I want to start showing in HHP..

  
Quetzal

Wild thing u- make my heart- sing ♥
 
 
Purred: Tue Apr 28, '09 10:35pm PST 
So, Meowma got to see a cat show back in October, and got bitten by the cat show bug! She was going to enter me in a show in December, but cause of RL problems couldn't. But, she wants to try again!

I have some questions that I was hoping you cat show people could help me with:

1. Quetzal is somewhat standoffish with new people. He's not a fraidycat, but I don't know if he would necessarily take that well to some stranger examining him. What can I do to help prepare him for the show ring, to make sure he's ready and it won't be stressful for him?

2. What sort of criteria is HHP judged on? Quetzal is a shorthaired cat and his coat is usually in excellent condition, but are there grooming preparations that I should know about?

3. How do I get started? I've looked at the CFA and TICA show schedules and found some shows in a couple months in my area, but do I need to do some kind of registration with him first? Quetzal is a rescued Abyssinian mix and has no papers at all- I'm assuming this doesn't matter for the HHP class, but I'm also assuming I can't just waltz into the show ring with my muttcat without some kind of papers?

4. Any tips for a newbie shower? I'm 17, but will be 18 by the time the first show I'm considering entering happens. I've only ever been to one cat show before. I'm guessing 17 is the oldest you can be for any kind of junior exhibitor class, so I'll probably be too old by then.

Thanks for any help, guys!

Linus- (Dreamboat- #72a)

So many toys, so- little time.
 
 
Purred: Wed Apr 29, '09 6:56am PST 
1. Quetzal is somewhat standoffish with new people. He's not a fraidycat, but I don't know if he would necessarily take that well to some stranger examining him. What can I do to help prepare him for the show ring, to make sure he's ready and it won't be stressful for him?

- I would try to socialize him as much as possible. Have some friends over and have them pet him and play with him. You can practice too by putting him on a coffee table and getting him used to being handled. You can also take him out on trips to the vet just to visit and to your local PetCo or PetSmart too to get used to getting out. Show halls are hard to replicate though.

2. What sort of criteria is HHP judged on? Quetzal is a shorthaired cat and his coat is usually in excellent condition, but are there grooming preparations that I should know about?

- HHPs are judged on personality, health, beauty, and grooming/presentation. There is no written breed standard. He will need a bath before the show. I usually bath my cats on Thursday for a weekend show. I use Furminator Shampoo, but you will have to experiment and find what works best for your cat. He will also need all claws trimmed, ears cleaned of any wax, and any goobers wiped from eyes, nose, and bottom before he goes up to the ring to be judged.

3. How do I get started? I've looked at the CFA and TICA show schedules and found some shows in a couple months in my area, but do I need to do some kind of registration with him first? Quetzal is a rescued Abyssinian mix and has no papers at all- I'm assuming this doesn't matter for the HHP class, but I'm also assuming I can't just waltz into the show ring with my muttcat without some kind of papers?

- First check the show schedules and find some shows in your area. Make sure the show has a HHP class - not all shows do. Check the show flier or email the entry clerk. I'm not sure about TICA, but I know CFA and ACFA HHPs do not have to be registered as HHPs... unless you want any points your cat may get to count toward scoring for Regional/National awards. In CFA there's usually a HHP registration form in the show catalog (at least in my region) and you can turn that in to the Master Clerk by the end of the show. In ACFA, you have up to 30 days after the show to register or you lose any points.

4. Any tips for a newbie shower? I'm 17, but will be 18 by the time the first show I'm considering entering happens. I've only ever been to one cat show before. I'm guessing 17 is the oldest you can be for any kind of junior exhibitor class, so I'll probably be too old by then.

Junior Showman ship is actually a completely different class that not all shows have. Most exhibitors are nice and very happy to help you if you tell them you are a new exhibitor. If you mention to the entry clerk or indicate on the entry form you are a new exhibitor, sometimes they will try to bench you next to an experienced exhibitor. The main thing is to know your cat's number and listen for it so you know when and where to bring him up. When your cat's number is placed face down on the cage - you can take him back to benching. Then wait and listen to see if he made the final.

Linus- (Dreamboat- #72a)

So many toys, so- little time.
 
 
Purred: Wed Apr 29, '09 9:37am PST 
A few more things...

You are in CFA Region 2 Northwest. Here is the website for your specific CFA Region:

http://www.cfanorthwest.org/

It has a show schedule with only shows in your region and some HHP info.

