So come on admit it.
You would love to win more often at cat shows.
You realise there is a lot more to shows than who wins the best in show.
That being said . . .
You would still like to try out one of those big fancy rosettes for size.
You never know you might even get a taste for it.
There’s just one thing.
You need a cat capable of taking you to the dizzy heights.
A cat that is totally unbeatable. One you might call your dream show cat.
So what does it take for a cat to be a total show stopper?
Well there is a lot to it. Rarely do you find a cat that has it all. In fact I can only think of one or two that have even come close.
But if you are looking for such a cat then let me explain what you should be looking for.
Show Type
For me, first and foremost any cat that fits the description of ‘dream show cat’ simply has to have excellent type.
Meeting the breed standard is vital for any show cat. But a show stopper has to take it up a notch.
You are looking for a cat with exquisite type.
Type that is simply . . .
Breathtaking.
You will be forced to stop, stare and then smile every time you look at them.
Their type so closely matches the breed standard that they can only be described as an ambassador for the breed.
But no matter how good looking they are good manners are also essential.
Temperament
A show winner will be very comfortable and relaxed at a cat show.
They will love all the attention.
Have no problem spending the whole day in their pen. They will also enjoy being judged and will show themselves off as if to say ‘look at me I am so gorgeous’.
To be fair this is the attitude any cat at a show should have. Including the ‘high flying Harry’s’ and the ‘last place Larry’s’.
However if your cat decides they don’t like cat shows then to be honest there is not a whole lot you can do about it.
Here’s my best advice.
Try them at a couple of shows and if they truly hate it . . .
(You will recognise the signs if they hate showing. Look out for lots of teeth, claws and foul language. Injured stewards and judges are also a dead giveaway.)
So, if they truly hate it then its best to listen to them and not put them through it.
If they don’t enjoy cat shows then neither will you.
Colour and Pattern
So what’s more important in a show winner then, type or colour and pattern?
Some will say type. Others will say colour and pattern.
But to be honest the answer is they are equally important.
Whatever a cat’s colour or pattern combination is, self, non-self, tabby or pointed it does not matter.
There is only one requirement a show winner needs to meet.
Their colour and pattern has to be good. Correction, their colour and pattern has to be excellent.
A cat with excellent type but rubbish pattern or colour will no doubt still do well. But will they be a true best in show cat?
The answer is no.
Presentation
Now this should be obvious but I can tell you through experience that some people just don’t seem to get this.
A cat show is after all a beauty contest for cats.
Turning out your cat without grooming them is a recipe for disaster. The same goes for using tatty show equipment. If you fail at this then frankly you are doing your cat a disservice.
Show your cat to their full potential. Don’t let yourself or your cat down. Get the basics right and groom your cat and present them well.
A Little Something Extra
All things being equal there is one thing that will truly separate a top quality show cat from all the rest.
Now this is something that is very difficult to describe, but I will do my best.
If your cat has this then they will be one of the elite 2-3% of all show cats.
To be one of these very rare show winners your cat must possess ‘a little something extra’ . . .
This little something is often referred to as ‘show presence’.
Some cats just have ‘the look’. If you have ever seen it then you know what I mean.
A cat with show presence will stand out. They might not be your favourite colour. In fact they may not even be your favourite breed. But you know what?
They will positively shine. Your eye will keep going back to this cat. They will make it almost impossible for you to look at any other cat at the show.
You won’t be able to say why this is.
All you will know is that their presence literally dominates your attention. They simply ooze style.
They give off an aura. They actually stop people in their tracks.
There is something about the way they look at you that says . . .
‘I am a winner’.
‘You have no choice other than to award me best in show’.
When I judge a cat like this I rarely disagree with them.
Remember What to Look For
You are looking for a cat with excellent type, colour and pattern.
A cat that has natural show presence . . .
. . . and a temperament to die for.
All you will have to do is groom your cat and turn up at the show.
Best in show will be a virtual certainty.
This is the cat that will make your dreams come true.
A cat you will build lasting memories with.
Memories built on those rare moments that can never be forgotten.
Except . . .
Memories like this won’t be rare. Not for you.
Because your cat is a special kind of cat. He’s an absolute show stopper.
He’s a best in show cat. He’s the cat of your dreams.
All you need to do now is find him.
So start your search and if you manage to come across such a cat . . .
Can you do me one small favour?
Please let me know.
I want his brother.
