What Is Grooming A Show Cat Like?

Ever wondered what it was like to show a cat? Are you curious about the grooming procedures in place for these beautiful show cats?

In this article, we'll talk with two people who really know their stuff when it comes to grooming show cats. We'll look at how Persian and Burmese cats get ready for the big day, and learn some cool tips, too.

For most of us, our pet cats usually know how to take care of their own coats quite well. Most owners don't have to ever wash their cats or invest in any special coat care routines.

Things are different when it comes to showing cats competitively. Care for a show cat can get quite involved, requiring more than just a good brushing. It takes a lot of passion - and dedication - to show cats, as these extensive grooming procedures show.

Here's the scoop on how to glam up a show cat.

Behind The Scenes With Lynda Smith: Grooming Persian Cats For Shows

Persian breeder Lynda Smith of Posiepurrs Persians is also an established member of TheCatSite community. Many members admire the photos of her gorgeous longhair cats, but few know how much work goes into getting that perfectly groomed look.

Lynda shows in Region 1 of the Cat Fanciers Association. Cat shows are year round with CFA shows running from May 1st to the end of April.

Lynda is familiar not only with grooming longhair Persians. A cat shows veteran, she knows firsthand what goes into grooming various breeds. "In our club, we have Siberians, Selkirk Rex, Turkish Angoras, along with short-haired breeds like Oriental Shorthairs", Lynda told us.

Grooming longhair cats isn't the same for every breed, either: "A friend has Norwegian Forest cats.

Their bathing routine is a lot easier than Persians. To maintain the coat’s waterproof quality, she bathes two days before a show, not weekly."

How Is Grooming A Persian Cat Different?

People who show Persian cats want the coat to stand out from the body and be as full as possible. To achieve that look, Lynda has to go through a long and complex show grooming routine which includes -

• Combing the cat so there are no tangles
• Applying Goop (auto mechanics' hand cleaner) mixed in equal parts with water, to the dry coat - and rinsing it five minutes later.
• Washing with diluted Dawn dish soap, including lathering and rinsing.
• Shampooing with Chris Christensen clarifying shampoo, lathering, and rinsing.
• Shampooing with a color-brightening shampoo - lathered and left on for five minutes then rinsed.
• Lastly, use Chris Christensen Thick and Thicker shampoo, which sits another five minutes before rinsing well.

"For the cat, I am showing now, I also use a conditioner and rinse. The best rule of thumb is to rinse longer than it took to shampoo," Lynda says.

"Rinse until the water is clear and then rinse more. It is best to 'float the coat', which means letting the cat stand in the sink full of water so the coat will float away from the body.

I wrap the cat in a towel and put him up on the grooming table to trim nails, easier to see the nail while the paw is wet."

Lynda Smith

Lynda cautions against following that claw care routine with a cat that isn't used to being bathed. "Trim before the bath!" is her suggestion for inexperienced cats and owners.

But that's not all!

Grooming Persian Cats: The Complex Show Grooming Routine

After trimming, Lynda's next step is to shave the cat's nose with a disposable razor so the black liner shows. Paper towels are used to blot as much water from the coat as possible, followed by Davis Mousse on a damp coat.

Next comes blow drying the coat against the growth. The coat must be dried completely or it will get curly. Comb out again. Whew!

When Is The Best Time For Grooming A Persian Cat Before A Show?

"I do this the day before a show, but other contestants follow a similarly complex routine on the day of the show.

I do a quick touch-up before we leave, dampen the ruff and blow-dry, wash the face and comb. At the show, I comb as little as possible to keep the coat smooth, but pouffy."

Routine Grooming Practices For Persian Show Cats Between Competitions

What about routine grooming for a Persian show cat? According to Lynda, between shows, a bath - at least weekly - keeps the coat in shape with most cats.

This can change, according to the show routines and the individual cat's coat. "When I was running my boy Jack for a regional win I tried to do two show baths a week," she says.

"The kitten I'm showing now needs to be combed daily due to the texture of his coat. Jack was combed just before a bath and right after."

The Fun Side Of Grooming Cats: A Breeder’s Tale

Of course, dealing with cats, there’s always a funny story to tell, too.

“I was at a hotel for a show. I had to bathe Jack, and it turned out he was afraid of the big bathtub. At eleven pounds, he’s not a small cat. The hotel sink was tiny. I don't know who was wetter—Jack or me!”

Lynda says

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Grooming Shorthair Burmese Cats For Shows: Insights From Diana Wilder

Diana Wilder breeds Burmese cats in southern New England. Burmese are single-coated Asian cats, and you might think they don't require a lot of grooming to show.

You'd be wrong though. To really shine out in the arena and impress the judges, these cats have their own grooming routine, too. Diana shared some grooming tips and tricks with us.

Cats, like people, tend to have bad hair days right after being groomed. Bathing four days before the show gives the coat a chance to settle back to normal.

Step-By-Step Guide On Bathing A Shorthair Cat

Diana described how she bathes her cats for a show and offered these tips for owners who may just need or want to wash their own shorthair cat -

• Use water that’s just above body temperature, testing it on the human wrist, as you might test baby formula.
  
• Find a shampoo that cleans without stripping the coat. "Most pet chains carry a line called Bio Groom with shampoos, conditioning rinses, anti-static spray, and other aids," she says.

