Going to a Siamese Cat Show, a great day out

If you've never been to a Siamese cat show (or any cat show, for that matter), you're in for a treat. Cat shows are an adventure: you will inevitably see a broad selection of characters and I don’t mean just the cats. But they tend to be low-key affairs compared with regular trade shows, if you're used to those.

The biggest drawback in choosing your Siamese kitten in this way is the sheer availability and choice. You'll want to walk away with more than one!

The first thing to do is find a show near you. The best way of doing this is to either buy cat magazines or search through cat club or cat show websites (I've given you a few resources at the bottom of this page). But please, please check that Siamese are being shown and that it's not a one-breed show - unless that breed is Siamese, of course!

Don't turn up too early. The public is generally allowed in only later in the day, after administrative issues have been dealt with and the vet checks have taken place for the exhibitors cats. You might also consider bringing along your own picnic, although some snacks or drinks are often for sale.

Later in the day you will see that the winning cats will be presented with beautiful rosettes and cups and the proud owners will decorate the cat cages with them.

Cat shows are good for shopping: you can often buy books, magazines and kitten toys, join a cat club or donate to a Siamese cat rescue. Best of all you can enjoy the cats and have a chance to talk 'cats' with like-minded owners without any sad glances or glazed eyes.

Siamese cat shows are also a great opportunity to help you do your homework. Use the cat show visit to interview prospective kitten sellers. Do they love their cats? Do they want to educate you in their love of their breed and do they know their stuff? Or do you get the impression they have a kitten factory and are just at the show to sell three for the price of two?

A final word: if you find a breeder who badmouths others at the show, politely move on.

Here are a few web resources to begin your hunt for Siamese cat shows:

UK: The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy

UK: The National Cat Club

The Traditional Cat Association: A club for all the Traditional and original breeds

Cat Shows US has a great list of the current cat shows for US readers, well worth a visit.

US: The Cat Fanciers' Association

The International Cat Association: not restricted to just one country

Federation Internationale Feline, another international organisation

This list is just a taster - there are literally hundreds of clubs worldwide.

So before choosing your Siamese kitten, you should make a special effort to go to at least one show. It's great fun, you will learn loads and you might meet the owner of your new kitten here!

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