THE COMPLEX WORLD OF EXHIBITIONS...?
Going to shows is a great hobby for the whole family, especially if the cat is from the show class and there are lots of different prizes, cups and rosettes to be won. It’s a fascinating world that seems very confusing to the uninitiated. That’s why I’m writing a bit about what’s going on in Estonia, so that anyone interested can read and get involved.
Table of contents
ORGANISATIONS AND CLUBS
Basically, there are four major organisations that currently represent the Scots in Estonia – TICA (The International Cat Association), WCF (World Cat Federation), WACC (World Association of Cat Clubs) and CFA (Cat Fanciers Association).
TICA is the most highly regarded system among cat breeders and enthusiasts, with qualified international judges and where the results of the shows are of great importance. TICA is the world’s largest system of genetic registers, bringing together breeders, breeders, breeders, etc. of both pedigree and domestic cats. This association has its origins in the United States of America and now covers a very large part of the world. TICA has the largest number of members and the number is growing every day.
TICA is represented in Estonia by the Estonian Cat Association ESTICAT. The club is young, but it fulfils the expectations of many breeders, as the TICA system has been lacking here for a long time.
Shows are organised all over the world, but the countries closest to us where the system is very popular are Finland, Russia, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark and, in the near future, Lithuania. Guest exhibitions are also organised in Latvia.
As is typical of American systems, Scottish Folk are recognised as both short and long form. All colours and point colours are allowed. The titles carry a lot of weight and are recognised worldwide.
WCF is a system represented in Estonia by Cato and Selena Tiger. Shows are organised in the Baltic States, Russia and also all over Europe. WCF shows are open to both Scottish Folds and Straight cats, including Longhairs. All colours are allowed except point + white. The downside is that almost any cat can go on to the World Champion title – you just have to show a certain number of times. So the value of the titles is quite low.
WACC is a Russian system represented in Estonia by Jessy’s Elite Club. The good thing is that the shows last only one day and you get two diplomas, but the level of judging is low and the organisation of the shows is a bit confusing. Also, there is no distinction between Scottish Straight and British Short and Long Hounds, which are strictly forbidden in other systems. See the breeding standard for more details. Titles can only be obtained up to European Ch level and there are basically no foreign shows. In the same way as in the WCF, it is in principle enough just to show up to get a title.
CFA is the oldest American system, which is also represented in Estonia by the Cleopella cat club. The level is high and you can also visit shows in Finland. The rest of the shows are mostly in the USA and some in China. All point colours are banned, but this is by far the most popular and desirable line for top breeders in the Baltic and Russia. Titles highly appreciated.
LET'S TAKE THE CAT TO THE SHOW
Once you’ve decided which club you want to belong to, join and pay the annual fee. You must also register your cat. All you need to do is fill in the relevant form and pay the entry fee. You can choose between one or two days. Both days will be judged by one or more judges, according to the system.
It’s worth taking your kitten to a one-day show early on – it’s a great way to give your kitten a chance to experience the system and meet the other participants. You’ll also get a first professional opinion from a judge and who knows, maybe the little one will win the title of Best Pussycat with a rosette and a cup. If you don’t dare to go yourself, you can hire a cat handler – a service we offer at LuxPet. Then you can be sure that your cat will get to the right place at the right time and be shown off in the best possible way. The transfer from home to the show and back is included in the price! For Macrory breeders, all LuxPet services are -20% off! Discounts also apply to ESTICAT members.
Things to take to the exhibition:
- cat documents and passport!
- your own cage if you wish
- if you don’t have your own cage, a disinfectant for someone else’s.
- a toy for the cat to keep boredom at bay
- comb to give a final touch before going to the judge’s table
- beautiful curtains for the cage and contents for the cat to sleep on. The curtains are obligatory precisely so that cats in close proximity feel safe and do not disturb each other. You can sew the curtains yourself or order them specially made to the right size and colour for your cat from Reeda Curtains & Design. For example, Jessy’s shows also have a cage decorating competition and a beautiful cage can bring good prizes.
- feed and water yourself – it’s a long day ahead. You can usually buy food on the spot
- correct clothing. One that shows off your cat’s colours.
- a sandbox for the kitten, just in case. Cats don’t usually use it during the show day.
- camera
- reading to yourself or crosswords
- definitely in a good mood 🙂
ABOUT THE TICA EXHIBITION SYSTEM
WHAT IS A CAT SHOW?
