Conference misery::feline_v1

    Barbara....to continue about the show.
    
    I'm sticking to relatively close shows so I don't have to worry
    about hotels etc.  I also bring food with me to cut down on that
    expense.  I'd rather pay an extra $10 to get Dundee a double cage.
    
*   Let's see - costs for this show are $28.00 for your first entry
    and $25.00 for each additional.  This includes a paid show catalog
    which you need to keep score and to determine how many points you
    earned (hopefully)
    
    $1 listing fee for unregistered kittens
    $1 fee for cats & kittens registered in any association other than
       CFF & ICF
    $10 double cage fee
    $15 kittens for sale cages
    $5 guaranteed end of row cage (no charge for handicapped exhibitors)
    $5 late fee
    $20 bad check fee
 
    The only fee's you need to worry about is the registration fee and
    then $5 to register your HHP with CFF.  If you bring your own food
    then the only other expense is gasoline.  (Of course there are tons
    of WONDERFUL cat related items and cat toys for sale!)
    
    Two day shows do get a bit more expensive, but there is usually
    a "deal" for showing two days, like $28 for one day and $37 for
    two, or something like that. 
    
    With household pets, I think, personality is a big factor so if
    Py is friendly and laidback and in good condition, I think he'd
    be a good candidate to show.  Come and see.  This show will have
    a class for HH Kittens as well as HHP's (provided there are 10
    kitten entries). 
    
    As for where I live - Braintree, Mass - down on the south shore.
    Framingham is more convenient than the other shows I've participated
    in so far (all two of them)
    
    Now I gotta get better about cage "dressing". So far I've been using
    a tablecloth and towels  :-)
      Nancy DC and CFF Champion Talegre Dundee MacTavish 
                   gee that sounds great  ;-)  (you'd never know he's
                   just a little pet scottish fold who only weights
                   6.5 lbs)

    yahoo!  another kitty show.  my first show ever (as an observer
    of course... verne and shirl don't like crowds at all unfortunately)
    was in rhode island and i was alittle dissapointed in it because
    i didn't really know what was going on.  i'de like to try and get
    a better idea on the process and points system but don't want to
    travel that far to get some experience, framingham is perfect though.
    could you give us directions nancy and the time it startes? thanks
    in advance.
    
    carlajeanne
    

    There is going to be a cat show in Nashua, New Hampshire that week-
    end also for **three** days. TICA. 
    
    It's very convenient to get to right off exit 6 which is off route
    3/or Everett turnpike.  It will be held at St. Stanuslaus Hall on
    Pine Hill road. Mary Tamir could throw a rock and hit it (almost)
    and I live just a couple of blocks from Mary. If all the DEC cat
    owners that live in this area attend it's going to be BIG. I
    personally like the way TICA judges as the judge doesn't know who
    ownes the cat or what the cat has done previously in shows. A fair
    way to judge from my point of veiw. (No flames, please)
    
    So feliners what day will you attend/show and we call all wear our
    DEC badges/t-shirts or what ever?
    
    Maybe this should be moved to another note?
    
    Looking forward to the weekend of September 22-23-24
    
    Barbara

    Gee, guys, how about keeping the cat show stuff in
    note # 1093 -  maybe we can have this stuff moved 
    there so folks will be able to find all the show
    info.  Just a thought.
    
    E.T.

Hi E.T. - 

================================================================================
Note 1093.0                  Cat show announcements                  120 replies
VAXWRK::LEVINE                                       15 lines   3-FEB-1988 13:34
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    .
    .
    .
If you wish to carry on conversations about a particular show, please
start a separate note for that purpose.  If you don't agree with this
policy of confining cat show announcements to one note, feel free to
either send mail to the moderators or start a new note on the subject.
    .
    .
                                         
(Gee, it's nice to brat on someone other than Nancy DC!)

- jack    

    Watch it Jack or they'll think we're ganging up on them  :-)
    
    I didn't even think of the cat show note, E.T.  Of course this
    is easier for me to find......  Maybe I can just have it deleted
    after the show is over.
    
    re: Directions  this show is being held at the Keefe Tech HS
    750 Winter St Framingham.  I don't know Framingham so someone
    else will have to provide directions.
    

    I guess - I was kinda hoping the directions for the show would go
    into 1093 though - waddaya think??

    The directions to Keefe Tech are in note 1093.25

    re .6,.7,.8 - 
    
    gee, now everyone's happy!

    Who is going to attend the one in Nashua?
    	I would love to go, Ive never been.
    		Does it start on the 24th??
    
    Thanks
    
    	SueJ

    Sue, the Nashua show begins September 22 (Friday) and ends on Sunday,
    the 24th.  I'll be going (maybe showing my Ragdoll kitten) on Saturday,
    the 23rd, then will be in Framingham on the 24th (again, maybe showing
    my kitten and his year old brother).
    
    Cat shows are fun!  I'm still learning about what goes on and don't
    think for the life of me that I'll EVER understand it all but that's
    okay.  Sooner or later, I'm bound to catch on!  My favorite part
    of a cat show is marveling at all the cats, not watching the judging
    rings.
    
    If you're a real cat lover, you'll have a great time!
    
    
    /Roberta
    

    ALL RIGHT ROBERTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Are you going to ask to
    be benched near Dundee and I????  (Framingham)
    
    I think the greatest thing about cat shows is to see all those
    beautiful, healthy loved kitties in one place.
    
