Our show experience
If your birman has good conformation and points you may wish to have a go at showing. We would suggest that before you enter your cat you attend a show as a spectator. Have a look at the cats, have a chat to exhibitors who are often very helpful and are always willing to talk about their feline princes and princesses. Ask questions, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a good day out.
If you think it is something you would like to try, go to the GCCF website (http://www.gccfcats.org/) and look for a show not too far from home. Cats have to be entered well in advance so check the schedule carefully and read the rules thoroughly.
About 3 days before the show we bath our cats in a good quality cat shampoo and blow dry them in winter or leave them to dry naturally if the weather if warm. When they are dry they are brushed and lightly powdered with a non perfumed talcum powder. This makes the coat look beautifully fluffy and eliminates any remaining grease. Ensure the coat is well brushed through by show day so no powder remains.
On the day leave enough time to get to the show, this reduces stress levels! You will need to take with you your cats up to date vaccination record and of course your cat. A friend once said "as long as you have your cat and your card you will be fine!"
When you arrive at the venue you will be asked for your name and be given an envelope containing your vetting in slip and be asked to wait for a vet to check in your cat. Once this is done you can go off and find your cat's pen. You will need a white blanket, white litter tray and white cat litter and white food and water bowls. These are available to buy at the show at a very reasonable price. If you purchase them at the show you know you have got the correct items.
Put everything into the pen except the food (this has to wait until after the main classes are judged), brush the cat if you wish and settle it down in the pen. Some cats prefer company, some cats settle better if left, you will soon find out!
You will be asked to leave the hall whilst judging of the main classes takes place. This is a nail biting time but we usually have lunch and read the paper to pass the time. Once the show is open to the public, usually around 12, you can go and see how your cat has fared. At this point you may put food in and a favourite toy if you wish.
The side classes are judged during the afternoon and the results are put up in the hall on strips of paper so you can check how you, or rather your cat, is doing. The shows usually close around 5pm and you will be told you can take your cat out and go home.
We hope your first show experience will be a good one and if you need help just ask, everyone there had to do a first show too!