The cash box is castrated/sterilised daily. As long as your cat has no health problems, the operation is safe and easy. Your veterinarian will do a pre-operative check-up on your cat to see if it has any health problems. Owners of adult cats can also enjoy the benefits of surgery!
TEXAS
Every breed has a standard. The judge has to judge each cat and place them in order and award prizes according to who is closest to the standard. Both uncut and cut cats are welcome to participate.
HOUSEHOLD CASSES
ESTICAT also welcomes cats (breeding cats) to the opening exhibitions. Domestic cats (HHP class) have their own special standard and titles, comparable to those of pedigree cats. Kodukas are judged mainly on condition, beauty and show composition. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and colours and patterns are the work of our mother nature.
NEW BREEDS STARTING OUT, NEW BREEDS AND TRAITS ADVANCED
These interesting classes are for new breeds and new colours or traits for already recognised breeds. These cats are registered with TICA but have not yet reached championship status.
Genetic register – TICA has a genetic register that recognises hundreds of different colours and patterns.
HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE EXHIBITION?
Find information on the ESTICAT website www.esticat.org and fill in the corresponding registration form. Members of the club always benefit from a discount. The cat should be registered with TICA. You can participate for the first time without being a member, but you can’t claim any titles yet – it’s for experience.
PARTICIPATION INFORMATION
See first in the notice: last date for registration and participation fee. Adult domestic cats must be neutered/sterilised to participate. Points/wins accumulated by cats not registered with TICA since the second show do not count. Participants in the show are required to submit their registration number to the show secretary or general secretary and to the head office. In order to keep the points accumulated from the first show (if the cat was not yet registered), the owner must inform the Head Office in writing.
TICA exhibition rules
- A cashier whose claws have been removed will not be penalised;
- All cats must have their nails clipped – otherwise the show could end in a disqualification for the cat. Kittens or cats that are visibly pregnant will not be allowed to participate;
- A cat that is physically missing something, such as an eye, ear, leg or tail (except for cats that are standard), is not allowed to participate (except in the Domestic Cats or Domestic Kittens class);
- The Show Committee may admit cats aged 3 months or more for advertising or sale;
- In order to be eligible for the titles and to participate in the annual awards, homebreds must be registered and judged by qualified judges;
- Cats entered for the show must remain in the same status in all rounds even if they qualify for a new status in the meantime;
- Participants, regardless of class, must be accepted by the exhibition secretary. No class may be discriminated against by setting a maximum number of entries.
CLASSES
The cats are divided into classes: kittens, adults and cuttings (recognised breeds) and kittens and adults (domestic cats).
Kittens are aged 4-8 months; the adult class starts at 8 months of age (as of the first date of the show).
SHOWROOMS
The show team will count one cage per cat. Double cages or grooming areas may be available for an additional fee. Cage sizes will vary from one organiser to another, so please check in advance. Cage curtains are very important and at the same time obligatory – they ensure privacy for your cat. They can be luxurious (with crystals and buffers) or simple, but should be made to cover three sides of the cage and the top. There should also be a base cushion. Double curtains may also be used – one to cover the inside of the cage and the other to cover the outside. We recommend ordering cage curtains from the pros – Reeda Curtains & Design. A designer will choose a fabric that works well and will show off your cat. At the same time, it should be one that can be easily cleaned, fixed and also resized (so that it can be used on different cages). All you need to do is give the designer the measurements and what you want.
TIME TO SHOW!
Try to arrive early, as the registration queue can be long. See the information sheet for times. The registration desk is usually located near the entrance to the exhibition hall. Keep a confirmation sheet and veterinary passport handy. You can get your cat’s catalogue number from the desk. This number is listed in the show catalogue, as the cage number, in the judge’s book and will also appear in the show ring when it is time to go.
Buy the catalogue (if it is not already included in the price). Check all your details immediately – if necessary, contact the Secretary General and write to head office.
Find the location of the cage, put up wooden curtains, a sandpit and a drinking bowl. Don’t wait until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to get everything set up. Try to create as comfortable an environment as possible for your cat – then you can both relax and enjoy the show.
Look in the catalogue for the timetable – there should be a timetable of the rounds (usually on the back cover). See where your breed will be judged first.
FINDING
The cat is called by its catalogue number. When you hear your own number, move the cat to the appropriate ring. See which cage has your cat’s number on it and put your cat in that cage. Make sure the cage door is locked! Then leave the circle immediately. When the judging is finished, the judge or ring announcer will let you know and you can take your cat back to its place.
