Our Experiences as New Exhibitors

Yves Sandoval Peduzzi and Carlos Lopez Morelos

Embarking on the journey of showing cats can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience for anyone new to the scene. We’ll always remember our first show in Houston, Texas, where it all started with a cat we imported from France. She was promised to us with the expectation that we would show her, and after nearly two years of anticipation, she finally arrived. With excitement, we decided to find a show, and (in our early naivete) picked the one we thought would be the easiest to reach flying from Mexico. And that is how we ended up at the Houston Cat Club show in January – an event we would later find out was among the very largest and most competitive shows on the American circuit.

Recognizing that we had a lot to learn, we entered our kitten in the competition and enrolled in the CFA New Exhibitor Program. Though we tried as much as we could to study the CFA website in preparation, nothing could completely prepare us for the reality of the event. It was a whirlwind. From the start, we had to quickly pick up on things like knowing when to place our cat in the judging cage after the first call, keeping track of our assigned numbers, and understanding when it was okay to retrieve our cat after judging (indicated by the number cards being flipped face down). In the end, however, these were small, albeit essential details that only really became clear after a few mistakes.

What struck us the most, though, was the fabulous variety and beauty of the cats. We were utterly floored by so many different breeds, each one different from the next, colored differently, shaped differently, even with different attitudes toward each other. It was really an engaging introduction to the cat world for us newcomers … one mingled with education, nerves, and awe.

The Surprises of Being a New Exhibitor

Most new exhibitors will find it hard to believe, but the sheer size and organization of such a noteworthy cat show as Houston can take one’s breath away, while walking between rows and rows of proud owners and their immaculately prepared cats, and judges busy in their rings appraising each one. However, until you see it all first-hand, you probably would never believe that this kind of ambiance really does exist.

The night before our “inaugural” show, we were privileged to get guidance from Leesa Altschul, the CFA Mentor Coordinator at that time. She helped us through the whole event on how we prepared for the show. If we had just glanced at our cat and made a mental preparation for the show, we would have been in for a surprise. She also assisted us through the bath routine: the careful trimming and almost constant brushing made us take a slight step – actually a great step – back from the place we have now come to occupy as respect for exhibitors who put in all this time and effort making their cats look flawless. Such routine care would turn out to be serious art for most exhibitors.

Another beautiful surprise was discovering a wide-ranging spectrum of breeds and personalities at the show. As newly-formed exhibitors, we were surprised to learn that cat shows also feature cats apart from those with pedigrees: the household pets. There were always interesting stories about these distinct characters who really stole the show. It was endearing to see every cat, whether descended from royalty or not, as a potential star in the ring.

Those have been our surprises in handling logistics and finding very unexpected joys; they are what make showing cats great fun for newcomers. All new exhibitors will find their own path through the challenges, but these poignant moments of wonder and learning will make the twists of the trek all worthwhile.

The Fears

When we first started showing cats, there was a lot to learn, and we felt nervous about the rules and all the small details. We were worried that we might commit an embarrassing error, like stepping into the wrong ring or missing our number being called. One trick that helped us was writing our numbers on our hands. It might sound silly, but it became a lifesaver when the nerves kicked in and we started forgetting things. Thankfully, the show community has been incredibly welcoming. It did not take long for us to realize how willing everyone is to help by offering advice and guidance that you just cannot find in a manual.

Another concern was how our cat would handle the chaos of the show floor. The noise, unfamiliar scents, and crowds can be overwhelming for a cat that has never been in that kind of environment. Naturally, we were anxious about how she would react. However, with time, patience, and positive reinforcement, she began to adjust, which boosted our confidence for future shows.

The Joys

Despite our initial nerves, the joy of showing cats quickly outweighed any fears we had. One of the most pleasant surprises was how warm and generous the entire community was. Fellow exhibitors were more than willing to share their tips, whether it was grooming advice or strategies for keeping your cat calm in the busy show environment.

Amazed by how kind and helpful everyone was to us, we were also fortunate to have Noelle Giddings guide us through our first show. Even though she was called away to assist in one of the rings, she still took the time to give us grooming tips for our girl and showed us a few sculpting tricks. Although it is a competitive environment, everyone genuinely wants to see you succeed.

Then came the unforgettable moment when our cat was recognized by a judge. Our first ring was with judge Don Williams, and although we didn’t expect to receive a final, we were ecstatic when our kitten’s number was called. That moment of recognition was incredibly rewarding and made the journey and all the related preparation and effort worthwhile.

Advice for New Exhibitors

If you are considering entering the world of cat shows, here are a few tips to make the experience easier:

• Prepare Your Cat Gradually: Help your cat get used to new environments and being handled by different people. Familiarize them with their travel carrier, make them comfortable with baths, and establish a regular grooming routine to ensure a smoother transition.
• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to reach out to experienced exhibitors or show staff for advice. They have all been in your position at some point and are usually happy to share helpful tips. Make sure to be respectful of their time and advice.
• Enjoy the Journey: Remember, it is not just about winning. Focus on enjoying the experience itself. Celebrate small victories, whether it’s having a calm and happy cat or connecting with others in the community.

In conclusion, the world of cat shows is filled with unexpected moments, challenges, and rewards. What began as a nerve-wracking venture for us has evolved into a profound love for the feline world and a sense of belonging within the community. If you are considering showing your cat, take the plunge – you might discover a passion and meet a new circle of friends you had never anticipated. We feel fortunate to have made many friends who share that love along the way.