Cat Show at Yolo County Fairgrounds Inside Woodland

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The Cat Fancier's Association sponsored a cat show at the Yolo County Fairgrounds.

225 cats arrived to be preened, combed, beautified, and judged.

Some were fed baby-food with a spoon.

When something like a cat show comes to town, it really shouldn't be missed. Cats of every breed can be seen- big cats, little cats, hairless cats. It is very interesting. But the show isn't really about the cats, the real show is the people- and what they do for their cats.

A Devon Rex pouncing at a toy

The cat show ran all day long - from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Cats of course are noctournal animals (they like to be awake at night, and sleep during the day) so this is a difficult schedule for them. Each cat has it's own little home at the show - a place to rest, a place where the cat can feel safe. Each of these little homes reflects the personality of the cats (or owners really).


Some are fanciful - here is a persian in a gold and green environment that simulates his natural habitat inside a box of christmas ornaments.	While this abbyssinian feels right at home with the leopard print lamé.

Rosie on the other hand had a bit more of a 'home-spun' enclosure. Rosie is entered in the 'HouseHold Pet' category, meaning that she is just a regular old cat- not part of a special breed. Rosie has been entered in quite a few contests throughout the state, and even went to Las Vegas for a show during Christmas. Rosie also only has one eye.

Some of the cats are full of energy, and want to play all day. This Maine Coon, 'Ice Man' - from Soledad, CA - was a big strong cat who seemed like he wanted to tear apart his cage.

Most of the tables had Gerber's baby food sitting around.
But I didn't see a single infant in the entire place. Hmm....

The cats and owners do not spend the whole day just relaxing while waiting to be judged. There is a lot of work to be done. Cats need to be brushed, cleaned, perfumed (baby powder was a favorite) and made pretty. In addition to the 'private cages' each cat had space to be primped and preened- and there were some serious grooming kits at the show.

This lady is using a make-up brush on the fur near the cats eyes. Some cat owners have a dozen or more brushes for different areas and different uses. Even the fur between the cats toes gets the full salon treatment.

It hurts to look this good..

The judging takes place on a small table - it is possible to sit in the very first row, and be only a few feet away from the cats being judged. There were 6 'rings' (judging areas) going at the same time.
Each cat will eventually be seen by each judge. The judging is basically non-stop throughout the day.

The good judges talk the entire time they are doing their job. This judge's name is Norman Auspitz. He told us cat facts, cat trivia, and different characteristics of each breed while looking at the cats. He said:

The first cat show in the United States was in the mid 1860's, in Maine. Judging Maine Coons
The newest breed of cat is the Hairless Sphynx
There are no 'grey' cats. In the cat world that color is called 'Blue'
In 1905 there were only 7 recognized breeds, now there are 37

The judges have toys, to try to see how alert the cat is, and how willing they are to attack a toy and play.

The judges do a lot of 'hands on' work, scratching the cat, picking it up, poking and prodding just about everywhere.
I asked what they thought about the HouseHold Pet division, and I was told: "Even pets need to be in good condition to get a ribbon- we judge the animals health and structure."

In the end, each owner hopes to take home some of these ribbons. Showing cats is very important to a lot of these people, because most are also breeders. Having 'winning cats' gives your cattery greater status, and eventually will mean that your kittens become more valuable.

Many breeders I talked to said that they charged between $500 - $800 per kitten. But they only sell kittens that have been 'fixed'. Many of them say that it is for the health of the cat. But keeping the potential breeding stock (competition) down must also be good for their business.

To me, the real show is with the people. If it were up to the cats, they would be at home, sleeping on a bed, or chasing some bugs. The people load up their cars each weekend to take their cats to the shows - they do all of the grooming work, they decorate the cages, and wear outfits to match the cats.

I walked up to this lady, because I just had to tell her that she looked a lot like her cats. They both had short blond/white hair, a little bit spiky. Both were very thin - and they looked about as close as a cat and human can. The cat in the picture has one green eye, and one blue eye. The woman told me that she was looking into getting one colored contact for herself- so her eyes will match her cat. She was very happy to be compared to her cats.

Pimp-Daddy here was limping around the show, looking as cool as he possibly could (notice the hand on the crotch). But it's hard to be a gangsta at a cat show though. In a world of women wearing velour sweatsuits, he just didn't fit in. But I'm sure he'll be telling his friends "yo, yo, yo...I was surrounded by soooo much pussy, it was sick". And if any of his OG friends are looking at this page, you can click on his picture to find out what he was really doing all day Saturday.

Siamese in typical judging display

I talked to this lady for a little bit- she traveled to the show all the way from West Hollywood. West Hollywood sits between (regular) Hollywood and Beverly Hills as part of the megalopolis that is Los Angeles. When she found out that I lived in Woodland, she was curious about our little town:

Red Hat Lady: How many people live in this town?
Mr. InsideWoodland: About 53, or 55 thousand.
Red Hat Lady: Is this like a real city? Do you have a mayor and everything?
Mr. InsideWoodland: Yes- we have a mayor.
Red Hat Lady: What do people do here?
Mr. InsideWoodland...thinking to himself: "obviously some of us spend our Saturday mornings taking pictures at the local cat show...but I can't really speak for the other 54,999 people right now"

She was obviously very confused about 'small town life'. We talked a little bit more about Woodland, and I think she felt it was very strange that people live in a place like this.

I can understand why she felt a little out of place-
because not many people in Woodland spoon-feed baby food to their cat.

'Lady Liberty' (born on July 4th) and her owner from Visalia.