THE JUDGE'S BOOK
The TICA judge does not know your cat’s name, owner, breeder or title (Novice, Champion, Grand Champion, etc.). In the judge’s book you will find the registration number , breed, category, division, colour/pattern, age, class (kitten, adult, etc.) and sex of the cat. There is no genetic information.
For example, a Siamese cat whose two parents are Orientals (shorthairs) is considered a Siamese cat.
EXHIBITION LABEL
It is assumed that all participants have read and agree to all TICA exhibition rules, registration rules and statutes.
Some rules concerning the participants:
- the cat’s nails must be clipped before going round – otherwise a disqualification will follow;
- competitors may not sit in a circle holding their own cats before or during the assessment (except on the judge’s orders);
- the participant may not in any way inform the judge which cat he/she owns;
- a participant may not in any way inform the judge which cage his cat is in in another round;
- the participant must not cause any physical pain to any cat or person while at the exhibition;
- you must not comb the cat while it is in the ring;
- if a special or different cage is needed for the cat, the ring organiser must be informed before the cat’s numbers go up, so that the necessary changes can be made without causing trouble for the other participants.
LINDID
Cats are called according to breed, division and colour/black. TICA does not have Best of Breed lines; also, title points do not go towards breed awards.
The judge will announce the best, second and third place. The data will also be entered in the judge’s book.
THE COLOUR AND DIVISION PRIZES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
| Color | Place | Points | Divisjon |
| Blue | I | 25 | Black |
| Red | II | 20 | Purple |
| Yellow | III | 15 | Orange |
| Green | IV | 10 | |
| White | V | 5 |
In order to reach the Champion, Champion Alter (Cut Cats) or Master (Domestic Cats) titles, a cat must earn 300 points plus receive one final prize. Points are added up on the basis of colour, division and finals prizes.
Best of Colour (BOC): the judge ranks the entries in each colour 1-5.
Example: seven black Persian cats are present. Out of the seven cats, the judge places the five best cats. The best of the colour continue.
Best of Division (BOD): from the BOC winners, the judge will place the top three in each division.
Example: our seven black Persian cats belong to the Solid division. The other solid Persian cats (white, blue, red, etc.) are also all in the Solid division. The judge will select the three best cats from the BOC winners.
Best of Breed (BOB): from the BOD winners, the judge will place the top three breeds.
Example: the Persian breed is accepted in all traditional, mink and zebra categories. Solid, Patterned, Turtle, Silver/Silver and Partial. A panel of judges will select the best, second and third place for the breed.
FINAALID
The most important moment is here!!!! The numbers of the finalists will not be announced; the secretary will announce the number of the round where the final will take place (for example, the kitten final in round 4) and the participants must go to that round to see if their cat’s number is up there. The finalists will be chosen from the Best of Breed, although it is also possible for the fourth or fifth place winner of the Best of Colour to be placed (provided that the first, second and third place finishers are placed in front of them).
In the finals of all breeds, the judge will select the ten best cats (longhair/shorthair), provided that there are 25 cats competing in the round. If 24 cats compete, nine best will be selected; if 23 cats, eight best will be selected; if 22 cats, seven best will be selected; if 21 cats, six best will be selected; if 20 or less cats, five best will be selected.
Prizes for the finals will be awarded to: adult cats, kittens, cuttings, domestic cats, domestic kittens and NBCs.
In the final of the special breeds, the judge will award the above prizes separately to the long and short breeds.
PUBLIC
It is very important that the audience behaves responsibly. Loud voices disturb everyone, including cats; children must be under parental control. Do not put fingers, toys, feather duster or anything else into the cages of the cats. Entry into the referee’s rings is forbidden, but watching from elsewhere is of course welcome. There are self-service areas set up in front of the rings, where everything can be photographed and listened to.
WCF EXHIBITION SYSTEM
In Tallinn, the exhibitions are usually held at the Forelli Street Sports Hall, while the Selena Tiger exhibitions are held at the Lillepavilion. When you arrive, you will have to show the kitten at the veterinary inspection. To make sure the cat is healthy, claws trimmed, ears clean etc. Then you will get your name and participant number at the registration desk and you can choose your own cage. They are already waiting empty on the tables. The judging starts at ten in the morning on the first day and usually finishes around five or six in the evening. Sometimes you have to be patient. The first thing to do is to look up your number on a piece of paper next to the judge’s table – then you know what time to go to the judge and can keep an eye on the queue. Maybe it’s not your turn until later in the evening. Cats are sorted by breed and colour code. If your cat and someone else have exactly the same colour code, the certificate will go to the best of the two. So not every time a kitten might get a certificate. To see how many certificates and in which class you need to get, see the WCF show classes.
