Conference misery::feline_v1

    I have a long note that I extracted from this file (E.T. wrote it)
    and it is very informative.  I'll send it to you via mail.
    
    I'm just now learning the ropes and when people tried to explain
    it to me, I just couldn't get the hang of it (no pun itended!).
    But, once I entered my first show, everything just sort of fell
    into place and I actually understood what was going on and knew
    what to do!!  It's easy, but I think like anything, learning by doing
    is the best way to learn.  Now I have to figure out how the point
    system works cause Kelsey is a champion and will be competing for
    grand points.
    
    It's real easy to get hooked.  Everyone told me one final and I'll
    be filling out the entry form for the next show.  They were right!!
    
    
    --Roberta
    
    
    

    The first thing to do if you want to enter shows is to subscribe to
    CATS Magazine.  It has a "To Show and Go" section that lists most
    upcoming shows and gives you the name and number of the entry clerk.  
    
    If you have a registered cat, make sure you have sent in the
    registration papers and received a number back.  Also, determine what
    associations the cat is registered in.  If you want to show in an
    association other than what the cat is registered in, you will need to
    contact that cat association to determine how to register your cat in
    that association.
    
    Once you decide that you find a show you want to enter, get an Entry
    form.  You can usually get these from the Entry Clerk when you call. If
    you use a CFA entry form, this form can be photocopied and used for the
    other associations.  You MUST use a CFA form to enter a CFA show!!!!!!
    
    Of course, you can usually get information about upcoming shows in this
    conference, and I or someone else here could help you enter the first
    time.  I keep blank CFA entry forms in my office, so contact me if
    you'ld like me to send you one Interoffice Mail.
    
    Usually you have to enter a show AT LEAST one month ahead of time.  So,
    don't wait till the last minute.  Many shows will fill early.  CATS
    Magazine will usually list the closing date (the last date they accept
    entries) for each show.  
    
    Once you enter the show, the entry clerk will send you back a
    confirmation of your entry which will also give you directions to the
    show hall along with check-in times, hotel information, and other
    special instructions.
    
    
    cin
    

    If you have a Spayed "mut", can you still show him/her? If so, what 
    "class" would they be put in?
    
                     Thanks,
                      Crys
    

    I show my non-pedigree cats in the Household Pet category.  The
    Household Pets must be spayed or neutered by the time they are 8
    months old.  Declawed cats cannot be shown in CFA.
    
    Jan

    That's what I love about cat shows.  They have classes for
    neutered purebreds, apparent purebreds, and household pets.
    I think the HHP category is the favorite of alot of the judges
    because they get to judge the cat for its own personal value
    and not as an example of a breed.
      There is also a special award, the Morris award, that is only
    for Household pets.
      Nancy DC

    
    why is it that declawed catz can not participate in a cat show?
    
    at least in the household pet category?
    
    diane, stella & stanley
    

    Not all associations will not allow declawed cats to compete.  Several
    associations will accept declawed cats.
    
    It is the position of CFA that by allowing declawed cats to compete
    in their shows, they are condoning a procedure that is cruel and
    inhumane.  Almost every year at the the annual meeting, a resolution
    that would allow declawed cats to compete in the household pet catagory
    is brought before the delegates and the Board of Directors of CFA,
    and every year the delegates vote against the resolution.
    
    I cannot tell you the reasoning for the other associations banning
    declawed cats, but it is probably similar.  Declawed cats can be
    shown in TICA, and I think CFF, but I am not sure.
    
    Jo
    

    It is my understanding that you can't show declawed cats CFF.  If
    I could, Flame would be on the show circuit already.
      Nancy DC
    

    Your right, Nancy, no declawed cats in CFF.  And I believe for similar
    reason to CA.  However, in all the years that I've been in CFF, I've
    never seen a petition to try to allow them in.
    
    I know TICA allows declawed cats in the HHP class, Nancy, did you find
    out for sure if you can show Flame in the Alter class???
    
    cin...