    Also, ther is usually a shelter or two with adoptable cats at the
    show too!
    

    Nancy, you know how undecided I am about this!  But if I don't do
    it just ONCE, my mind won't rest!!  When I bring Kelsey out on his
    leash and other people approach him he panics and huddles to the ground,
    then tries to run away.  He has always been rather shy with people  
    he doesn't know.  I wonder how he will react at a cat show where
    hundreds of strange people are staring at him and touching him (in
    the judges rings).  I kind of don't want to put him through it.
    But on the other hand, you never know until you try to so what have
    I got to lose except the entry fee!  Are there any other costs
    associated with entering he and Kirby like a double cage, etc.?
    I wasn't able to touch base with entry clerk last night and it is
    gettting closer and closer to show time!
    
    Yup, I'll ask to be benched near you -- We'll (me and the cats)
    need lots of moral support!
    
    
    

    Roberta,
    
    Of course, there's lots of added expenses!!!  ;-)  Their going to see
    all the new kitty toys, and stuff.  
    
    You also need curtains for the cage at the show.  You can use towels,
    or curtains or sheets.  If you'ld like, I could lend you a set for your
    first show, and if you decide your going to show again, you can then
    decide what you want to use.  
    
    If you enter 2 cats you'll get one double cage.  The two of them will
    probably be happier together in the same double cage.  If your only
    entering one cat, then you get just a single cage unless you pay for
    the extra space (double cage).  
    
    If you need help entering, call me, and I'll give you a hand.
    
    cin
    

    
    	Aw, c'mon Roberta - Squeek and I are gonna be there!! We
    	can even ride over together...
    
    	Sherry
    

    I just got off the phone with the show clerk:  what a NICE woman
    she is!  She breeds Maine Coons.
    
    Anyway, YES, I am going to enter my babies!!  Cin, I would love
    to take you up on your offer to lend curtains as I have no idea
    what to buy.  Sherry, I'm glad you are going!  Let's talk about
    riding together.  I'll probably have a friend or two tagging along
    to help out as well.
    
    Esther, the show clerk, gave me a whole list of things to bring
    and even offered to bench next to me so she can help me through
    the day which was thoughtful of her.  I could tell she really loves
    cats and showing.
    
    Thanks for the tips.  Will be in touch.
    
    
    /Roberta
    

    Hey, a cat show in Nashua??  You mean in my own back yard??  Gads!
    Where's it being held??
    
    I feel a get-together coming on....
    
    Mary

    Roberta,
    
    Please feel free to ask to be benched with me.  That will probably put
    you near E.T., Pennie Greene, and NDC, and me, of course!!!  It should
    be fun!
    
    

    How many people to a row?  Sherry Conger and I want to bench together
    too (next to each other).  Let's just request a whole row of DECCIES!
    
    Cin - if I were to buy curtains, what do I look for (size, etc.)?
    What do you clip them on with??  What do you put on the bottom of
    the cage?  I have an extra plushy bath rug (don't laugh!).  Would
    that do?
    
    Of course once we get there, the cats will want their own beds,
    toys, and free samples of food.  Geez, they might even ask me to
    buy them a cute little kitten to play with!  Yup, Cin, I think we're
    gonnna have to leave their credit cards at home!
    
    Now if only I could get Karen to show Bailey on that day!
    

    Don't worry, Roberta.  The vendors will be happy to let your
    cats charge to their hearts' content, if you are unkind enough
    to make them leave their credit cards at home!  ;-)
    
    The very first show I entered, I brought several sheets, and
    found it rather cumbersome to arrange them (remember, Cin?  You
    were there.)  I have several times lent curtains to first timers.
    Unless you are pretty familiar with the layout, it might be easier
    to borrow for the first time, and then you'll be familiar enough
    with the way curtains would conveniently work.
    
    Just keep in mind that one primary purpose of the curtains is to
    provide physical separation of the cats, so that sneezing or spraying
    doesn't land on the neighboring cat.  I consider the decorative
    aspects secondary (although I wish I had the time and energy to
    decorate cages with the show theme the way some people do!).
    
    See you there!
    
    	Pennie

    Roberta-
      I just bring a few towels and a couple of white tablecloths.
    I also bring Dundee's favorite bed.  
    
    re: touching - NO ONE should touch your cat without your express
    permission.  That doesn't stop some folks - mostly cause they don't
    know that touching at a cat show is a NONO.
      In the ring there is only one other person who will touch your
    cat and that's the judge.  S/HE will wash his/her hands between
    each cat and the cages will be cleaned between each cat.
      Dundee also runs off whenever we bring a stranger into the house
    yet aside from a little squirming, he takes the handling by the
    judges very well.  I have a feeling that there's something about
    the way the judges handle them that instills more trust in them.
    The judges I've seen seem to know exactly what they're doing.
      This is going to be great.  I think I'l call Esther in a few 
    weeks and give her the names of all of us and ask her to bench
    us together.
      Nancy
    

    Roberta,
    
    The cages are usually approx 22 x 22 x 22, so a double would be 22 x 44
    x 22.  2 pairs of 24" curtains clipped on with curtain hooks or clothes
    pins work fine.  And a bath rug is usually perfect.  Don't forget
    you'll want to put a cover partly over the top too.  
    
    I have lots of extra curtains, so it wouldn't be any trouble for me to
    bring an extra set with me to the show.  You can use them, and then
    decide what you want to do.  There are a few vendors that sell
    curtains, or you could make them yourself.  It really is no extra work
    for me, except that it makes the bag slightly heavier!!!  ;-)  Of
    course, you could always carry it for me!!!  ;-)
    
    If the kids have a favorite bed or something familiar that they really
    like, you should bring that with you.  Let me know what color it is, so
    I can try to coordinate the curtains for you.  If you don't have
    anything like that to bring, then we can coordinate the curtains with
    the cats.  Do they like lavendar, or brown or cranberry???  
    
    Gee, it would be great to see Bailey.  I think Karen got him at the
    Framingham show last year!!!  He's so pretty!!!
    
    Don't worry about the rows, they will fit everyone in as close as
    possible to each other.  They will bench us across from each other or
    back to back.  Make sure that you put names for your benching requests,
    otherwise the entry clerk has to know who the DECCIES are.  
    
    cin
    

    Cin, I will take you up on your offer of lending curtains.  Let's
    see... I think brown would suit them quite nicely since they're
    both sealpoints; however, the lavendar would bring out those pretty
    blue eyes :^).  Should I bring the clothespins or do you have those
    too?  What do you usually use for the top?  A towel of some sort??
    I'll probably solicit your help in putting the curtains on.  Such
    an easy job will surely leave me dumbfounded!
    
    As far as carrying your bags, heck, let's make the cats do it :^)!
    
    I'll bring a cat bed from home.  It is one Jo made, cranberry is
    the primary color with some navy and white running through it.
    
    Yup, Karen bought Bailey at last year's Framingham show.  Can't
    believe a year has passed since then!  He is so adorable but she'll
    never agree to showing him.  She is very protective of him and exposing
    him to other cats.  I think the fear of him catching a disease or
    infection is what worries her the most.  Oh, well, at least she's
    a concerned pet owner!  But that cute little face really should
    be shown off to the world!!  She'll probably agree to participate
    as a spectator, though, and cheer us on.
    
    I'll request to be benched with both you and Nancy and Pennie and
    E.T.!
    
    Can't wait!!
    
    
    /Roberta
    
    

    Anybody have any particulars about the Nashua show?  I would be
    interested in showing Velcro in the HHP category, but don't know
    the first thing about going for it.  Any help is appreciated.
    
    Bernice
    Mother_of_Touble_Becky_&_Velcro

    Wow!  I just read all this - it sure nuff sounds like a DECIE
    show!  I'll have to tell Lil to keep her paws of those pretty
    boys of yours, Roberta !!!!  Hmm.  Cin, how long do you think
    it will take before she gets hooooked ??????????????  Shall
    we start a lottery?  Let's see, I'll say  it will take,
    
           One Final with her cat or cats making it ! 
    
    Waddaythink, Pen ???  This will be fun!  Do you think she will
    scream and yell if her numbers go up ???
    
    E.T._looking_forward_to_SOME_FUN !!

    Hi Bernice,
    
    The Nashua show is a TICA show - sorry, but I dun't have any info
    on that one - all I have is the info for the Manchester New Hampshire
    show August 19th and 20th (hmm.  2 weeks away !!)
    
    E.T.

    re: .25  I say as soon as she starts collecting those little blue
    winners ribbons!
      Nancy

    Elaine, do you think that Lil and Kirby might want to get together
    and start a new breed like Exotidolls?!  Hmmm... sure would be
    interesting, huh?!! :^)
    
    Right now I say, who cares about points... this is all for the fun
    and socialization aspects really.  But if just one little blue ribbon
    happens to grace my cat's cage, well, I just might be hooked like
    the rest of you!!
    
    
    /Roberta (who is looking more forward to the show than she is to
    her wedding day (don't tell Dana!!).
      
    

    Welll,  hmmmm - ExoticDolls - I like that!  Would they be pointed?
    Cin might be interested in a pointed version!  Yup, that's the
    right attitude - not to care about points - that will work for
    about a day or so, and then......
    
    It sounds like a fun day!   There will be plenty of us there
    to help you if you need it - I think you will catch on quickly -
    Nancy did it with no problem - she is a veteran now - If I can
    handle it - you will have no problem!  It took me forever to
    catch on (I'm a slow starter) - my daughter caught on before I
    did - she had to explain things to me!
    
    E.T.

    Roberta, 
    
    I'll bring the curtains.  My curtain sets include a covering for the
    top, so that won't be any problem.  I'll also have the clips to put
    them up. 
    
    You just bring your kitties, and your grooming things, and their beds
    and toys, food dishes, etc. and I'll take care of the curtains.
    
    This will be fun!!
    
    cin
    

    Thanks, Cin.  I'll be on vacation August 28th through September
    15th and back to work on the 18th so we'll touch base sometime that
    week.  Bringing curtains will be a big help!  I'll probably be a
    zombie that day from lack of sleep the night before!
    
    This is great!!
    
    /R.
    

    re:  Framingham show
    
    I hope all you guys have your entries in for this show - it
    fills VERY FAST.  Last year, many entries were sent back because
    the show was filled!  Get 'em in - don't be disappointed !
    Keep a careful eye on the closing dates, and always send your
    entry at least 2 to 3 weeks before the closing date if you
    really want to enter a show.
    
    E.T.

I found these in my stuff - if redundant, just ignore - some of this
    was leftover from a show and questions that new exhibitors had
    asked - it's not pretty - most of it is CFF-specific - some is
    HHP-specific.  Sorry it's not prettier, not time right now !

1.  Double Cages can be either:  21"deep  x 23"across x 21" high
                                             or
                                 23"        25"         23"

    You will be safe to get 3 yards, which will go all the way around.
    Closer to the exact amount is 2 2/3 yds. - don't forget the piece
    for the top, which needs to be 23" x either 46" or 50" and the
    piece for the bottom (same size as the top) but make the tops
    and bottoms more like  27 x 60 so it will overlap on all sides
    like a roof.

2.  End-of-Row - welll, in some show halls, it helps and in others
                 it doesn't - if the hall is crowded, and the isles
                 are narrow, being on the end doesn't help much.

                 In a larger hall if it is crowded, the end works
                 well. you have the space on the end of your cage
                 and it seems like more space.  If you get a double
                 cage, and there are only one or two people sitting
                 in front of it, you won't need an end-of-row unless
                 you feel like it.

3.  Listing Fee - is just for kittens for show or sale.  If an
                  exhibitor is going to enter an unregistered
                  kitten born to a CFF mom, in order to have
                  the kitten listed in the catalog, they must
                  pay a listing fee.

4.  Registering Household Pets - Yes, you CAN register household pets.
                  If you would like to do so, let me know - it only
                  costs $5.00 for life.  I would suggest waiting 
                  until after your cat's first show to see how she
                  likes it before registering her.  When you send
                  in her entry, under the space for the CFF registration
                  number, put Pending - she will be scored by the
                  Household Pet Scorer anyway.  If she is registered
                  it makes her eligible to be scored for the show
                  season, but our show is in April, almost at the
                  end of the show season, which ends April 30th.
                  If she likes showing, you can register her and
                  continue showing for the 1989/1990 Show Season
                  and her points will accumulate.

5.  YOU MUST BRING YOUR CAT HOME SATURDAY NIGHT AND BRING HER BACK SUNDAY
    MORNING, UNLESS YOU ARE STAYING OVERNIGHT IN THE SHOW HOTEL.  CATS
    ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE LEFT IN THE SHOW HALL OVERNIGHT !!!  You must
    also check in again Sunday moring with the Entry Clerk at the door
    same as Saturday morning - just sort of get in line !!

6.  N/A

7. The announcer will call "Household Pets to Ring 1" and so on....
   The rings will all have signs with numbers on them - you will
   not have any problems finding your ring.  The announcer will
   say, "Household Pets 175 through 185 to Ring 1. If your entry
   number is 183, off you will go to Ring 1 with your cat all
   spiffy and groomed.  On the back of your catalog, there
   will be a judging schedule.  It will show you which rings
   will be coming up in what order.  All cats will show in ALL 12
   rings.  Six rings on Saturday with 6 Judges and 6 more rings
   on Sunday with 6 different judges.  


8.  Entering 2 cats vs. 2 cats in one cage
    If you enter one cat and DO NOT pay extra for a double cage you will
    have your one entry and a single cage.

    If you enter TWO cats you automatically get two singles cages, which
    are really ONE DOUBLE CAGE.  You will not have to pay extra for a
    double because the 2 entries by default give you a double.

9.  Litter and pans are usually provided 

10.  P.O.P Scoring = Parade of Perfection Scoring - it means that the
     P.O.P. points are scored and maintained cumulatively for the entire
     show season - the cat with the highest POP score becomes CFF
     National Best Household Pet of the Year, sigh hope !!  The scoring
     is as follows:  If there are 21 cats showing for that show, and
     your cat gets a Best Cat (first place) in a ring (keep in mind
     that there are 12 rings) you figure the POP points for the best cat
     to be 20 because your cat beat 20 other cats, not counting her/himself,
     which is the 21st cat.  You will only have to worry about POP points
     if you are going to show for the entire season or next season.  The
     points you should think about are the ring points for this show and
     they are figured a little differently.  They are as follows:  if your
     cat gets a best cat in a ring, your cat will have 10 points, 2nd best
     9 points, 3rd best 8 points, 4th best 7 points, 5th best 6 points, 6th
     best 5 points, 7th best 4 points, 8th best 3 points 9th best 2 points,
     10th best 1 point.  The points for all the cats are added up for the
     day and the cat with the highest ring score wins Best of the Best for
     that day.  The same for Sunday.  Then, the 2-day cumulative ring 
     scores are added together at the end of the day Sunday, and the
     cat with the highest 2-day total wins the Morris Award Trophy.
    
     THE MASTER CLERK KEEPS TRACK OF THE ALL THE POINTS AND SCORES EACH CAT.
     YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THAT AT ALL !
     

11.  Nails - yes, all nails on all four feet must be trimmed.  Yes, so that
     when the judge takes your cat in and out of the judging cage he won't
     scratch the judge.  Actually, it also indicates good care of the animal
     to have their nails trimmed on a regular basis not just for shows.

     You will bring your cat to the ring and put him in the cage with his
     entry number on top of the cage.  The judge takes him out and puts
     him on the table and goes over his fur,etc.  When the judge is 
     finished looking at your cat he/she will put your cat back in the
     cage.  When he has written his judging comments in the book, the
     Ring Clerk will walk up to your cat's cage and take the card with
     your cat's number on it, and turn it face down on the top of the
     cage , and usually the ring clerk will say, "Cats with their 
     numbers down can go back."  This means you can go into the ring
     and take your cat out of the cage and take him back to his home
     cage in the benching area - then you get ready for the next ring.
     Then after the judge has seen all the cats that are entered in the
     household pet class, the judge will decide upon which 10 cats will
     be brought back up to that ring for finals.  When Finals are called,
     The annoucer will say, "Household Pet Finals in Ring "3"" you go up
     to the ring WITHOUT YOUR CAT and check to see if your cat's entry
     number is on the top of any cage - if so, go comb his hair and 
     bring him back up to be placed in the finals.  The judge then pins
     the rosettes starting with 10th best household Pet up to Best HHP.
     Now is the time to be nervous to see if and where your cat will
     place in the final - this is repeated 12 times - 12 rings 12 finals!
    
              WEAR COMFORTABLE WALKING/RUNNING SHOES/SNEAKERS

     We are sometimes up in two or three rings/finals at the same time.
     It's fun!

12.  Listing Fee- not applicable to Household Pets.  It's for unregistered
     Kittens.

13. Early Bird Fee - it's fine if you can enter early - you save a few $$$$.
    Yes, the single cage is included with your entry fee early bird or regular.
    It's additional for a double cage.

14. Your cat, when you enter this show is a Novice.  I can send you more
    information for claiming HHP wins if you are interested.  You can
    on claim Companion Wins if your cat IS Registered with CFF.  So, if
    you are planning on going to more than this one show, you may want
    to register your cat.  The cost is $5.00 .

15.  You don't need to arrive at 7 am - if judging starts at 9 am, it's
     best to be there at least one hour to 1 1/2 hours ahead.  This gives
     you time to dress your cage, store your stuff, feed your cat, have a
     cup of coffee and spend a few minutes checking out the show hall to
     find out where each ring is and worry about what you will screw up
     today !!  oh well...  

     You can take your cat out of her cage any time you want to - if she
     is sleeping, you should let her rest though.  You will sort of watch
     what others do and then worry about it.  Or ask - I'll probably be
     be benched near you and so will Sandi Offen - so you will have lots
     of company and you can ask ANYTHING - we are there to help

17.  No proof for shots being up to date.  If any judge thinks a cat
     is sick, the judge calls for the owner and the show manager will
     ask that the owner and all her cats be removed from the show hall
     immediately !!!  Don't worry - we ALL care about that and watch
     every cat very carefully.

18.  If you only enter one day, you will not be eligible for the Morris
     Trophy.  But, whatever you think is best for you.  Also, you will
     only get points for the day you show obviously.

19.  Household Pets are judges on temperment even though some judges
     say that they are not.  If a cat hisses and spits all the time,
     it means that the cat doesn't like to be shown.


Hope this helps,

E.T.

    I hope my entry makes it on time!  Hopefully, the info will arrive
    in tomorrow or Monday's mail, then I can complete the forms and
    get them in right away.
    
    When's the closing date for this show?
    

    Gee, did you need an entry form?  I have an online form I could
    have sent you - 
    
    It's August 24th, but I'll bet it will be full by the 14th or so...

    What kind of entry are you expecting for this show??  Is it really
    12 rings?  CFA only allows a maximum of 4 judgings a day, and those
    shows can only take 450 cats.  450 cat shows very rarely fill out
    here.  We have shows all the time, so the counts are sometimes less.
    It is quite common for us to enter a show only a week before that
    show.  Gosh, I don't know what I would do if I had to enter all
    my shows 3 weeks early!  I am not that organized!
    
    Jo
    
    PS -- your double cages are small!  Ours are 24 X 24 X 45!
    

    Yes, Elaine, please send the form to my node above!
    
    What do I do about Kirby?  He is a non-registered kitten.  Do I
    pay $1.00 listing fee for him?  Kelsey's CFF # is pending -- form
    is in the mail.  Can I furnish it to them the day of the show or
    call CFF next week and see if they can give it to me over the phone??
    
    Confused again, as usual!
    
    /Roberta
    
    

    This show will be held on Sept 24th but closes on Aug 24th!!??
    
    Yikes!
    
    If it was being held in California, the closing date would be Sept
    18th.
    
    A month ahead of time is scarey, you don't even know that the cat
    will still be in show condition then.  Especially with the girls,
    one season, and they blow their coat and become anorexic.
    
    Jo

    CFA won't let you put Pending on the entry form for an adult cat.
    It has to have the number.  Kittens are a different story, just
    put pending, but you don't have to pay a listing fee.  Of course,
    any kitten with a Pending number won't be scored for Regional and
    National awards.
    
    Lots of differences between the associations, it appears.
    
    Jo

    
    		E.T.  - can you send me a form too?? I've
    		been trying to get Esther on the phone w/no
    		luck....I wouldn't want Squeek to miss out
    		on her very first show!!!     
    
    		Thanks,
    		Sherry
    

    The is the blank CFF entry form - strip this off after you extract
    it - everything below the line.  ENJOY !!! 
    ******************************************************************
    SHOW NAME: Mass Colony Cat Club, Framingham, MA     Show Date:  9-24-89

  C F F  ENTRY FORM  
*******************
NAME OF CAT:                                  Color             Sex
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CFF REGISTRATION #:                           Breed             Eye Color
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cat's Birthdate:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIRE'S NAME & REGISTRATION # :
(IF REQUIRED)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAM'S NAME & REGISTRATION # :
(IF REQUIRED)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
BREEDER:                            AGENT:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OWNER'S NAME:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OWNER'S COMPLETE ADDRESS:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHONE:    Home:        
-------------------------------------------------------------------------       
               Total Amount  Enclosed:  $
               Double Cage:    YES     NO     ONE DAY      BOTH DAYS

               BENCHING INSTRUCTIONS:  Please bench with:
 
Any questions pertaining to this entry will be phoned collect.  It is the
responsibility of the exhibitor to: (1) Be sure that CFF registration can be
accomplished: (2) Enter his cat under the correct name, registered owner, and
in the correct class.  Consult CFF registration slip for the EXACT data 
required.

I hereby enter the above cat, at my own risk, subject to the provisions of
the Show Rules of CFF Inc., and I state that I am the actual owner (or duly
appointed agent) and that I have read the above and agree to abide by CFF
rules.
          _____________________________________________________________
          Signature of owner/agent

                Circle Proper Class & Title

Non-Championship                     HOUSEHOLD PET
----------------                     --------------------------------
 Kitten                              Household Pet
 AOV                                 Apparent Purebred Household Pet 
 Experimental                        Longhair          Shorthair
                                     Novice
                                     Companion
                                     Grand Companion
                                     Master Grand Companion

CHAMPIONSHIP                          ALTER
------------                         -------------------
Novice                                Novice
Champion                              Champion
Grand Champion                        Grand Champion
Master Grand Champion                 Master Grand Champion

    INformation for Mass Colony Show:
    
    Entry Clerk:  Esther Wielock, 251 West Central St. Suite 209
                  Natick, MA 01760
    
    Show Manager:   Jean Hamilton,  same address different phone number
                    Phone:  508-877-7239
    
    5 Ring Show  -  One Day only Sunday 9-24-89  
    
    
    Entry Fee:  $28.00 for first entry;  $25.00 each additional entry.
                The first entry fee includes a paid show catalog.
    
    Make Checks payable to Mass. Colony Cat Club.  No entry will be
    accepted without checvk.   NO REFUNDS.
    
    Closing Date:  August 24, 1989 or when maximum number of entries
                    has been reached.
    
    $1.0 listing fee for unregistered kittens - sire and dam must be
                                                registered.
    
    $1.00 fee for cats and kitten registered in any association other
                      than CFF and ICF (with the exception of HHPs)
    $10.00 Double Cage if available
    $5.00 guaranteed end of row
    $5.00 substitution fee
    $5.00 Late Fee - for entries postmarked after closing date
    $20.00 bad check fee

    re:36
    
    225 entries should fill show.  It's a 5 ring one day show
    
    E.T.

    re:39
    
    Yeah, Jo, in CFF you can do that - CFA is more strict.
    
    Lots of Differences....  It will be an interesting year for
    me -
    
    E.T.

    re: 42
    
    continuation of 42 
    
    phone number for entry clerk:  508-877-7239  5:30 to 10 pm
    
    phone number for show manager:  508-653-4461 9 am - 11 am  
                                                 5 pm - 10 pm 
    
    

    Hi all,
    
    This whole thing has me really intrigued.  I think I'm not up to it
    yet, but I've occasionally thought of entering Tristan (and possibly
    Max) in a cat show.  I took a quick look at the entry form and have
    some questions.
    
    What do you fill in about a cat which is mixed breed, alter, no known
    birthdate, etc?  Both Tristan and Max are "rescues" of a sort, and
    we don't have that kind of info on them.
    
    By the way, I hope to be at the Framingham show as a spectator.  I'll
    certainly be on the lookout for the DEC circle!  Having never been to
    a show I figure this'll give me an idea if either of them might like
    it.
    
    Looking forward to it,
    Karen, Tristan, Tenzing and Max.

    Karen, I share your feelings!  I know that my cats are going to
    be very stressed out initially.  They don't ride in the car all
    that much and are used to having the run of the house all day so
    sitting in a cage will be tough for them.  I expect them to be scared
    and stressed out at first; however, if they display those tendencies
    severely as the day progresses, then I will pull them both from
    the show and leave.  I think that once in the cage, they'll meow
    a lot but will calm down after awhile.  I expect a certain degree
    of stress... if it manifests into mean, uncontrollable cats, then
    that is an entirely different story.  An angry Ragdoll is not so
    docile nor pleasant to be around!
    
    As far as the entry forms are concerned, Elaine is the expert on
    HHPs.  I have a question for Elaine too:
    
    Would Kirby be considered non-championship kitten class?  He's only
    five months old.  I know that Kelsey is altered novice.
    
    Also, what do you guys do so fellow Deccies can identify you at the show?
           
    Still full of questions!
    
    
    /Roberta
    

    Yes, Roberta, Kirby would be non-championship kitten class.  
    
    Don't worry about the kids Roberta, they'll probably be more relaxed
    than you will be!!!  ;-)
    
    can't wait
    cin
    

    Yup, Cin, I agree!  Mom will be a wreck... kids will be FINE!!
    
    Just found out their breeder is showing in Nashua that weekend.
    Darn!  I'd be a crazy lady trying to do two shows, not to mention broke!!
    Oh well, I'll do Nashua as a spectator and have Linda come over
    the house Saturday night and help prep the babes for Sunday's show!
    Any of you guys ever shown 7 cats at once?  That's how many she's
    got entered in Nashua!  CRAZY!!  I'd need a rubber room at the end
    of the day!
    
    
    

    Roberta, Don't worry - we have special restraints for brand new
    exhibitors to use!!  We will bring an extra strong one for you!
    
    The babies WILL be fine - it's rare that a cat get that upset.
    There is so much for them to see and hear that they forget
    that they are in a cage at all!  You will be taking them
    in and out of that cage very frequently, actually as much as
    youl want to in addition to taking them to the 5 rings and maybe
    5 finals !!!  
    
    The largest number of cats I've shown at one show, I think, is 5
    - 4 for sure but I think I've done 5.  Not surprising that I can't
    remember - any more than 2 or 3 and you become a crazy person!
    
    As to birthdays - if your cat is 2 years old and you think he was
    born in the spring put down   May 1 1987 - you do the best and 
    closest you can do when it comes to household pets.
    
    oh yes, keep in mind that September can still be a warm month -
    maybe just a towel on the bottom of the cage and not a heavy
    blanket or rug!  They packed us in like sardines last year -
    so try and pack light!! This is a very popular and fun show -
    it always FILLS - so if you want a double cage get your entry
    in early !!
    
    E.T.

    re: 46
    
    for the HHPs  - they are mixed breed domestic longhair or shorthair.

    re:46
    
    Karen, really all ya have to do is say either Household Pet or
    Apparent Purebred household pet - either longhair or shorthair
    that will work!
    
    Someone asked about how to identify us ad DIGITS -  I have a feeling
    that anyone walking down our isle will KNOW if they see:
    
    Cindy
    Roberta
    Penny
    Elaine
    Nancy
    who did I forget????
    
    A couple of DIGITAL tee shirts, Jack Cunniff, a DIGITAL luggage
    tag on the corner of a cage, and on bags under cages, and if I
    know NDC, a BIG sign saying DEC on top of her cage ~!!!!!!~~~
    
    What a collection - ragdolls, exotics, folds, russians, etc. !!
    
    Just curious, anyone going or showing at the Manchester show??
    
    E.T.

    Roberta,
    
    You could also start getting Kirby and Kelsea used to short car
    trips, and small periods of time in the carrier.  I did this with
    Winston, my household pet when I first started showing.  We did
    it for about a month before the show, and he was fine by the show
    day.
    
    Most of the cats spend most of the day sleeping, and that is good
    since that tends to mellow them out.  Plus, I have noticed that
    with my own cats, some like to be left alone between judgings
    (Kalliste) and others must have all your attention all day long
    (Laci and Limoges).  So, play it by ear.
    
    You will have a great time.  Showing is a lot of fun, I love it.
    All it takes is one ribbon and then you are hooked, marking off
    show dates on your calendar, taking Friday and Monday vacation days
    (for out of town shows), making new cage curtains every couple of
    months, feeling useless on weekends when there is no show.
    
    I even had my first two rosettes professionally framed in a shadow
    box with black velvet!!!!
    
    Jo  

    Good Lord, Jo, and I thought I was bad!!!!!!  You are a hoot !!
    
    Yup, let's see how long it takes ...........

    Elaine, 
    
    you mean to tell me that you don't have any rosettes framed on black
    velvet?????  I thought everyone did that!!!
    
    I bet you and I could have a good time at a show together.  I get
    very excited, and strung out, and all that stuff.  Too bad that
    I can't come out for Seacoast.  But, I used all my vacation days
    (previously mentioned Fridays and Mondays) and don't have any left
    to get me to Seacoast.  I am going to Oklahoma City this weekend,
    but that doesn't require any time off (unless I get stranded there
    and can't get back for work monday!).
    
    Roberta,  I forgot to mention....better start stashing some money
    aside, showing is like gambling, it is addictive, and it costs big
    bucks when you are doing it all the time.
    
    Jo

    Thanks for the tips, Jo.  Listening to all of you has really got
    my excitement level peaked!  So many people have offered to accompany
    me that day... friends, relatives, even Dana!  He is getting just
    as jazzed about showing the boys.  When he told me that he plans
    to come along and help, I almost choked!  When I asked him why he
    is so adamant about going, he replied, "these are our children!
    I have to be there!"
    
    I'm really not expecting any ribbons.  Somehow, when I think about
    Kelsey and Kirby being judged against all those Maine Coons, Persians,
    and Himalyans I wonder if they even stand a chance in finaling.
    Kirby definitely has the cute advantage though.  Both of them will
    charm the spectators if nothing else!  I'm not trying to go in with
    a bad attitude, just a realistic one.  The day will be fun and I
    plan to enjoy it to the fullest!!
    
    /Roberta
    
    P.S.  One more question:  do the judges personal opinions come into
    play when judging each cat, i.e.:  if they happen to like one
    particular breed better than the other, are they more apt to final
    it?
    

    re: Cats who don't like shows.  As I've said, at our first show
    I brought Mao & Dundee and Mao hated it.  She was happy to spend
    the rest of the day sleeping in her catbed with my new T-shirt
    over her (It was C*O*L*D) and with her back to the front of the
    cage.  I could continue to show Dundee.
    
    re: Identifying DECcies.  I got some stamps from Tree House that
    are letters with cats.  I was getting NHDC for myself anyway so
    I also got an "E" so I can spell out DEC with kitty-letters. I'll
    see what I can come up with to hang on the cages to help other deccies
    identify us.  If nothing else hang your badge on the cage.
    
    re: Elaine made the comment about my husband being there as helping
    to identify us. That's because Jack is 6' 5" and really "stands"out
    in a crowd  :-)  Just look for the tall thin brat!
    

    
    	re .52 - E.T. - you forgot me!!! :(
    
    	Sherry
    

    re: 55
    
    You're funny!  Nope, nothing on black velvet!  Just have 'em
    hanging all around the living room!  
    
    You get excited, huh..  I sit there and cry like a baby when
    my kids do good!  I really have to stop doing that cause the
    judges are gonna think my cats have never finaled before!!!!
    I always have said, that when I don't feel that excited, I
    will stop showing !
    
    I wish you could come up - maybe we will meet up somewhere
    across the country !
    
    E.T.

    re: 58
    
    I very sorry - I knew I'd do that - We won't forget ya!!
    
    E.T.

    I went out and bought a frame for Dundee's Parade of Perfection
    award  :-)

    
    	Okay, guys, I got Squeek's HHP registration back from
    	CFF, and guess what?? They got the name wrong!! I guess
    	I could go with either my version or theirs, so what do	
    	you think I should do?? Call CFF and try to get it
    	changed before the show, or call the show secretary and get
    	it changed with them???
    
    	Sherry (&Squeek_who_is_having_an_identity_crisis)
    

    Sherry - did they take a 2nd or 3rd choice of name or just
    misspell the one you gave them.  I would call CFF and ask.
    you want to get that straightened out before the show.
      Nancy

    
    	They only asked me for one choice, and that's what they used.
    
    	Instead of Willow's Grace, it ended up being Willow Grace.
    
    	Not much of a difference, I even think I like it better, but
    	I don't want to cause problems when I arrive at the show with
    	a cat and two names...
    

    
    	
    	I just got off the phone w/CFF. They couldn't use the 's
    	because that denotes a cattery. I should've figured that
    	one out myself.... :P
                                                         
    

    Well, I love either version of the name.  Its better than
    Melynda!  She is an elegant and beautiful cat.  I think you'll
    do well at the show.  She also seems relatively laid back which
    will go over well with the judges.  I'm so excited!!! We can
    write to Mr. Crozman and tell him how well his little one did
    at the show.   :-)
      Nancy DC

    
    	Yes, Nancy, I think she's going to be very calm.
    	However, I have two concerns - I think she's getting
    	FAT, (can you believe it?) and her teeth aren't 
    	perfectly clean (should I have them scaled ahead of
    	time?)
    
    	Sherry
    

    Gee Sherry - at her age I don't think she should have any tartar 
    build up yet.  What are you feeding her?  We found that the CD
    actually cleaned Mao's teeth up.  Of course, the dry contains
    ethoxyquin and I've backed off feeding that.  Try cleaning her
    teeth a bit with some gauze.  I don't think you need to worry
    about it for the show, but if she's got that chemistry that
    results in tartar build up then getting her used to having
    her teeth cleaned is a very good idea.
    
    re: weight - Its my understanding that CFF is more tolerant of pudgy
    cats than CFA, but personally I find fat cats unattractive.  Do
    you free feed?  If so you might want to change your feeding habits.
    I've had to do that with Isis-pudge-cat.
      The household pets that I've seen that have really won big are quite 
    trim.  I think both Katenka & Savoir Faire have body builds similar 
    to Willow, very graceful and elegant. So don't let her get too fat.  
    Besides it not looking good, its not good for her health.
     
    Personally, I think she's going to do great!  If I remember
    correctly, she doesn't even have the dandruf that so many black
    cats have.
     I can't wait!
       Nancy DC
    

    
    	Nancy, we do free-feed dry (friskies - Rosie gets very 
    	ill every time I try to change them , no matter how
    	gradually!). It's hard to control each cat's intake, 
    	since Rosie is barely holding at about 4 pounds right 
    	now. And Missy and Squeek are porking out. We have cut
    	down on thier food a bit, but it's just so hard to keep	
    	Rosie up to a good weight!! I think I'm going to cut 
    	down on the dry and lock Rosie in the bathroom twice a
    	day with her own special meal....
    
    	Her teeth aren't very bad, but I think she's going to 
    	be predisposed to having a problem in the future. Well,
    	we'll see what happens...
    
    	Sherry
    

    Sherry -
      Does Rosie just not eat very much?  If she seems to eat the
    same amount as the others I would wonder if she's a little
    hyperthyroid.  I know there are other symptoms, but I don't
    know what they are.  
      Perhaps you could give Rosie some Nutrical. (I have some
    if you want to try it)  You can pick it up at the cat show too.
      Nancy

    
    	Rosie pukes on Nutrical (and laxatone....). She just
    	doesn't seem to eat very much. Other than that, I'm
    	sure she's healthy. The problem is, at 4 lbs, if she
    	loses even 1/2 lb, she is more prone to getting ill.
    	Also, she seems to eat more when I stand right there 
    	with her, but I can't always do that...
    

    Gee, she must have a real sensitive stomache.  Poor Rosie..
    I wonder how she'd do on some baby food.  Should be real
    easy on her tummy.
    

    Re: 71
    
    Holly likes to have her back stroked when she's eating.  Otherwise
    she nibbles a bit and wanders off.  (And Mr. Vacuum Cleaner moves in
    and eats two dinners.  Three, sometimes, now.  Little Bit is a nibbler,
    too. sigh.)