The Pet Owners Corner

May 19, 2026

Dear Cattalker: Can you help me understand why people are entering their pet cats in a show? I understand the special breeds. They get awards and it helps breeders sell kittens, but what the heck with the just regular old pets?  Sami B

Dear Sami: That is a very good question. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) recognizes the value and love that surrounds pets at home that might be of mixed breeds just as much as they do the pedigreed cats.

While you are correct that pedigreed cats get awards and titles that help distinguish a cattery and a breeder, there are other reasons to show cats as well. It is a very fun hobby and offers a chance for people to meet others with the same type of cat and to socialize during a show.

The Household Pet (or Companion) cat class also offers titles and awards. Showing them gives their owners the very same opportunities to enjoy a hobby, meet new people, and socialize during a show.

Pedigreed cats have specific breed standards by which they are judged which help breeders make certain that their cats meet the criteria established for each breed. Household pets are not judged by a standard; however, they must be clean and well groomed, amiable to handling, have all claws (trimmed), and be spayed or neutered. Unlike pedigreed cats, household pets are allowed some physical challenges when shown, such as being a tripod, having tipped ears (from a TNR program), or missing an eye, as examples.

Letting spectators at a show see that household pets are valued and can be part of an interesting hobby are just two of the reasons CFA encourages them to be shown. And although they aren’t judged like pedigreed cats, having them on their tables gives the judges a change of pace, allowing them to award what appeals to them rather than be confined to a written standard.

We encourage people to enter their household pet cats. If yours is social and open to strangers handling it, showing can be a great bonding time for you and your cat. It also gives people access to a great hobby, and might spark interest in getting a pedigreed cat to show. Older children can use cat shows as projects for 4-H or scouting. Plus, it is a great family activity.

I hope this answers your question and that you will enjoy seeing household pets compete at your next visit to a cat show. Cat Talk recently ran a story about CFA’s Household Pet class which you might also be interested in reading it as well.

 

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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