  "Just make sure they are approved for use on cats. I can't stress too strongly the only human shampoo that should ever be used on a cat is top-quality plain baby shampoo. Anything else has chemicals that can be harmful to cats, including human cream or conditioning rinse."
  

• Make sure that all shampoos and rinses are out of the coat before drying.
  
• Don't use a blow dryer on a shorthaired cat. The heat of a human blow dryer can hurt their delicate skin. Diana puts her cat in a closed bathroom with a portable heater to air dry.

Maintaining Shorthair Cats Between Shows: Everyday Grooming Tips

At home, keep the claws clipped, the coats clean and the cat happy. Diana brushes her cats regularly, plays with them and generally fusses over them. They love it.

Diana found that among cats, grooming shows love and care. A mother cat grooms her kittens, an alpha cat will wash a junior cat’s face. She's also noticed that if one of the cats is under the weather, gentle grooming makes him feel better.

Pro Tips For The Day Of The Cat Show: Ensuring Your Cat Looks Their Best

If you plan on showing a cat, here are a few pro tips for the big day itself.

"On show day, the cat should be whisked into a show ring and have everyone gasp in admiration," she says. "Unfortunately, many cats develop goopy eyes and juicy sneezes five minutes before they are called into a ring. Be ready to mop up weepy eyes."

Diana uses a good quality paper tissue or a cotton makeup pad, not a cotton ball, and keeps plain saline solution and Genteal eye drops handy. Other eye drops can be harmful, especially something that is supposed to 'Get the Red Out'.

The Essential Grooming Kit For A Cat Show Day

Diana suggests bringing a grooming kit for the show. The kit should include the following:

1. A comb with wide and narrow teeth, smooth, without sharp points, specifically for cats or dogs from a good pet store. It doesn’t have to be expensive but helps to straighten the coat and prevent mats or tangles before they start.
2. A microfiber cloth or chamois, washed, rinsed and squeezed dry to get dust out, smooth, and shine the coat. "Also - and this is important - it's fussing over the cat. It makes them happy," she says.
3. A small-sized spray bottle of your anti-static spray to spritz on your palms. Rub your hands together and smooth the cat’s coat.
4. Moisturizing eye drops like Genteal.
5. Kleenex or moist wipes. Plain baby wipes will do but check with your vet. Check under the tail so the cat won’t make a brown smear on the judging table. Diana hasn’t had this problem, but she's seen it happen.
6. Toenail clippers for cats. Diana uses scissor-shaped clippers with a notch in the blades. Of course, you should trim the claws prior to the show, but it's good to have clippers on hand, just in case you need to do any last-minute claw trimming.
7. A toothbrush with medium bristles to clean any litter from between the toes.

The Mental Preparation Required For A Cat Show: Advice From A Veteran

Diana also talked to us about the mental preparation the owner needs to go through prior to a show. She has learned to do her best, understand that problems occur and sometimes miracles happen.

It’s a show. Stressing out never helps. Keep your focus on the cat and her welfare. Whether in breed or household pet competition, the cat's the star.

The owner’s job is to showcase all that is special and wonderful. "There is no such thing as ‘just a cat,’" she says. "All are special."

Understanding The Commitment: Is Grooming Your Cat For A Show Right For You?

Cat shows also have sections for non-pedigree cats, so just because you don't have a purebred does not mean you can't enter your kitty. But would that be a good idea?

As the detailed descriptions by Diana and Lynda clearly illustrate, grooming a cat for the judge's ring is not exactly for the faint of heart.

Grooming a cat for a show - even a shorthair one - is a long and complicated process. There's just a lot you need to do both on an ongoing basis, as well as prior to the show itself.

Cat grooming for a show isn't cheap, either. Owners invest in expensive tools and products to make sure their kitties get the best - and safest - treatment possible.

Of course, breeding show-winning pedigree cats is always expensive. Grooming costs and show fees are just a small part of what ethical breeders put into their hobbies.

Should You Show Your Cat? Weighing The Pros and Cons

Last - but certainly not least - there's the cat to consider. Not all felines enjoy or even tolerate participating in cat shows, including going through the extensive pre-show grooming process.

As mentioned in this article, the cat must be happy and relaxed at all times in order to show his or her unique features.

Breeders work with pedigree kittens from a young age to get them accustomed to the intensive grooming routine and the show experience itself. You could do the same with a mixed-breed cat, too.

The younger the cat, the easier it would be to train her or him to enjoy grooming and shows. Just remember that not all cats have the temperament for cat shows - regardless of breed.

Trying to give your cat a bath at home could be a good starting point. Follow our guide on bathing cats and see how Kitty likes it.

Final Takeaways For Mastering Show Cat Grooming

In conclusion, cat grooming for shows requires significant knowledge, time, and patience. It's important to remember that different breeds have unique grooming needs.

Always consult with a grooming expert or do thorough research for your specific breed. Lastly, aim for consistent practice and care, as grooming is more than a pre-show routine, it's an integral part of maintaining your cat's health and well-being.

Happy grooming!

Invitation To Share Your Cat Grooming And Show Tips

Have you ever shown cats? Do you have your own grooming tips to share? We'd love to hear from you so just leave a comment and let us know what your tips are!

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