If there are at least three cats of the same colour, of the same sex, the cat with the best colour will be chosen as the winner.
Once all the cats have been judged and the judges have secretly written down which cats they think are the best, they will start handing out NOM BIS tags. These will be placed on the cages and those who receive such a letter will be lucky. Their cat will go on to take part in the Best In Show. That’s where the best of the best will be. In order to participate in the BIS, the cat must have been awarded Best of Breed or at least 95 points.
All cats are divided into four categories: longhair, highland fold/straight, Scottish fold/straight and oriental, Siamese cats. If there are at least 15 cats in each category, there will also be four separate BIS. If there are less than 15 cats, the Highland + Semi-Highland and Shorthair + Oriental, Siamese may be grouped together. If the number of cats is also less than 15, all categories may be combined.
From each coat category, any judge may nominate cats to participate in the BIS on any given day, following the cats he/she judged on that day:
best adult male cat
Best adult female cat
Best neutered male cat
Best neutered female cat
Best male veteran
best female veteran
Best male kitten 6-10 months old.
best female kitten 6-10 months old
best male kitten 3-6 months old
best 3-6 months old female kitten
best male baby kitten
best female baby kitten
best litter if at least 3 litters participated and all cats in the litter were worth 95 points.
any other cat the judge decides in favour of.
In the event of a tie, a draw will be made to find out the winner.
The best female and male cats will compete for the Best In Show title. The runner-up from the opposite sex will receive the Best In Show Opposite Sex title. The winner will remain on stage to compete in the Best of Best. All of the same applies to cut cats, veterans, kittens 6-10 and 3-6 months and babies. Best litter will also be chosen.
Finally, there will be a Best of Best competition, with the Best In Show winners from all hair categories. Four best will be chosen, with the first one being the winner of the whole show.
Successful participation!
Exhibition classes in the WCF system
Class 1 | World Champion In this class, cats compete for the title of “Best Variety” and/or “Best in Show”. They may receive a special Prize of Honour. |
Class 2 | World Premior In this class, cats compete for the title of “Best Variety Alter” and/or “Best in Show Alter”. They may receive a special Prize of Honour. |
Class 3 | Grand European Champion resp. Grand Continental Champion In this class, cats compete for the title of “World Champion”. They have to receive a CACM from three international shows, from three different countries, from three different judges. One of the countries has to be on a different continent. According to the standard, they must score 98 points. The cats are classified by breed, colour and sex. They will also compete for the title of “Best Variety” and/or “Best in Show”. |
Class 4 | Grand European Premior resp. Grand Continental Premior In this class, cats compete for the “World Premior” title. They have to be from three international shows, from three different countries, from three different judges CAPM. One of the countries has to be on a different continent. According to the standard, they must score 98 points. The cats are divided by breed, colour and sex. They will also compete for the title of “Best Variety Alter” and/or “Best in Show Alter”. |
Class 5 | European Champion resp. Continental Champion In this class cats compete for the title “GR. European Champion”, “GR. Continental Champion”. They have to receive GCACE from three WCF international shows, from three different countries, from three different judges. According to the standard, they must obtain 97 points. The cats are divided by breed, colour and sex. They will also compete for the “Best Variety” and/or “Best in Show” title. |
Class 6 | European Premior resp. Continental Premior In this class cats compete for the title “GR. European Premior”, “GR. Continental Premior”. They have to be from three WCF international shows, from three different countries, from three different judges GCAPE. According to the standard, they must obtain 97 points. The cats are classified by breed, colour and sex. They will also compete for the title of “Best Variety Alter” and/or “Best in Show Alter”. |
Class 7 | Grand International Champion In this class cats compete for the title of “European Champion”, “Continental Champion”. They have to be from three WCF international shows, from three different countries, from three different judges CACE. According to the standard, they must obtain 97 points. The cats are classified by breed, colour and sex. They will also compete for the “Best Variety” and/or “Best in Show” title. |
Class 8 | Grand International Premior In this class cats compete for the title “European Premior”, “Continental Premior”. They have to receive a CAPE from three WCF international shows, from three different countries, from three different judges. According to the standard, they must get 97 points. The cats are classified by breed, colour and sex. They will also compete for the title of “Best Variety Alter” and/or “Best in Show Alter”. |
