Dog Shows and Cat Shows are very similar in format, but with differences based on the nature of the animals.  At both dog and cat shows, the animals are kept in a “benching area” where they are groomed and wait for the appropriate time to go to the show ring.  At both Dog and Cat Shows, animals are assigned a number and are judged according to their breed.  At ring time, both dogs and cats are brought to the show ring by their owner/handler.  The difference here is that most dogs walk to the ring while the cats are carried.  Now here’s where things change.  Dogs are led into the show ring and trot around, all the while being inspected by the judge.  Then each gets his or her turn for one-on-one time with the judge where they are compared to the breed standard.  At a Cat Show, there is no trotting.  The cats are held in a cage at the show ring and brought out one by one to the judge’s table to be examined and compared to the breed standard.

In the 2 images above, judge Kim Tomlin examines the cats while letting them play with toys.

Cats are awarded points for color {C}, division {D}, and breed {B} placement.  Placards are attached to the cage to denote the placement.  Each cat will make the rounds to visit each show ring and judge throughout the day.  At the show I attended yesterday there were 6 rings and 6 judges.  Each cat was handled by all of the judges who will each have their own opinion on which cats best represent the standard.  Spectators sit at each ring to watch the action and may ask the judge questions.  I had a front row seat with my telephoto lens to capture these images.  Some of the cats were really intrigued by the clicking of the shutter and others were more interested in their toys and scratching post.   One major and interesting difference between Cat and Dog shows is that at a Cat Show, you may enter your household pet.  Household pets are not judged against a standard, but instead are judged on condition, beauty and show presence.  So at a Cat Show you don’t have to have a pedigreed cat to participate in the show!  How cool is that?