In order for a cat to win at the show, she needs to look not only perfect, but also feel good. How can this be achieved? Here are 5 helpful tips.
1. Preparation of documents
First, the owner of the pet should properly prepare a package of documents, as well as comply with all the conditions presented. On the territory of Russia, in order to take part in cat shows, you must fulfill the basic requirements:
- The age of a cat to participate in the ring must be at least three months (for European countries, at least four months).
- Each pet must have a veterinary passport, where it is noted about vaccinations and treatments against parasites, as well as a veterinary certificate of form No. 1 or No. 4. The certificate is issued on the basis of a clinical examination of the animal. It also contains all the necessary data of the owner (breed, sex, age, etc.).
2. Appearance
Before an exhibition, attention should be paid to the appearance of the animal. If your cat is a long-haired or semi-long-haired cat, then you need to deal with her appearance five to seven months before the ring, short-haired - three to four months.
Otherwise, even if at the exhibition you use the services of a master groomer, your pet will still not be able to look perfect, which will not affect his assessment of the jury.
3. Caring for the cat
Most cat owners mistakenly think that washing their animals is completely unnecessary, because they believe that cats can clean their own fur, but this is not the case. Thus, animals should be bathed regularly using special products.
The frequency of washing your pet depends on the density and length of the coat. For example, breeds such as longhaired and semi-longhaired should be washed once every ten to fourteen days. Short-haired - once every two to four weeks, and naked once a week.
The fur of animals is often greasy with small particles of household dust, which leads to an unkempt appearance. Therefore, regular care is required for the pet's fur coat. For this, special pastes and gels are used, which are rubbed into dry wool and washed off with warm water.
In winter, when your cat's skin needs nourishment, you should apply nourishing and moisturizing fortified sprays.
4. Psychological preparation
A cat at the age of three to four months should be accustomed to visiting crowded places in order for it to feel comfortable at the exhibition. It is advisable to do this as often as possible, so the kitten will remember what an exhibition is.
It will be very difficult for you if you bring a three-year-old cat to the exhibition, which has never seen a large number of people and other animals. Such an animal will hiss at everyone and will most likely try to hide or run away from the exhibition. In this case, sedative drops or pills will not even help. Therefore, most professional breeders exhibit not only adult cats, but also kittens, so that they are prepared for the future show.
5. Necessary things for the exhibition
If this is your first exhibition, then you should consult in advance with more experienced people what things will be needed in the ring, or rather:
- Litter;
- Two bowls for food and water;
- Special toys;
- Toilet and filler;
- Exhibition cage tent with closing curtains;
- Combs and nail clippers.
Remember that it is recommended to purchase an exhibition cage in advance. Disassemble it and put a bedding and special toys there. Thus, even on the first visit to the exhibition, the stress of the cat will be minimized, since there are familiar toys and bedding that smells like home nearby. Never use other people's things! All equipment should only be yours! Read how to groom your cat for more details.
