Exhibitions of different systems
In order to be admitted to the exhibition, cats must meet certain requirements in terms of health, appearance, and behavior.
The cat must be:
- Healthy and vaccinated – a veterinary check-up is mandatory.
- Socialized and calm – there are lots of people, voices, and other animals at the show. The cat must be able to tolerate attention and unfamiliar surroundings.
- Compliant with the breed standard – the judge evaluates the body structure, coat, eye shape, color, character, and overall impression.
Exhibitions under various systems: WCF, TICA, and FIFe
Although the overall purpose of the shows is the same, the judging systems and titles vary significantly depending on which international organization the cat is registered with.
The most common systems in Estonia and Europe are the WCF (World Cat Federation), TICA (The International Cat Association), and FIFe (Fédération Internationale Féline).
WCF – World Cat Federation
Origin: founded in Germany, brings together over 500 cat clubs from around the world, including several clubs operating in Estonia (e.g., Cato, Fennica Cattus, Baltic Cat, Selena Tiger).
Exhibition structure:
- The shows usually last two days, and cats are divided into classes according to age, sex, breed, and coat type.
- Each cat participates in a class according to its title (e.g., Champion Class, Grand Champion Class, etc.).
- The evaluation is based on the breed standard, where the judge assesses the body structure, coat, color, head, and character.
Titles and point system:
- Titles are awarded step by step: Champion (CH), International Champion (ICH), Grand International Champion (GICH), etc.
- To get each title, you need a certain number of certificates (CAC, CACIB, CAGCIB) from different judges and shows.
- In addition, Best in Show, Best of Breed, and Best of Best categories will also be judged.
Characteristic:
- WCF exhibitions generally have a friendly and international atmosphere.
The opportunity to win several titles at once, as sometimes several parallel shows take place on the same weekend (multi-show format).
TICA – The International Cat Association
Origin: An American system that emphasizes openness and a dynamic judging system.
TICA shows are represented in Estonia by the Esticat club.
Exhibition format:
- TICA uses a ring system (rings) – several judges evaluate the cats independently.
- Each round is like a separate mini-exhibition, where the cat receives points according to its performance.
- The cats are brought to the judge, who evaluates them and ranks them according to their results (Top 10 cats in each round).
Points and titles:
- The cat collects points throughout the season – the results are entered into a global ranking.
- Titles are based on accumulating points, not on obtaining individual certificates (e.g., Champion, Grand Champion, Supreme Grand Champion, etc.).
- In addition, there are separate categories for Household Pets, i.e., cats without pedigrees, which can also receive titles.
Characteristic:
- A very active and interactive format – the judges explain their assessments aloud to the audience, which makes the exhibitions interesting for spectators as well.
- Suitable for those who enjoy competition and want to make their cat internationally famous.
FIFe – Fédération Internationale Féline
Origin: Europe’s oldest and one of its most influential cat organizations, which also includes the Estonian club Felix.
The FIFe system is strictly regulated and consistent, making it particularly suitable for those who value a traditional and formal judging system.
Exhibition structure:
- Cats are evaluated based on breed, gender, and age.
- Each cat has a judge who evaluates it according to FIFe standards, after which the best litter and best cat in each category are selected.
- Cats compete in title classes (CAC, CACIB, CAGCIB, etc.).
Titles:
- Titles are awarded only on the basis of certificates obtained from three different shows and three judges.
- Title levels: Champion, International Champion, Grand International Champion, Supreme Champion.
- FIFe keeps accurate records and requires all results to be officially confirmed by the club.
Characteristic:
- Highly structured and formal, with rules that are consistent across the globe.
- Strong emphasis on animal welfare and ethical breeding.
- Cats do not compete solely on the basis of appearance – behavior and overall impression are also taken into account.