Class 9 | International Champion In this class, cats compete for the title of “Grand International Champion”. They have to come from three WCF international shows, from two different countries, from three different judges CAGCIB. According to the standard, they must score 97 points. The cats are divided by breed, colour and sex. They will also compete for the title of “Best Variety” and/or “Best in Show”. |
Class 10 | International Premior In this class, cats compete for the “Grand International Premior” title. They have to come from three WCF international shows, from two different countries, from three different judges CAGPIB. According to the standard, they must score 97 points. The cats are classified by breed, colour and sex. They will also compete for the title of “Best Variety Alter” and/or “Best in Show Alter”. |
Class 11 | Champion In this class, cats compete for the title of “International Champion”. They have to receive a CACIB from three WCF international shows, from two different countries, from three different judges. According to the standard, they must obtain 95 points. The cats are divided by breed, colour and sex. They will also compete for the “Best Variety” and/or “Best in Show” title. |
Class 12 | Premior In this class, cats compete for the “International Premior” title. They have to receive a CAPIB from three WCF international shows, from two different countries, from three different judges. According to the standard, they must score 95 points. The cats are divided by breed, colour and sex. They will also compete for the title of “Best Variety Alter” and/or “Best in Show Alter”. |
Class 13 | Open class (10 months and older) In this class, cats compete for the title of “Champion”. They have to obtain a CAC from three WCF international or national shows, from three different judges. According to the standard, they must score 93 points. The cats are divided by breed, colour and sex. They will also compete for the “Best Variety” and/or “Best in Show” title. |
Class 14 | Cuts of cats (from 10 months) In this class, cats compete for the “Premior” title. They must receive a CAP from three WCF international or national shows, from three different judges. According to the standard, they must score 93 points. The cats are classified by breed, colour and sex. They will also compete for the title of “Best Variety Alter” and/or “Best in Show Alter”. |
Class 15 | Young people 6 – 10 months Cats competing in this class must be at least 6 months old on the first day of the show, not older than 10 months and registered with a recognised club LO or RIEX. The cats are classified by breed, colour and sex. They will be judged and will also compete for the title “Best Variety Kitten 6 – 10 months” and/or “Best in Show Kitten 6 – 10 months”. |
Class 16 | Kittens 3 – 6 months The same rules apply as for cats between 6 and 10 months old. |
Class 16a | Babies (10 weeks – 3 months) The same rules apply as for cats between 6 and 10 months old. |
Class 17 | Noviis Novices can be presented from the age of six months in their own organisation, overseen by a national breeding committee. The judge must be informed of the reason for participation in this class. A cat may be entered only once in this class. Signatures of two judges are required. The cat must receive a score of “Excellent” to be entered. |
Class 18 | Colour assignment class In this class, kittens from the third month of life are presented to determine their colour. They may qualify without classification. |
Class 19 | Homegroups In this class you will be presented with cut cats that do not correspond to any of the recognised breeds – kodukas. They will be ranked and may be nominated for the title “Best Household Pet of the Show”. |
Class 20 | Litters (10 – 12 weeks) The litter is assessed according to the breeding standard and stage of development. The better the kittens, the better the litter. Cats entered in this class must be no younger than 10 weeks old and no older than 3 months on the first day of the show. They may also be nominated for “Best in Show Litter”. |
Class 21 | Veterans In this class, breeding cats older than 8 years compete. They will be qualified “Excellent”. They must score at least 95 points. The cats are classified by breed, colour and sex. They will also compete for the title of “Best Variety Veteran” and/or “Best in Show Veteran”. |
Class 22a | Breeds awaiting recognition In this class, cats whose breed is waiting to be recognised will compete. Both with recognised colours, with colours waiting for recognition and with unrecognised colours. They will qualify as “Excellent” and will be ranked, but they will not receive any certificates. The cats are divided by breed, colour and sex. They also compete for the title of “Best Variety provisionally recognized breed” and/or “Best in Show provisionally recognized breed”. |
Class 22b | Breeds recognised with colours awaiting recognition This class shows all the recognised breeds whose colour is awaiting recognition. They will be qualified as “Excellent” and will be ranked, but will not receive any certificates. The cats are classified by breed, colour and sex. They will also compete for the title of “Best Variety provisionally recognized color” but will not be eligible for Best in Show. |
