OMG! JUST entered them into a show...

**LilyC** · 24th January 2012, 01:23 AM

As the title says.

When we were looking for MC's, we just wanted pets. We had absolute no desire to show either of them.

Our breeder held Tequila and his brother back for them to decide on which one would be their next show cat. Fortunately, they kept his brother and we got Tequila. I am sure his brother would have been great too!
Knowing that his brother has done very well in shows (they're almost identical), we bounced around the idea of showing him here locally.

So, there is a 3 day show coming up in March here in British Columbia. I emailed our breeder and asked all the questions I can think of. I knew he would offer some guidance being that we are treading on virgin territory. I am still a little nervous.

Initially, it was only Tequila that was going to be shown. But I couldn't leave Maya home so eventhough I could bring her to the show and not compete, my dh tells me to enter her too. What has she got to lose? So, what the heck, I just sent in both entry forms. She will go in as a kitten and he will go in as an adult neuter.

Anyone here that can shed some light on the shows that TICA holds? I've read the rules and all that good stuff. So I think I got a handle on that. I think.

With my entry, I get 1 double cage plus 2 extra half cages. I was told that I can put them Tiki and Maya in the one double cage and use the allotted space for grooming instead for the other cages. Do I need these 'curtains' for the cages or can a sheet simply do? Can I make these so called curtains? What shall i put down on the bottom of the cages? Does the litter pan go into the cage with them?

I really think Tequila will do fine in the settings. He was brought to shows before so he was 'use' to the enviroment. Not sure how he'll react now since he hasn't gone to one in 5 months. Maya? Not sure. She was brought to a show She's just a inquisitive little squirt.

If anyone's got any tips or advice for me, please I beg that you send them along to me. I need all the help and advice I can get.

TIA!!!

**jckkerrison** · 24th January 2012, 07:19 AM

Good luck with the showing,don't panic go & enjoy,I would put the two of them in together to start with I did my two boys until they got older & bigger & then they had individual pens so they had their own space.You can make your own curtains to go round the pen people tend to have colours that show off the cats colouring to its best,I made up a set but I found that Merlyn started hiding so in the end just put in nice bedding for him to lay on & he was a lot better,haven't even bothered using them with the last two,yes you put the tray in with them plus food & water & I always have a small bag of "special"toys in the showcase,not allowed out at home only at shows...! You will find it quite hectic at TICA especially with two as there are several rings working at the same time but it is great fun & if you get in touch with the show manager & inform them you are a first timer I am sure they will put you near someone who can guide you through on the day,here in the UK at FB shows now they do give you a mentor which is great because you know you can go along & not get in a muddle although I think we have all helped out people at times anyway.I would be inclined to give them both a practice run bath sometime soon,some cats you can do the day before & they are fine others need a bit longer for their coats to settle down also if whatever products you decide to use don't suit then you can try again,nothing worse having a "panic"situation the day before you are off to the first show,don't forget to clip nails first...
Good luck keep us posted on the show updates,we are off to a FB one this Saturday so bathtime commences soon...x

**LilyC** · 31st January 2012, 12:07 AM

Payment is made and hotel reservations have been made for one overnight stay.

I've been fortunate to find an experienced exhibitor to help me. She is coincidently a Maine Coon breeder and the entry show clerk. I am thankful.
oi9kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk ,,,,,(that was Maya - she says hello)

Instead of using the provided wire cages for my kids and have to get or make a set of curtains for the cages ( I don't sew), I found a miracle product (in my mind). It's from Sturdi Product. - they make a pop up show shelter and I can also use and secure it in the back seat of our SUV. Woohoo!!

**elsie_gilmour** · 13th February 2012, 03:41 PM

You must be so excited now! I wish you the best of luck for the show, you must let us know how you get on!

Luisa xx

**LilyC** · 14th February 2012, 02:25 AM

The time is drawing nearer. I am excited for them both. I will definitely come back and let you all know how it went.

**Tivicoons** · 14th February 2012, 12:32 PM

Good luck with the show, I've seen Sturdypens at TICA shows here and always been impressed with them, but as I don't show TICA anymore it didn't seem worth buying the pen, although I was tempted. You really can't over do the show prep, tails degreasing is an ongoing nightmare for me, but my boys are entires so they tend to be greasier. Hope you have a lovely time and keep us posted on your day.

**H&SWells** · 14th February 2012, 01:36 PM

I told my breeder I would only show once as kittens and when they both got 1st and BOB I just HAD to do it again, getting my first PC was such a buzz, even though that was all Eric got as he was up against the BIG boys, Ernie was still a kitten by 3 days and did well too. Just working out whether to wait until they grow bigger or risk it in a couple of months time and see how they do.

**pralinehalo** · 22nd February 2012, 12:02 PM

Good luck! I've only shown Rasputin a couple of times (GCCF) and have heard good things about TICA

I'm sure you'll meet loads of friendly people who'll help you out!

**candes** · 7th March 2012, 09:19 AM

So when is the show? I am soo excited for you! I think the Mackerels with white feet like your Tequilla, are very striking, and do well. Both your cats are equipped to be real dazzlers in the show ring. And did you know that he also looks a tidge like Teddy Ruxpin in your Pita pata pic. Both are Shubacoons and not just Tequilla, correct?

**LilyC** · 7th March 2012, 04:17 PM

The show is coming up on Friday. We're both really excited. Lots of packing up to do eventhough it is only 45 minute drive away. I still have print out some signs and get a few more items. Give them both their baths and then onto the show.

Only Tequila is a Shubacoon. I think he will do well also. Being that he was exposed to shows before we got him, he doesn't get too excited about his surroundings. Example of that was yesterday, I brought him to my husbands work and picked him up using the show hold. One of the guys wanted to feel how heavy he was so I just passed him him over and he stayed in the show hold with no squirming whatsoever. Then he passed him back to me the same way. I was so impressed. Tequila's brother literally identical to him has just ended his show career with a CFA Grand Champion title.

Maya's father is GC Highlander Rufus of McKittycreek. Maya is a little more a squirmer, she doesn't do the show hold very well but if you carry her on her back she luvvvvs it. Unfortunately, in that position, it won't help her win any titles. But who knows, she just might impress the judges after all.

We're going in with an open mind, no expectations. We want to have fun and just enjoy the experience. They are both already Champions in our eyes.

Okay, deep down I hope they kick butt.