Ideally yes, but if you can get a signature on a form earlier, why not? The whole procedure takes so long anyway. There is no limit on the number of clubs you can join, so at the same time you could also be applying to the club you really want to join There is normally a new member application in most show schedules so if nothing else it gets your first foot on the ladder Most cat clubs want as many new member as they can get, just to keep going and get ongoing support.