Find a Breed

The International Cat Association

Showing Household Pet Cats

Showing Household Pet Cats and Kittens

Many enthusiasts find their passion for cat showing ignited after their first event. You don’t need to be a breeder to dive into the exciting world of exhibiting. Join us and start your journey in the fun and rewarding hobby of cat shows. TICA has a Household pet class for adults and kittens who can compete without registration numbers. So you don’t have to have a pedigreed cat to join in on the fun. You can go on to even register that kitty and earn points and titles and even larger awards if you would like to! Just contact your Regional Director or visit a show in your area for more information. Household Pets compete in a class all their own and they compete against each other for top awards as do the pedigreed cats.

TICA welcomes Household Pet exhibitors. Household Pets have their own unique Standard and titles. Household Pets are judged primarily on condition, beauty, and show presence. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and colors and patterns are often a whim of Mother Nature.

What Sets TICA Apart?

Almost any cat can join the excitement of a cat show. From kittens as young as four months to senior cats, there is no maximum age limit. In TICA shows, all adult household pets eight months and older must be altered, but cats with physical handicaps such as a missing limb or eye, are warmly welcomed to participate. Join and showcase your beloved cat in a fun filled environment.”

Should my cat be shown?

Is your cat generally comfortable being handled by new people? Friendly cats often thrive in the show environment, but even the most loving cat can find the atmosphere challenging. Surprisingly, the reverse can be true also-sometimes a shy cat might become unexpectedly calm amidst the hustle and bustle. So, why not giving showing a try? It could a delightful experience for both of you!

How do I get my cat ready for a show?

Be sure your cat gets a good balanced diet and exercise. If you have the opportunity, get your cat used to being handled by strangers. If it hasn’t had it’s shots, be sure to get them. It is imperative for your cat’s health and the health of the competition that all routine feline vaccinations be up to date. Try to get this done a few weeks ahead to allow time for any unexpected reaction to pass.

A day or two before the show, clip the claws on all four feet. This can be done with human nail clippers or with special scissors from a pet shop designed specifically for this task. You may be able to do this by yourself or you may need another person to assist if you have a “squirmer”.

Where are the cat shows?

There are shows held all around the world every weekend. Look for the show listings here.

All TICA cat shows feature a division for household pets, welcoming cat lovers from all walks of life. To participate, simply locate near you that fits your schedule and contact the entry clerk for details. (link for show calendar here) Entries usually close the weekend prior to the the show date. This is necessary to organize the catalog and judging materials. So plan ahead, as you cannot enter the day of the show.

Download our Brochure (PDF)

TICA World of Cats Visitor Guide