Showing Cats?

Rosepud

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I recently purchased a retired breeder cornish rex. She is 100% fantastic, and is a 4 time grand champion and she's 2.5 years old. I am interested in taking her to a few cat shows still, but am uncertain of how to go about this and I've been struggling to find good resources. She's registered with the ACFA, and is currently a little pudgy from having babies, so does she need to get back to her ideal weight before being shown? Is it ok to show very causally like twice a year or so? She apparently loved/loves cat shows, is this something she might decide she doesn't like anymore? Any tips or ideas? I don't have any need to show her, but I've always been interested in it and if she enjoys it I figured I could try, but I'm not sure how to do anything. Picture of her in her semi-nude glory since she lost hair while pregnant with her last litter which is slowly growing back.
 

abyeb

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She’s so cute! I think you should be able to show her- as long as she enjoys it. The CFA has a veteran class, especially for retired show cats. I’m unsure whether a similar program exists in the ACFA, but this could be something to look into. I would recommend asking the breeder you got her from if they have any advice.
 

lutece

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I second the suggestion to talk to the breeder you got her from. They should be able to advise you!

CFA's veteran class is for cats 7 years old and up, so she is not old enough to be eligible for that class. In CFA, she would be shown in the Premiership class (I'm assuming she is spayed). Does she also have CFA registration or just ACFA?

The Cornish Rex breed is supposed to have a racy body style with a tucked-up tummy, so she would probably do better in shows if she is close to her ideal weight, but I wouldn't let that discourage you from starting to show her! In the classes for altered cats, you do see more cats being shown with a little extra weight on them.
 

mservant

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Oh such sweetness. Her face is adorable. I hope her fur grows back nice and fast to keep her warm. You might find her pudginess is hormones etc settling after her being spayed - assuming she was spayed before your taking her on as a retired Queen. That gives you a period to settle her in completely and make sure she is well before showing.
A nice weight is best for showing but with neuter cats they are usually expected to be a little bit heavier.

Again I would first talk to the breeder you got her from. I suspect they would happily mentor you, giving advice on which show categories to enter her in and how to prepare and settle her in for show days. If they are within a reasonable distance to you or any show you were going to they might even lend you any kit the show expects you to have.
Here in the UK neuter and entire cats are in separate categories which would mean your beautiful babe would go back to scratch for her rosettes and certificates. Imagine how fabulous it would be to see her being adored and winning awards once more just for her being happy showing off how beautiful she is. :kitty:.
 
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Rosepud

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She was fixed about 6 weeks ago now, and wad fixed before I got her, I believe it was the weight from her last litter of kittens and she's slowly losing it, and the hair is coming back, but the skin on her stomach is quite saggy as well. Is it ok to show a cat who isn't pristine? I don't really care about awards and plan on getting more information from the breeders once I decide if I want to show her. I'm not certain of all the rules other than the typical breed standards, and general requirements. They are thankfully close by and would be able to help if I chose to show her. I believe she's only registered with ACFA and then a worldwide one as she was imported from Russia but I'm not certain I'd have to check her papers again.
 

mservant

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If the breeder you got her from was showing her around your country and you have her papers now I can't see why you wouldn't be able to. It all sounds above board from what you say here.
Once her fur has grown back nicely and she seems settled and weight down so she is in reasonable shape she should be fine to show. Nothing about being "pristine", it is a combination of physical breed standards, how your cat handles at a show and their personality. A little "spay belly" is quite permissable for neuter cats. :catman: A lovely warm bit of belly for the judges to rub and fall in love with when they pick her up.
Chat to the breeder, I'm sure they would love to see her at shows and help you out. Mouse's breeders even helped me fill in the show applications and make sure he was entered in the right categories and no inaccurate information that would jeopardise any show admission or awards.
Good luck if you decide to go ahead.
 

GoldyCat

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There's nothing wrong with showing her now, just to get her used to being in the show hall again. I wouldn't expect her to make many finals until she's back in shape, but you never know.
 
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Rosepud

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Thank you all for your advice!
 
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