Cat Show Report from Tokyo, Japan with Love

Jan 28, 2011 / Topics

Photo: Shin Suzuki / Edit&Text: Madoka Hattori / Translation: Jae Lee

Cat shows all across the North American continent to Europe, has been around since the 19th Century first found by Harrison Weir, also known as ‘The Father of the Cat Fancy’ ever since the very first cat show Weir presented at The Crystal Palace in London, 1871. The modern day’s star veterinarian, Bruce Fogle, (husband of the actress Julia Foster, FYI) stated in his 2002 publication “">Catalog,” CFA ( The Cat Fanciers’ Association) and TICA (The International Cat Association) as the major players among cat shows.

In CFA’s case, in order to register for a show, the usual regulations are special originality and rareness of the breed, the purpose being protection of inheritance of a breed. So far CFA has registered 39 pedigreed breeds ranging from pure blood breeds, mixed ‘hybrids’ to DNA mutated breeds such as the folded ear ones we all wuv. Looks aside, personalities are also carefully judged and put on the show for a healthy competition.

《Persian-White》

In Japan, the days of cat shows being associated as exclusive event for the fortunate are over (such time once existed in Japan when cat shows were limited to the privileged) and most shows are open to the public at free entrance. ilove.cat had a chance to speak with the director of CFA Japan Region show Yokohama, Kayoko Koizumi on how to enjoy a cat show.

《Maine Coon》

ーCould you tell us about the cat shows by CFA?
CFA was established in America, 1906. CFA is not only about preserving pure pedigree breed but the goal is about the communication between people and cat. CFA started holding cat shows 40 years ago and it will be 20th year anniversary since CFA recognized CFA Japan Region.

ーHow many cats will be in the show this time?
About 229 cats, which is rather an unusually high number. The average number is between 80 to 120 but this show will represent cats from different areas all over Japan, actually the biggest so far.

《Ocicat》

ーIs it mostly professional cat breeders registering for the show?
Of course there are professional cat breeders coming to the show but house cat owners are also registered. As I said earlier, this cat show is about communication.

《Somali》

ーFor dogs, there are plenty of parks or even cafes where the owners can take their dogs out for a walk and communicate with other dog lovers but for house cat owners, it is quiet different isn’t it?
Yes, this show is aiming to provide the a child’s playground debut for cat owners and not only Kanto area but cat owners from Hokkaido to Osaka city.

《American Shorthair》

ーThere are judges from America at this event as well. How does one become a cat judge?
It is extremely difficult to become a cat judge. You would need atleast 7 years of experience as a professional breeder, more than 10 grand champion cats at acknowledged cat shows under your belt as well as the right personality. You also need recommendations from a licensed cat judge. So as you can see, it demands a highly experienced person with the right connections.

ーFrom a professional view, what would be the most common motivations for people to sign their cats up for a cat show?
If your kid won an award or a main character role at a school play, there is no other happiness you can compare that feeling to. It is like that but of course, everyone thinks that their baby is the brightest! haha

《Abyssinian》

ーCutting to the chase, tell us about process of awarding a cat.
First, cats are largely divided into long hair and short hair group. After that, each cat competes with its same breed, the stage where a cat get awarded as a “Champion.” Champion cats would then go after Grand Champion, Regional Champion and National Champion. Over the period of two days with eight judges, it is possible to win Grand Championship at a first try. The results are posted on the web so the owners can immediately check how much points their cat is winning.

ーIt is quiet complicated to fully understand the championship process...
Yes, perhaps it may be a bit challenging to understand how a cat show runs at once but there are so many people out there just like you who find it difficult to understand a cat show. That is why we have gathered Grand Champion cats to throw an exhibition to help people understand how a cat show functions. Of course you could talk to any of the staffs at the cat show and they would be more than happy to explain. Also, cat toys or towers are on sale at the cat show and there are freebies like different kinds of cat food.

ーOne of the most impressive aspects of this cat show was how well behaved and groomed the cats are. Is that something related to blood line?
No, it is simply about how much effort and time is put into taking care of your cat.
Do not underestimate the power of good shampooing. If you introduce bath to your cat from early age, the cat will end up looking forward to bath time.

《Norwegian Forest Cat》

ーHow did you first become involved with the cat show?
It was when I got a Persian kitten from a friend of mine and that friend asked me to try for a cat show. I failed miserably on my first attempt but I am a quiet stubborn person and can’t stand loosing. I started studying about cat shows from that period and on my third try, my cat became number one champion in Japan. Since then, I have been breeding mostly Persian cats for 33 years and recently I started raising eight short hair Persian cats named “Exotic.” When I got married I took all my felines with me and I cannot even imagine what my life would have been like if it wasn’t for my many cat companions.

《Persian-Shaded Silver》

ーThe recent trend seems to be adopting cats from shelters instead of shopping for a cat at a pet store, what is your opinion on that?
There might be animal lovers out there with negative views on cat shows where we award cats of highest caliber, but I think we can agree on the love and passion towards animals we share.

《Persian-Red & White》

ーAt this event, are there any friends of yours who have adopted cats from you personally?
Yes, however, there are extremely competitive breeders only focusing on the prize and the fame by neutering their cats. That, I oppose. Cats with superior blood line should not be endangered. Instead, I think a breeder’s job is to protect a certain breeds so they can continue to be around us for hundreds of years.

《Tonkinese》

ーSo even for cat-less loners, at this cat show you can see rare to find exotic cats. It is quiet exciting, could you tell us about the next cat show on agenda?
CFA Japan Region cat show is held annually around January. Cat Club shows are held everyweek at different regions throughout Japan. All the upcoming events are on our website.」

《Persian-Cream & White》

The Champs Ilove.cat met at the show

Exotic
Short-haried Persian. Exotic cats usually have round facial with round eyes, button-like nose and fluffy body. Exotic cats have personality of Persian cat's quiet character as well as short-haired cat's tendency to be friendly towards human.

Abyssinian
First found in Ethiopia, the breed was established in England. Slim body and fine short hair defines Abyssinian cats. Despite its wild-cat like look, Abyssinian cats tend to have personality perfect to cuddle with.

Sphynx
First born in Canada during the 60's due to DNA mutation. Sphynx is mostly known for its baldness. Due to it's hairless body, Sphynx cats have ticket body fat layer under the skin. Petting a Sphynx cat feels rather like touching ugg boots or suede purse. It has been said that Sphnx cats have mature personality with friendliness toward human.