From the first time cats were seriously exhibited in London in 1871, the cat show has been the very heart of the fancy. It is the place where breeders can have the merits of their stock assessed in a competitive framework, where all cat lovers can meet and discuss ideas, trends and needs, and where new products for cats can be prompted. It is the only event in which you have the opportunity of seeing just about every colour and pattern variety that exists in the Siamese breed.
Even if you have no plans to become a breeder or exhibitor, you should visit at least one or two cat shows to see what a quality Siamese looks like.
The Siamese is among the most popular of exhibition cats and has won many Best in Show awards against all breeds competition. Both the US and Great Britain the Siamese breed rivals the Persian for the title of "top cat", and its no different here in New Zealand.
Show range from small specialist shows to major all breeds championships that can be spread over two or more days. A specialist show is a show restricted either by breed or by hair length (short or long). The New Zealand Siamese Cat Association holds on specialist championship show a year, usually in Christchurch, where the entries are restricted to Siamese and inter-related breeds such as Orientals, and their long haired cousins, Balinese and Javanese.
The number of classes staged at any given show will obviously reflect its size, but at an all breeds show the exhibits are split into two major divisions, long hair breed type and short hair breed type. Within each division there are four registered sections:
In New Zealand a kitten is a cat of four months of age, but under nine months of age on the day of the show.
Within each section there open classes for each of the colour/patterns within each breed, and then separate open (championship) classes for males and females. All registered exhibits are judged against the standard for that particular breed.
In addition at most shows there are also sections for Household Pets (cats of unknown domestic origin), and Companion Cats (registered and unregistered cats of known pedigree which do not meet the breed standard for on reason or another). Entries in both these sections must be neutered or spayed. Exhibits are judged on the basis of temperament, condition and general appeal.
While the general format of cat shows may differ somewhat from one country to another, in broad terms they are much the same. A Siamese will enter its colour/pattern class, and if it wins it will progress to compete against other Siamese colour/pattern class winners for Best of Breed. It may then qualify for a top ten placing, or even every exhibitors dream placing of Best in Show (BIS), the highest possible accolade.
In addition to best in show award adult cats compete for Championship titles. To attain the title of Champion or Premier a cat must win three Challenge Certificates under three different judges. Challenge certificates are awarded on merit to winners of adult open classes. Wins in kitten classes do not count towards Champion status. Once a cat is a champion, it then has to be awarded a top ten placing to receive points towards higher titles based on the number of exhibits it has competed against. Those titles in order of attainment in New Zealand are:
Entire Cats
Champion
Grand Champion
Double Grand Champion
Bronze Double Grand Champion
Silver Double Grand Champion
Gold Double Grand Champion
Neuter/Spay Cats
Premier
Grand Premier
Double Grand Premier
Bronze Double Grand Premier
Silver Double Grand Premier
Gold Double Grand Premier
As stated earlier, cats are judged against their written standard. The general Siamese standard describes a beautifully balanced animal, with head ears and neck carried on a long, svelt body, supported on fine legs with a tail in proportion. The head and profile should be wedge-shaped, neither round nor pointed, the mast complete, connected by tracing with the ears, and the eyes a clear brilliant blue; expression alert and intelligent.
Obviously, a Siamese show cat must be a very sound example of its breed. It must be in truly beautiful condition because the level of competition is extremely high at major events. A show cat must be well mannered because if it should bite or claw the judge it is hardly likely to win favour, and could even be disqualified. In any case such a cat could not be properly examined by the judge, this alone will preclude it from any hope of winning, so it must have a confident personality and be accustomed to being handled.
Many people start their show career by taking their beloved Siamese along "just to see what happens". If you did not buy your Siamese with the intention of showing you find out if your pet has any faults, both obvious and not so obvious as this will dictate whether you enter the Registered or Companion Cat section of a show. Examples of faults include a squint, protruding sternum (breastbone), undershot or overshot jaws, flat chest, or even battle-damage such as scars or torn ears. If in doubt, consult a vet of an experienced breeder.
Showing is a fascinating and thoroughly addictive pastime, and many people have discovered their Siamese pet has made them many new friends and introduced them to an interesting hobby as well
