cosmo became a Kitten Champion!
Caitlyn being judged
Caitlyn
Caitlyn
Caitlyn's and Cosmopolitan's ribbons
Josie
Josie
Josie
Josie being awarded 2nd Best Final by the judge
Josie's ribbons
Megan with Cosmo
Meg with Cosmo
Cosmo was awarded a kitten final, Megan holding Cosmo
Cosmo waiting to be judged
Cosmo being judged
Cosmo on the left waiting to be judged
Here are both boys in their benching cage. This is the OKC TICA show in April, 2006.
These are the cages the cats stay in while they are "benched" or waiting for their turns in the rings. Exhibitors use cage curtains for privacy. The girls were in this cage. This is the OKC TICA show in April, 2006.
Judge Yamada is judging Molson
Molson is earned Best of Color and 2nd Best in Division with this judge. These are the cages the cat sits in while awaiting their turn with the judges.
Judge Nancy Parkinson is checking out Molson's boning, balance, and coat.
Judge Parkinson and her judge-in-training are checking Shakespeare.
Judge Yamada is checking the slope and earset on Shakespeare
Judge Yamada is judging Lilly.
Judge Yamada is getting to know Josie.
Judge Yamada is checking for Josie's balance, proportion, etc.
Judge Nancy Parkinson is checking for correct slope, chin, etc.
Megan w/Judge Yamada April, 2006 OKC TICA show. Josie earned her "Champion" title w/this judge at her first show!!!
Judge Harley DeVilbiss and me July 2006 at the Temple, TX TICA show. Josie earned her GRAND CHAMPION title w/this judge!! Excuse the hair - it had poured rain all day!
Megan w/Judge Yamada in OKC, OK April, 2006 at the TICA show. This judge gave Bella her "Champion" title!! We were so excited for her first show!
Daughter Megan & Caitlyn w/Best Kitten Ribbon
Daughter Megan with Caitlyn and Judge Sessler w/Best Kitten Ribbon
Caitlyn w/her Halloween collar and Best Kitten Ribbon and daughter Megan
Josie with her Halloween collar on
Caitlyn and Josie with Halloween collars on
NEWS FROM THE COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO TICA SHOW Nov. 2006
Traveling to the Colorado Springs TICA show Pulled over at a rest stop.
Pulled over at a rest stop and thought the sign said it all. I got out and stretched but we didn't go any further. "Watch for snakes" on the sign. Raton Pass - Our first sight of the beautiful snow-capped Rocky Mountains on our trip!
Alternative format show - we brought our own cages
Josie in her "tent"
Megan with Caitlyn @ 7 months
Another final for Caitlyn - she received a total of 4 Finals at this show! Meg with Caitlyn on the right.
Josie received a total of 3 Finals from this show - all toward her Supreme Grand Champion title!
This is Judge Fisher who finaled Josie in one of the rings.
Photos from the TICA show in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Now that I've shown you some photos of what the shows look like, I want to explain the importance of showing your ragdoll in TICA or CFA.
TICA stands for "The International Cat Associaion" and is a HUGE professional organization for cat breeders/owners. We pay yearly dues to belong to this fantastic organization. They have a vast amount of knowlege to share, as well as supporting members of the "cat fancy" world. There is also a wonderful member list where breeders can exchange information and ask questions. I have a link on my Favorite Links web page for anyone wanting additional information. There are TICA cat shows almost every weekend across the world.
CFA stands for The Cat Fanciers' Association and is the oldest professional organization for cat breeders/owners. Again, this is another great organization to belong to as a reputable breeder and they support any cat breeder with loads of information and the ability to share info with other breeders. They also sponsor cat shows almost every weekend.
I belong to a local TICA cat club called "Thunderkatz". They put on two cat shows a year; one in Oklahoma City and one in Tulsa. In order to pay for the show hall all breeders/exhibitors who wish to exhibit their cat(s) must pay entry fees for each show. You may "rent" cat cages at the show or you may bring your own approved cat cage. Breeders/exhibitors very often decorate their cat cages and benching area with information about their cattery. You will find lots of beautiful fabrics, photographs, etc. with each breeder/exhibitor. We use cage curtains and fabrics to give our cat(s) privacy so they feel secure inside the cages when they are not in the rings.
Each show has a panel of judges who will spend time with each cat in the rings at the show. Every show has a different amount of rings. One judge is in each individual ring and judges the cats, awarding the best in several different venues. They check for the standards for each individual breed of cat and judge the cats accordingly.
First of all the judges will look at all the cats in the same class - judging them with Best of Color ribbons. Then the cats are judged for Best of Division ribbons. Once the judge has judged all the cats then they have a "Final" where the best the judge has seen during that show have one more opportunity to earn points and receive beautiful rosette ribbons. With each step the cat earns points.
The importance of the point system is that there are increments in achievement for the above-mentioned judging. Points are awarded for each step. Titles are awarded with the appropriate amount of points necessary to win. With each show your cat(s) are judged by many judges and each ring is actually a mini-show. Again, for more information check out my web page on Favorite Links.
I feel the most important aspect of showing is being out in the show halls and seeing what the current standard is for the particular breed of cat you own. My job as a reputable breeer is to ensure that my ragdoll cats are being bred to current ragdoll standards.
Another important aspect of showing is the networking with other breeders at the cat shows. Also many potential customers will come to the cat show to meet breeders and see their cats. It's a fantastic opportunity to greet new customers and brag about our beautiful ragdolls. For many spectators it is perhaps the first time they have been able to actually see the breed in person.
And lastly, what's more fun than spending time with other breeders/exhibitors who love their cats as much as I do??? You do form bonds with other breeders and strike up friendships along the way.
Please understand that showing your cat(s) is very expensive and takes alot of time in preparation for exhibiting. If you are trying for a specific title it also would mean you might have to travel to get to some of the shows to earn the necessary points. This means time away from your family, cattery, and your normal life. Costs include the entry fees, hotel rooms, gas, eating out, etc. A reasonable estimate for showing one cat for a two day local TICA show, all costs would add up to $500 for the weekend on a conservative estimate; add airfare if you must travel very far.
It is a wonderful place to meet other breeders and spectators who love cats!!! It's a fantastic opportunity to view exquisite examples of different breeds of cats. And if you have a good example of your breed of cat the shows allow you to earn your coveted titles.
Here are the TICA titles in ranking:
"Champion" - 300 pts and one final (specific requirements for the final are required).
"Grand Champion" - 1000 pts. and 4 finals from different judges (specific requirements for the final are required).
"Double Grand Champion" - 2000 pts. and a final (specific requirements for the final are required).
"Triple Grand Champion" - 3000 pts. and a final (specific requirements for the final are required.)
"Quad Grand Champion" - 4000 pts. and a final (specific requirements for the final are required).
"SUPREME GRAND CHAMPION" - 6000 pts. and a "Best Cat" final (specific requirements for the final are required).
There are also Regional Winners, International Winners, and other distinguished titles available.
Thank you to all the judges, clerks, stewards, show managers, club members, and others who help put on these fun shows!!
