What qualities do you look for in a potential show cat, and at what age can you normally see the show potential in kitten, specifically a Maine Coon.

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It's one of those things that is assessed but becomes clearer as the kitten grows.

Although, there are kittens that have amazing show type who grown into adults with very poor show type so it isn't a guarantee of anything.

I don't know much about MC's but in general i think you can tell from a young age.

A level bite is essential. It does and can change through time but a level bite as a kitten is a great start.

Shape of the head is very important. I've got good at picking the 'good ones' and can often tell who's going to be the star.

Be familiar with the 'breed standard' and stay as close to that as possible.

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Thanks for the replies

The reason that I've asked is because I have put my name down for a kitten from MeMe's breeder. She is encouraging me to get into showing, and I hope that I will be able to go to some with her. She is going to help me choose a good kitten and I was wondering what age the traits would be apparent and wanted to do a bit of research myself - I'm just overly keen and excited

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Hi Loiuse, firstly i would suggest you study the S.O.P. ( standard of points ) set out for your chosen breed by the GCCF, then when you do go to view a potential show kitten you will have some idea what your looking for , but you also need to remember there are no gaurantees that any kitten will be successfull at shows, If you buy a kitten from a reputable breeder who has several years of breeding behind them they should know which kittens have show potential, Obvious things to check are their bite, ear placement, there eyes and are they mis-marked. i hope this helps some, best wishes...........Chris

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Hi Chris,

Thanks for the tips. I'll have a look over the S.O.P. I've found the information on the web, so thanks for that.

This kitten will be a pet over and above anything else. To be honest, if I fall in love with a kitten that doesn't meet the criteria it definitely won't make me change my mind about it. The main reason that I would show the cat would be for fun without any expectations. I would still hope to be able to attend some shows with the breeder, regardless of whether I had a show worthy cat. I find them thoroughly enjoyable and its a nice way to meet like minded people

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Hi Loiuse , i couldnt agree with you more but if you have a kitten/cat with show potential its great going out to shows and meeting like minded people and you make some great friends........good luck.....chris

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Support Bacteria, its the only culture some people have.

Its far better to keep your mouth shut, and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.!!!!!!!

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'The main reason that I would show the cat would be for fun without any expectations. I would still hope to be able to attend some shows with the breeder, regardless of whether I had a show worthy cat. I find them thoroughly enjoyable and its a nice way to meet like minded people '


Remember that even if your chosen kitten doesn't make it as a 'pedigree' show cat, you can still have great fun showing him/her (as long as neutered) in the pedigree pet classes, you get titles and rosettes in exactly the same way - except your cat is judges on health, temperament and grooming instead of specific breed features.

Both of my MC show boys weren't 'decided' until they were 11/12 weeks. I had options on them but tried not to get too attached until the decision had been made. Luckily they were considered good enough and while show success is never a 'given' you need to start with a kitten/cat that doesn't have a tail fault, good bite, ear set etc, and it can take a while for that to develop. Good luck finding a good show boy/girl

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I never knew that. My cat will definitely be neutered, so this would apply to me.

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