Typical cat show benching cage in the US. Cats wait here until called to the ring.
A cat show is a judged event where cats compete to win titles in various cat registering organizations. Both pedigreed and random bred cats can compete, although the rules differ from organization to organization. Cats are compared to a breed standard and those judged to be closest to it are awarded a prize. Often, at the end of the year, all the points are added up and additional national and regional titles are awarded.
In the US, each judge has a separate ring with cages. The cats are brought up to the judge, who removes each cat in turn and then replaces them when they are done. Spectators, including the owners of the cats are present and in the audience. The cats owners are given a number for each cat and are responsible for getting them to the ring when they are called.
In Europe, many times the cats are all placed in undecorated cages in a hall, then the judge comes around to each cat and examines them. The owner must leave the hall while judging takes place. When all the judging is done, the results are tallied and the owners may return.
Cat shows are important so the breeders can compare their cats and progress on breed standards can be achieved.
A cat connoisseur might choose the unique look of the Ocicat, which, besides its spotted wild looking beauty, is known as one of the best companion cats.
A long-haired cat or a high-strung, elegant Siamese whose claws are sure to scratch expensive furniture and mother's stockings, might send a fastidious housekeeper into a broom swinging rage.
If you plan to show your cat as a hobby, and your specific about what you want in looks and temperament or if you intend to breed, by all means, buy a pedigreed cat from a breeder.
A Showcat (also known as a 'purebred' or 'pedigreed' cat) is one that has been judged to be close to the physical ideal for its breed.
Because these cats are so valuable, they are identified at birth with a breeder's mark - a small tattoo on their ear, and nowadays they are microchipped as well.
Cat breeders are continually competing to find the 'purest' of the species - the bushiest tails, longest ears, shortest muzzles etc. Because of this, the physical characteristic of a prizewinning showcat have been gradually exaggerated to the extent that some of them look like an entirely different species of animal.
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