This past Saturday, April 20, I attended the Kitties ‘n Blooms, Championship and Household Pet CAT SHOW put on by the Calgary Cat Association and governed by TICA (The International Cat Association Inc.).
Calgary Cat Show Benching Area, Shouldice Arena
I wasn’t really sure what to expect having only ever attended a Dog Show as a spectator but I was more than happy to meet some kitties and their people, and, get educated on the world of cat shows.
The way the rings are set up is quite different than a dog show, There are chairs in front of the judging tables and the spectators are welcome to sit and watch the judges handle the cats.
Mark Coleman interacting with the spectators at his Ring
Questions are welcome in the ‘final’ rings when judges are describing the merits of the cats and awarding the plaques, but some of the judges do interact with the spectators during the initial judging process and some are quite entertaining and informative.
Judge Mark Coleman from California
There is a Judge, a Clerk and a Steward in each ring. The Clerk tracks the Judge’s decisions and the Stewards disinfect the cages after each cat is judged. The Judge cleans the table and his/her hands after each cat is handled as well to prevent the possible spread of disease.
Numbers on cards in the Benching area (where the cat lives during the show when not being judged) and Judging rings indicate the cats’ classification (pink cards for females, blue for males). Classifications are divided for pedigreed kittens (4-8 months), pedigreed cats that can be bred, pedigreed cats that have been neutered or spayed and household pets. Each group is further divided into long or short hair cats or kittens. There is also a division for preliminary new breeds. (I know, seems all very confusing; I was confused for about the first hour I was there until some kind people took the time to explain everything to me. A more detailed explanation of how the judging process works can be found on the Calgary Cat Show or TICA websites.
Both Males & Females, Waiting Their Turn To Be Judged
I loved the way the Judges interacted with the Spectators. I have to say my favorite was Mark Coleman of California (pictured above). He was engaging, entertaining and very informative about all the different breeds he was judging at the Show.
Judging a Maine Coon Cat
I was amazed at how laid back and tolerant most of the kittens and cats were at being handled so much however not all of them were in the mood to be handled and you did hear the occasional hissing, yowling and spitting going on.
Not All Cats Are Happy About Being Judged
I met lots of great people and their cats here and you will meet some of them over the next week or so. Today I wanted to talk about the show a little and also introduce you to three very special kitties that were at the show with the Calgary Humane Society and are up for adoption.
Tris Ref. #19623119
TRIS
is an adorable 7 month old tortoiseshell female. She had just won a 3rd Place award in the Household Pet class when I met her. Tris was found wandering as a stray. She is so sweet and had her little stuffed owl with her that she just loves.
Tris, and her best friend, Owl
I am sure she would love to meet you, she is available for adoption at the Calgary Shawnessy Pet Value store.
Meet two brothers Misty Ref. #19631640
Misty
Blue
These two big boys are 10 months old and were surrendered by their owner. The Humane Society would prefer that these boys stay together if possible. They are beautiful, calm relaxed cats and are very bonded. They would love to come live with you!
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Sheila Hughes Pet Photography 