Did you read about cat shows in a cat magazine?

Or have a friend that has shown their championship pedigree cat?

Well, did you know that you can show your Household Pet cat too? That's right, you can show your ordinary, everyday (but not to you)(or me for that matter) cat, at many cat shows. I have shown my HHPs (Household Pets) for many years, and have enjoyed showing off my furry little friends all over the U.S. east coast, and Canada!

If you think your cat is special, and want to show her off to others, meet other like minded people, and learn more about cats, here's what you need to know. First, what is a HHP exactly? It's any cat, of any age, from one that was adopted at a shelter, found stray, kitten picked out of a box in front of Kmart, even a pedigree looking cat that doesn't have the paper work needed to show in the Chamionship Class at a cat show. Second, an adult HHP (8 months and older) must have had the operation to spay (female) or neuter (male). Third, the cat should have all its inoculations or "shots", your vet knows which are best in your area. Your cat should also be vaccinated against Rabies, in most U.S. states it's the law. All of this protects you, your cat, and other cats in the show. Fourth, the cat must be clean and healthy, showing no sign of illness 21 days before the show! Clean means the cat must not have fleas or ear mites, and if your cat has dirty ears (dark crusty wax and lots of it) it most likely has ear mites so take he/she to your vet! Healthy means the cat has a full, plush, shiney coat, bright clear eyes, no sneezing etc. Fifth, you should perpare your cat for the show. Most important, clip your cat's claws! If you have no idea what I'm talking about, go to your vet, or your local groomer (like Petco), they can teach you, or try googling, cat claw clipping. If your cat is declawed the only major organization that allows them to be shown is TICA. Clean your cats ears of normal wax, that can be done with cotten balls or Q tips and a tiny amount of mineral oil, don't go to far in with these Q tips you can hurt your cat that way. Ok, now don't laugh, your cat should have a bath, at least one day before the show. With that said, get some shampoo, and wash your cat! If you want your cat to get one of those nice ribbons the judges are giving out in the finals, it really is a must! After all, I'm sure each Miss America contestant did the very same thing the day before she won her title:)

Ez bath- Wet cat in kitchen sink with sink spray hose, pour shampoo in your hands, work into cats coat, rinse. It will not get your cat as clean, but maybe your cat is just a natural born winner anyway! The first time I showed in the HHP class over 25 years ago, my cat Yazzy, who had a Zest soap bath, won a 10th place ribbon. She defeated 106 other HHPs in that show! One ribbon was all it took, I have been addicted since, and enjoyed it all!

What do you need to bring to the show? First thing you need to know here, is that each entry gets one half of a double cage for that entry. If you want the other half of the cage, say you have a big cat or you yourself just want more room in the benching area, there is an extra fee for that. Next, you have to cover that cage for your cat's comfort. Three sides and the top must be covered. Most cages are about the same size, a half cage here on the east coast, 22"x22"x22," top 22"x22". Both sides of a double cage are 22"x44"x22", top 22"x44". For your first show you can use a nice flat bed sheet or 2, for sides and top. These flat bed sheets can cover any cage size if they are not the standard east coast cages. Don't forget the bottom of the cage! A large bath or beach towel does nicely. I have been using 3 plain, bright red table cloths for years! If your cat has a bed that will fit in the cage bring it, comfort, comfort, to help kitty be happy. You must also bring your own food and water dishes, along with your cat's favorite food. If you bring pop top canned wet food, don't forget to bring a spoon! Your cat will also need a litter box that will fit in the cage, if you don't have one that small, a thick cardboard box with the top cut down, and the daily paper placed at the bottom, will work just fine. There will be all the litter you need in the show hall, so DON'T bring that! Bring a comb for touch ups to your cat's coat. Finally, bring your cat's most loved toys, or anything you may think will make your cat happy. Comfort, comfort, comfort!

Want to enter your HHP in a cat show? Then look into the links below!

Enter a cat show today! It can be great family fun, or just plain fun for the single person. The show hall will be filled with people that will help you along the way. Don't be afraid to ask questions!

Good luck! And or break a leg (this is show bizz after all)! See you at a cat show soon!

My cat Rebecca Elizabethann in her Picasso Period

HHP WINNER!

Brian Abernathy Ellsworth of Watercolorcats (retired) and his owner Debbie "Nobody Beats The Whiz", Wicz. ;-) A former shelter kitten, Brian was TICA Northeast Region's 7th Best HHP Kitten in 1998 and 7th Best HHP for the 2004-2005 Show Season.