    I haven't tried to enter the show yet.  Guess I should call the
    entry clerk and find out.  And does anyone know where I can find
    the phone number or address for TICA?
      Nancy DC

    Check the addresses notes.  TICA's headquarters are located in
    Harlingen, Texas, but I can't remember the address.
    
    Jo

    Nancy, the address is under note #666 towards the beginning.
    
    There's a TICA show coming up in Boston (next month or January,
    I think).  I might enter Kirby in it as an open and see how he does.
    
    --Roberta
    

    There's a TICA in Boston in December but I can't be bothered dealing
    with Boston.  There is also one on Jan 20th that says Boston, but
    is infact Dorchester.  I will be entering Flame in that one.
     N

    Why can't you "be bothered" with Boston?  Is it the show or is it
    just Boston?
    

    re: .14 Its Boston.  I just don't want to deal with the parking
    etc.

    Nance, did you check to see if you can enter a declawed Alter in TICA?
    Be interesting to know in case I get asked - thanks!
    
    E.T.

    RE: .15
    
    >re: .14 Its Boston.  I just don't want to deal with the parking
    >etc.
    
    What parking? Do you know about a space somewhere and aren't telling
    the rest of us?
    
    Deb

    Well...I used to know of a few places.  Jack's really good at finding
    legal places to park.  Then, of course, you can always pay your
    life savings to park in one of the lots  :-)
    

    When we went into Boston to the TICA show a year ago this past fall,
    there was a nice parking lot 1 block from Boston Garden and we were
    at the show till late and it was $5.00 for the day.
    
    My daughter and her husband bought a cat from Kitty Angels and we
    just happened to have a carrier in the trunk, and it was no distance
    to go  and get the cage and carry it to the car when we were ready
    to leave.
    
    My husband can always find a place to park near to where we are
    going in any city or under any circumstances. When I'm alone I walk
    for miles and miles.
    
    Barbara

    
    I'm also interested in what a beginner has to know about showing
    a household pet. I have a few questions:
    
    1. Do you have to present a spay certificate? 
    
    2. What about a health certificate re: shots, general health, etc?
       If so, do you do this at the show or send a copy in? How recent
       does it have to be? What about out of state cats going into Mass?
    
    3. I expect you have to have the cat in a carrier? What about during
       the show? Does it get taken out and handled, or is it in some sort
       of "stall" and get patted in there?
    
    4. Must you 'register' your cat with each association that's sponsoring
       the show? How?
    
    5. Do they ever have a "hunter" class? [this is a half-smiley-face
       question, since Grizzy is a beautiful little cat - and a real
       killer!]
    
    I plan on hitting a show in Boston in a month or so, to see what goes
    on, but I'd like to know about the "behind the scenes" goings on. 
    
    I hope to get my DEC Feliners name tag before I go; I want to go to
    the Feb 10/11 one at the Copley, but as an observer. Thanks for any
    information you can give me!
    
    	-julie
    

    Julie,
    
    You do not have to present a spay certificate or a health certificate
    when entering a show.  On a female, the judges take your word that
    the cat is spayed if it is older than 8 months.  The only way that
    they would know otherwise is if you cat was in roaring season while
    being judged. :^)  If the cat was a male, it would be pretty obvious
    if it wasn't neutered.  
    
    Your cat should be up on her vaccinations before you bring her to
    the show.  Since there are lots of cats in one place, and many cat
    diseases are contagious before the cat even appears to be ill, your
    cat *can* be exposed to different illnesses while there.  The judges
    wash their hands between handling each cat to help prevent this.
    You may want to be careful about letting spectators and others pet
    your cat while at the show as this is one way that the illnesses
    can be spread.
    
    While at the show, your cat will be assigned a benching cage.  You
    will be asked to cover the top, bottom and three sides of the cage
    with fabric of some sort.  Your cat will stay in there when it is
    not being judged.  You can take her out during the day if you want
    to.  It is not necessary for her to remain in the cage all day.
    You cannot let her run around on the floor though.
    
    Hope this helps
    
    Jo