Also, you will need to bring some things to the show: cage curtains (for my first couple shows I just used a twin size blanket and it about the right size), small litter box (the club sponsoring the show will provide litter - the clay non-clumping kind), dishes, food, grooming supplies, toy, and a blanket (or two - I like one to snuggle/hide under) the wire show cages the clubs provide are open to the table with no actual bottom. Showing is fun and addicting (and a little expensive) hobby. Hope you decide to try it. Have fun!


Sparkplug

My name says it- all!
 
 
Purred: Wed Apr 29, '09 11:49am PST 
My mom has shown purebred cats for many years and she has even shown me in the HHP class. It is so much fun! The judges open up more than they do when they are judging purebreds and they like to have fun! I agree with everything that Linus posted. I just need to add that if your kitty is declawed, you can't show in the CFA. We have heard rumors that they are considering allowing declawed cats only in the HHP class because if someone adopts a cat from a shelter or rescue group that has been declawed, the new owner can't control that.

Good Luck with showing! You will have lots of fun and you will meet lots of people!

P.S. You are a gorgeous kitty and should do very well! applause

Edited by author Wed Apr 29, '09 11:52am PST


Linus- (Dreamboat- #72a)

So many toys, so- little time.
 
 
Purred: Wed Apr 29, '09 9:42pm PST 
Oh, one last thing... when you enter you will want to pay extra for a double cage. A single entry only entitles you to half the cage (there is a divider). You will want the entire cage so you don't have a strange cat sharing the other half of the cage.

Velvet Rose

Sweet & Mellow
 
 
Purred: Sun May 31, '09 7:31am PST 
Hi! Just saw this thread! I show TICA as the CFA folks in this region aren't very friendly with HHP. Heard it's much better in other regions.

For TICA you will need to be registered with their organization. They do this as they keep track of the points that you win and those are used compared to other cats shown in your region, across the country and around the world.

You can do one show before you are registered just to see if you like it. When they ask for your number just tell them 'Pending'. The points will count if you then get register later. I think the registration fee is $9 for a HHP.

Bumpurr

RESPECT The- Star!
 
 
Purred: Wed Jun 24, '09 3:33pm PST 
I show HHP in CFA, I am in Region 1.

CFA does not officially score HHP's, as does TICA, but in most regions,
we have a scorekeeper, not sure who region 2 scorekeeper is. I do know
region 4 does not score. We score the same as the breed people do, we
keep track of the points, and the top 10 winners, recieve a certificate,
with their pictures on it, as well as a rosette. The top 11-25 recieve a
certificate with their picture on it, and a flat ribbion.

The scorekeeper keeps track of the points thru out the entire season.
The season runs May 1-April 30, so we are pretty much just starting the
new season. Most regions will score, whatever show you go to, in whatever
state or region. One region, think it is 6, only scores the shows in their
region.

If the scorekeeper, of your region, is at the show, she will score the show.
If she is not, its up to you guys to email her the show results.

Most regions have their own site.

The best way to find shows, is to go to Cat Shows US!!

http://www.catshows.us/

It lists the shows by date and club and state. If it has a little green box at
the far right, it means they allow HHP's.

You click on the show, and it brings up the flyer, with all the info you
need, and it has a link, where you can enter online. It also lists the CD or
closing date, which means you have to enter by that date.

Once you enter, you email the entry clerk, to see if they rec'd your entry.
Then they will send you a confirmation, usually by email. Once you enter,
if for what ever reason you cannot go, you still have to pay the entry fee,
even if its for a medical reason, yours or the cats. If you enter in the
last 10 days before the show, you can pay at the door, but it has to be in
cash.

You get a 1/2 cage for free, per cat, so if you have 2 cats, you get a
double cage for free. Like the other poster said, its worth paying the extra
$20 or $25 to get the double cage. Even if you bring your own show
shelter or tent, you still have to pay the double cage fee.

If you want to paw mail me your email, I will forward it to the moderator
of our HHP Board, she is the scorekeeper of region 7. Alot of good info
on there, and that way you can find your region 2 scorekeeper, who will
be glad to help you.

HHP's in CFA cannot be declawed, and must be s/n by 8 months old,
and be 4 months old to show, and their claws must be clipped.

In CFA, all the HHP's show together, in TICA, they divy it up by kittens,
adults, LH, SH, and colors. In TICA cats can be declawed.

I show all over the east coast, and whatever state I went to, I found the
HHP people to be very friendly and very helpful. When you enter, at the
bottom, there is a comment section. Indicate this is your first show, and
they will bench you with other HHP people, and assign you a mentor.

Please let me know if you need anything or have any questions, would be
glad to help. big grinbig grinbig grinbig grinbig grinbig grinbig grinbig grinbig grinbig grinbig grinbig grinbig grinbig grinbig grinbig grinbig grinbig grinbig grinbig grinbig grinbig grin