Good enough for a show???

Hello everybody...

I am planning to show my silver tabby boy this year, however as I know absolutely nothing about showing I was wondering if he is good enough.

He's a big boy and has a lovely temperament, he's gorgeous and seems to have all the key features of a good show cat however I am a bit worried about the splashes of red/gold that he has in his coat.

I know next to nothing about showing however what I do know is that there are extremely strict regulations in place about almost everything and I am absolutely terrified of turning up and commiting a huge faux pas!!!

Thanks in advance...

Jerrie

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...m/SDC14068.jpg

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Generally spoken, you can take any cat to a show. Mostly you already have a general idea yourself whether you're cat will like it or not - judging its character at home.
As for the looks, well, they'll tell you on the show what the good (and maybe lesser) features of your cat are. But when I look at your boy on these pics, I think he's going to do just fine! :)
Just take the chance and go for it!

He is looking absolutely fine. It is a contest, not a hanging. Ofcourse you are nervous the first time, and believe me also the second time. Is it not possible to ask the breeder of the cat to help you. I know I'm always thrilled if a kittenbuyer wants to go to a show. I don't know the regulations in foreign countries but I always have to bath the cat, and by itself that can be a big issue. How old is your beautiful boy? If you would live a little closer I could help. I do have a booklet how to get your cat ready for show, but that's in Dutch.

The splashes in his coat colour hun are tarnish, which can be quite common and range in amount on silver tabby's - at shows they tend not to look at colour too closely, though depending what judge could pick it up (wouldn't worry though, as i say it's very common)

the bathings the hard bit, and powdering and brushing out once you've hairdried them x

Good luck :) x

Thanks you guys, I think he will be absolutely fine with the bathing and I plan to give it a go soon to see what happens.
Patty - He is just over 8 months old and weighs over 5.5kg already!

Lucius has started to tarnish too very much like your beautiful boy, and I like it very much. The golden nose makes them look lionesque! We eventually want to show Lucius too, and our boys are so similar I'm really interested to see how you get on!

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Originally Posted by misslinaoh

Lucius has started to tarnish too very much like your beautiful boy, and I like it very much. The golden nose makes them look lionesque! We eventually want to show Lucius too, and our boys are so similar I'm really interested to see how you get on!

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I didnt intend to show Hank at all, but from what you have all said Im considering it too!!! haha. :AddEmoticons00941:

Two biggies (outside their overall type & size) are their ears & muzzle. It's hard to tell from those angles what his chin is like but his ears look quite big with lovely furnishing. :)

I was worried when I went to my first show. I wanted to try it & didn't expect anything out of it except for it to be an experience. I came home with three rosettes & the showing bug! Don't be too worried about it. As long as you read the schedule & groom the cat then just enjoy it for what it is!

JUST OVER 8 MONTHS....wow thats one huge kitty hes a stunner too dont know much about shows tho sorry but i wish you luck lol..

Wow he's stunning, you should go for it. Who knows what the judges think or expect, not being an expert, I just know what I like. Let us know how you get on if you do show him, it would be interesting ! best of luck !

He is gorgeous, same size and age as ours but looks huge in teh pictures!

Have only just joined this forum but agree with everyone else,he looks stunning,go for it.I showed my silver boy who has tarnish with the GCCF & all except one judge his other good points overuled it & he done well & got to premier,he then took a dislike to being got out of the pens so I changed to showing FB where you present the cat yourself & the tarnish was never mentioned & he has just retired from showing having got to the top & was only beaten once on the way so obviously very proud of him.
Whatever happens though as they always say you take the best cat at the show home with you & what is great is the friends you make along the way,go & have some fun.

I posted this link in another thread but seems appropriate here. This is a photographic seminar that long time and well known MC breeder Beth Hicks produced to illustrate elements of breed standard. There is one for TICA and one for CFA. If you want to judge the "perfection" of your MC this should help: Maine Coon Seminar

I agree with everyone here :nod:- he seems to be a show cat and a gorgeous one as well. :smile:The face reminds me of my Sebastian - he won 4 times BIS CAP (Best in Show ). Good grooming is a must with the last bath being no later than 4 days before the big event in order to obtain max. luster. I also suggest to blow dry - especially the belly to avoid getting a curly hair do from the remenent moisture. CAREFULL with the heat setting - cats are more sensitive than babys.
There are some great products available for bathing. A simple MicroTec or Armonie Naturale Shampoo should be fine. ( I am against suggestions of the ue of Woolite, dishwashing liquid etc.) I suggest also a apple vinegar rinse for luster, bay rum at the show for shine and Fuller's earth instead of Baby Powder to take away excess moisture and fluff (use sparignly and brush out). You should be fine with one max two baths as he is still a youngster and has no stud tail or ears frim what it seems.
GOOD LUCK to you both!!

Ah yes .....

A bit of wheight training on your part could be of advantage - especially if he does well - what I would think he will....:koolkat::drool1::LOL: