First Time Exhibitors Guide to Showing your cat with ANCat Inc

An Australian National Cat Inc cat show/exhibition is run on behalf of the ANCI  and it's members. Shows and exhibitions are open for the general public to visit and view the cats on display.

Eligibility - Who can show?

To be eligible to enter a cat for the purpose of showing at the ANCI or it's affiliates they must be the following:

  •  Registered pedigree (according to ANCI National Standards
  •  Domestic - defined as any cat not looking like a purebred and must be desexed
  •  Part-pedigree - defined as looking like a purebred and must be desexed.

How do I enter a show?

It is easy, Use the Online Show Entry for on the ANCI web site or ask for a Show Entry Form to be sent to you.  The documents are self-explanatory and once you fill out and return the forms (with your payment included) and any other documentation that you may require , you are on you way to becoming an exhibitor.

What is an "Open Bay" style show?

Open-bay style show are relatively new to Australia and have a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.  Interaction is the key word for open bay style showing.  The show can consist of three, four, five and even six rings and sometimes even more.  For every 'ring' there is an equal number of judges ie., 4 ring show = 4 judges.  The judges adjudicate in each ring so your lovable cat can be judged as many times as there are rings and you can listen to the comments of the judges because you're right there.

An important point is that because open-bay style showing allows a number of judges to see your cat on that day, it increases the chances of your cat winning an award.

The general public also like open-bay style shows, too, because they can move around the outer area and listen to the judge's viewpoint on a particular cat, plus they can view all the breeds on display and ask breeders specific questions relating to their particular breed.


Oops.  You've left it a bit late! Lets go back a couple of days to when you should have started preparing - at least the day before if your cat is a shorthair and some days prior to the show if it's a longhair.

There are many books on the grooming requirements of a longhair and shorthair cat.  But please make sure you cat is clean....... yes, your lovable cat can have a bath and don't forget to clean the ears and clip the nails (front and back) and definitely check for fleas.

Its the day of the show - What do I do?

What to take with you:

  • Water bowl (small)

  • Food for kitty

  • Curtains and a base for the cage - these can be any colour and pattern that bests shows off your cat and are usually available to purchase at the show

  • Vaccination papers (domestic/companion)

  • Toilet tray with lid and litter

  • Secure cat carry box

and most importantly... if you are showing a domestic or part pedigree they must be desexed.

OK, so you've groomed kitty.  Then lets make the ride to the show as comfortable as possible.  A secure cat carrying box is the answer for this.  Don't do what some new exhibitors have done in the past, they're in such a rush to get out the door to the show they grab everything including the carrying box... zoom off...get to the show.... and guess what? Poor old kitty is till at home - they forgot to put him in the carry box!

Remember, also check the directions if you're not sure where the show is and leave in plenty of time to arrive by the time allocated on the show schedule.  If you arrive late you may be denied entry into the show once judging has commenced.

There will be a desk at the front entry with ANCI members present.  At this point you will receive a Benching Slip (this is the number that your cat is caged in and as all the awards, etc are organised under that number, it is very important). You may also obtain a copy of the Exhibitor's List which will tell you about the other cats in the show.

If you are feeling a little nervous at this time don't be afraid to ask if someone can assist you for a little while.  We usually have many members more than willing to assist a newcomer.

OK, so you're at the cage (note that the cages are in catalogue order, except for entire adult cats where males are always separated by a female).  Prior to taking your cat from his secure carry box, you may like to add his water to his bowl (which is usually removed before judging)..you wouldn't like you cat to have a bath in the middle of the show.  Organise your curtains and base into the cage.  After you have completed these tasks you can now place your cat into the cage and secure him properly.

If everything is fine then you can stay with kitty until the judging commences.

Judging Begins

You will find seats allocated near each ring for both exhibitors and the general public.  You can relax and sit comfortably in front of each ring listening to the judge's comments as they move amongst the exhibits.

A break in judging occurs at lunch time, then resumes until the final cat has been judged and all awards and trophies have been allocated.

Lets hope you are a winner... but don't be disappointed if you aren't... because there is always the next show.

Remember read the Show Rules on display at the venue to ensure you understand the guidelines.

Merchandising stalls catering to the requirements of cats are at most shows and are interesting to browse and purchase items that you may need.

At ANCI venues we try to ensure that there is either a snack bar in operation throughout the day for tea/coffee and light meals or there are cafes close to the show venue.  When you leave for lunch or a coffee please ask other exhibitors near your cat to just keep an eye on him/her - it is after all a public show.

The ANCI hopes that you have a great time at your first show and look forward to you and your cat participating in many, many more.