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New to cat shows

We are happy to help with registration, cage, curtains, accommodation and everything that can seem overwhelming the first time.

Illustration af Hellig Birma med en blå og gylden kokarde
Illustration til emnet – ikke et fotografi eller en historisk kilde.
You are not aloneYour first show comes with many new words and routines. This guide follows the day in the order you will actually experience it.
♛

You do not need to know every rule by heart. What matters is having the cat, paperwork and practical essentials in order – and asking when you are unsure.

1. Before you enter

Can the cat be shown?

At Danish FIFe shows you must follow Felis Danica and the organising club's rules. Pedigree cats must be properly registered and the cat must be old enough for the entered class. Kittens can be shown from 4 months.

Health and vaccination

The cat must be healthy and have the required vaccinations. FIFe requires vaccination against panleukopenia, calicivirus and herpesvirus, with required vaccinations/boosters given at least 15 days before the show. Always follow the validity stated by the veterinarian and the practical requirements in the show invitation.

Pregnant and nursing cats may not be shown. White cats require the documentation specified by the rules concerning hearing. Further documentation may apply depending on age, sex and the show – read the invitation carefully.

2. Entry

Enter through the organising club's system and check the cat's name, registration number, EMS code, sex, date of birth, owner and class. Save the confirmation and payment receipt. If you are unsure about the class, ask the club or an experienced exhibitor before the deadline.

Do say that it is your first show. JYRAK's own first-show guide explicitly encourages new exhibitors to say so – it makes it much easier for others to help.

3. Prepare the cat

Coat
Plan bathing and drying so the coat is clean, airy and natural on the day.
Claws
Trim claws a few days before the show rather than at the last minute.
Ears and eyes
Check and clean gently as needed. A cat with irritated eyes or ears should not be taken to a show.
Transport
Use a secure carrier and plan the journey, parking and any accommodation in advance.

See Birmakredsen's show-grooming guide →

4. What to bring

Documents
Vaccination record/pet passport, entry confirmation and relevant certificates.
For the cage
Curtains as instructed by the organiser, floor covering, a hide/shelter and perhaps a small cushion.
Food and water
Bowls, food and fresh water. FIFe requires food, water and a litter tray to be available for at least half of the show day.
Litter tray
Tray, litter, scoop and small waste bags.
Grooming
Comb/brush, a small cloth and the items you normally use for final finishing.
For the human
Food/drink, a chair if permitted, charger and a little patience – a show also includes waiting time.

5. The cat's place in the hall

FIFe requires at least 50 × 50 × 50 cm per cat. The floor must be covered, the cat must be able to rest undisturbed, and litter, water and food must be available for the required part of the day. Metal cages must also be screened according to the cage layout so cats are protected from direct contact with neighbours.

Think “small safe room”, not decoration contest. Curtains may be beautiful, but calm, ventilation, space and access to water and litter matter more.

6. When you arrive

  1. Go to check-in and report the cat present.
  2. Follow the organiser's veterinary/health procedure and have the paperwork ready.
  3. Find the cage and set it up before letting the cat settle.
  4. Find the catalogue number, judge and judging ring.
  5. Listen for announcements and calls – the order may change during the day.

If a cat shows signs of contagious disease at vetting or during the show, it may be refused entry or removed; FIFe rules also cover other cats belonging to the same exhibitor. Only bring healthy cats.

7. At the judge

The cat is judged against the FIFe standard for the Sacred Birman. The judge assesses the whole cat and breed-specific details and normally writes a report. At some shows the exhibitor presents the cat; at others a steward assists. Follow the procedure of the day.

Be ready

Watch your number and be at the ring when it is your cat's turn.

Listen

Judging is a chance to learn. A judge's assessment is a snapshot of the cat on that day.

Ask afterwards

If a term on the judge's report is unclear, ask an experienced exhibitor or the show office when the ring is calm.

8. If the cat is nominated

A NOM means the cat has been selected for the Best in Show panel. It is not yet a BIS. Find out when the panel starts and how the cat will be presented. A Breed BIS may have a separate breed final.

9. Good show etiquette

  • Respect the judge's work and other exhibitors – people can experience results differently.
  • Do not handle someone else's cat without permission and do not let strangers handle yours without agreement.
  • Keep the cage area tidy and look after water, litter and rest breaks.
  • Help newcomers. That is how a good show environment stays good.
  • The cat may leave only when the organiser's official closing time and rules allow it.

10. When you get home

Give the cat peace, water, food and time to sleep. Read the judge's report while the day is still fresh. Note what worked with transport, cage and coat – it makes the next show easier.

Remember: A show should be something both you and the cat can cope with. Certificates and cockades are fun; the cat's sense of safety matters more.

Official rules

This guide is practical help and does not replace the show invitation or current FIFe rules. The rules were last checked against the 2026 material on 3 October 2026.

FIFe Show RulesThe official and decisive rules.Open →Felis DanicaDanish overview and national rules.Open →JYRAKJYRAK's own first-show guide.Open →