We plan to go to our first show – The Birman Cat Club Show on November 7th to see some beautiful birmans, see if we enjoy it, meet new people and perhaps gain some knowledge and experience in showing.

Our breeder said that Rocky may be show quality as he has very good markings however as she is not experienced in showing, she can’t be positive.

I have been in contact with an experienced show/breeder who would be happy to assess him for us. So perhaps some time in the future Rocky can try his luck on the show bench.

Does anyone have any tips/advice for Cat Show Newbies?

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RockySapphire

Yes - go along and give it a go! Decide what show you want to go for and get your entry in. For the miscellaneous classes, go for debutante novice and maiden because you are likely to only ever get one shot at those.

Liz

The biggie for Birmans is the feet markings. Look at this site. There are other things but bad feet markings, as I say, is the biggie.

I show my Birman but have only done so for one show. Birmans, apparently, are one of the more difficult to show as the markings are so specific & the grooming is only second to Persians in being particular & time consuming. It may be worth going with your boy as an entry so that you can meet others who know about Birmans and/or to get an official point of view. If you don't get placed on the day, look out for the judge & ask them about your boy otherwise you won't know as those placed get reports on cats after the show.

Is he neutered? If so, you are now able to enter pedigree cats as Household Pets at GCCF shows - that might be one way of getting some experience and other opinions without taking the plunge into pedigree competition straight away.

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Your boy certainly does have nice even front paw markings from your photos. Seal tabby points not that common either so he should do well. Cat shows are my idea of a purrfect day out and an opportunity to spend, spend, spend

Birmans for markings are one of the hardest breeds to show but don't let that put you off - showing is a sociable rewarding hobby - I have met many people who have become great friends and whilst we enjoy it when our cats do well, shows have become a big social event as well

It's good you have someone to mentor you - that really helps!

Do the Birman clubs have a chat list? we have one for Selkirks and I found it really helpful when I first started out showing the breed - and everyone was very patient with my daft questions!

I think you should go for it!! Good luck if you decide to show your kitty!

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Run free my beautiful rainbow babies. I love you.