The Pet Owners Corner

October 14, 2025

Dear Cattalker: What do all the names of a cat at a cat show mean? Their names are a mile long.  Anna K

Dear Anna: It does seem strange that show cats can have such long names, but there is a reason. When a person starts breeding, they register a cattery name in the organization where they show. So, let’s pretend our cattery name is “Purrfect.” When kittens are born to a cat in our cattery, their name starts with the prefix “Purrfect.” This tells other breeders which cattery bred the kitten or cat. Now we want to give kitty a name that we actually call her. Our new kitten will be called “Sandy.” Her official name is now “Purrfect Sandy.” Let’s pretend that Sandy goes to a breeder whose cattery name is “Sunshine.” The new owner’s cattery is added as a suffix, and Sandy now becomes “Purrfect Sandy of Sunshine.” By looking at her name, we know that Sandy was bred by Purrfect cattery but is now owned by Sunshine cattery. To make it interesting, let’s say we later acquire a kitten of Sandy’s from Sunshine cattery, and her kitten’s name is Lucy. Sunshine Lucy (because she was born at Sunshine cattery) becomes “Sunshine Lucy of Purrfect.” A cat’s registered name and its more familiar call name are sometimes very different!

I hope this sheds some light on those long names you see at cat shows.

 

Dear Cattalker: I have a suggestion for cat shows. There really needs to be an information person to answer questions. I tried to figure out what was going on at the show but no one had time to explain it all to me. People showing were too busy, and a lady at a table with lots of papers had a sign that said “This is not the information booth.” So, where can we direct our questions?  Cheryl G

Dear Cheryl: That had to be very frustrating to have questions when you want to learn but nowhere to ask them. Your concern is being passed on. Often the person selling tickets at the front is available to answer some questions. The show’s master clerk (whose table displayed the sign) stays busy recording all of the judges’ awards, and interruptions can be a distraction. Many exhibitors will be glad to help, but timing is critical. Ask when they would have a minute to answer a few questions. I think your idea of an information person is a great one. Thank you for suggesting it. Meanwhile, CFA’s Cat Show Guide is a helpful resource which may answer many of your questions.

 

 

 

Pet Owners Corner is designed to answer common questions that pet owners may have. Answers will be simple and straight forward. No questions are too silly to ask; if you have that question, others probably do as well. No medical advice will be given because diagnosing and treating is not possible without a proper veterinary examination.

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