Every person I talked to was from out of town, and they were all very nice.
Each obviously really loves their cats - and I think they were happy to come to Woodland
to get together with other cat owners, in a place where their favorite hobby was appreciated.

If they only knew...

From: Velma Zonich - Longview, WA. - Date: 16-Jan-05

Your article about the cat show in Woodland, Ca. is just great. I love the humor along with educating people about our hobby. Someone from your area put a link to your article on a e mail list I belong to. People from all over the world will be able to enjoy your article.

From: Debi Kallmeyer - Date: 16-Jan-05

Loved your article. I was at the show with a Scottish Fold and a Selkirk Rex. Pleasetell me that street isn't in Woodland...

From: Kathleen Lawton - Date: 16-Jan-05

Very funny and cute article and nice pictures. We cat lovers do admit that we're a little eccentric, but we all get tremendous joy and laughter and fun out of our cats -- and all cats! (I had my British Shorthair at the show.)

From: Geree Martin - Date: 16-Jan-05

I was at the show yesterday showing my Maine Coon Cats. I think Woodland is a wonderful town; everyone visiting the cat show was so nice. I really enjoyed this article and must admit to laughing a lot while reading it.

From: Mary Sietsema - Date: 17-Jan-05

What a fun article and great pictures! A link to your site was placed on a Maine Coon cat Email group so I hope everyone takes the time to come visit your site! Thanks for sharing with all of us "cat people"!

From: Mette Mjanger - Date: 17-Jan-05

I`m the Cat lady who put on the show this past Saturday and was tickled to death by your article. I always knew mr Inside-Woodland, that it HAD to be non cat people out there with a good, rich sense of humor as us..and now I know where. So, watch out Woodland, FFI just might be back, very much thanks to your hilarious and oh so accurate coverage of our show.

From: Glenda Lee - Date: 17-Jan-05

I just loved the first photo under "Judging". The red tabby on the table is my Exotic, Mac, showing his best side. The blonde woman sitting down is me showing my best side too.

From: Norman Auspitz -- Louisville, KY - Date: 17-Jan-05

What a wonderful article. I think you caught the flavor of the show perfectly! Your facts attributed to me are correct (as I understand them). I think you did an excellent job mixing the right amount of humor with the right amount of factual information.

From: Katie O'Brien, Fremont, CA - Date: 17-Jan-05

Hello! I am KAtie, and I live in Fremont!haha, I was at that cat show on Saturday, helping in the kitchen. If you stopped by, you probably would have heard me singing, or saw me dancing around the room to my favorite Sacramento station, 107.9. The gangsta boy you talked about, is a friend of mine...and I will be telling him all about what he was doing. Thank you for publicizing our show, and please do come again to another one close to your city..if we have another one in the Sacramento area...oh yes...I co-own Rosie, the one eyed show girl!!!!

From: Lu Ann Gilliam-Stockton, CA 1/17/05 - Date: 17-Jan-05

It is wonderful that you stopped by the show on Sat. The pictures were great and the little blurbs!I also was @ the show with my Japanese Bobtail. It will be nice for others to view the show. Thanks for coming to the show.

From: Sibyl Zaden(Red Hat Lady from W.Hollywood w/Siam) - Date: 18-Jan-05

Excellent and entertaining article. You captured all facets of the show with some great Judging shots and comments. I agree w/ Velma. You should send this to the CFA list. BTW I'm always interested in the areas that I visit because I'm a Business License Commissioner in the City of West Hollywood. Woodland was lovely place to visit.

From: Kristine Bombaci - Date: 19-Jan-05

Very funny article! I was not able to go to this show, but a friend took my Japanese Bobtail kitten for me. Your story was a kooky yet truthful look at my hobby, thank you for making me laugh.

From: Susan Beuerlein - Date: 20-Jan-05

What a lovely article! Cats and showing are so much fun, and you did a great job in capturing just some of it! Thanks for doing such a great job!!

From: Jackie LaTorres, Hayward & Oakdale, Ca - Date: 23-Jan-05

I was the clerk for Nancy Dodds, the Judge pictured right after Norm Auspitz. I really enjoyed your article and I appreciate how well you did your job: I never even realized you were at our Ring taking pictures! That is a wonderful feat, as too often we Clerks have to ask photographers-press & otherwise-to step back from the Judging Cages and to not disturb the Judge or the cats. Thank you for doing such a great job. Through your story I got to see a lot of friends that I didn't have time to socialize with because I was working.

From: Bridget Rigby - Ashby, Mass. Date 01 23 05 - Date: 23-Jan-05

Your article was posted to a list I belong to, and I enjoyed it very, very much. One of the best articles about a cat show I've ever seen. Factual, and with humor too. I appreciated the way you pointed out that the owmers really love, and care for their cats.

From: Bob J - Leawood, Kansas - Date: 24-Jan-05

Enjoyed your article. Very amusing... laughed out loud. Can't believe this is a hobby that I have come to really enloy. I'm one of "them" people now I guess! Great fun...

From: Jean Delano, Virginia - Date: 24-Jan-05

Very good! I chuckled all the way through this amusing & entertaining as well as informative piece on cat shows & cat people. You captured the very essence of the cat world.

From: Betty Stephens - Date: 25-Jan-05

Greetings from Tasmania Australia I truly enjoyed reading & seeing all these pictures about the Woodland Show, What a wonderful idea in letting us all enjoy what went on there.

From: Rose Tierney - Date: 25-Jan-05

Hi I live in Australia and I picked up your article from one of the cat chats I belong to. It was so nice to see so many pictures and such a decent article about cats. I have never seen this before.

From: Marj Lavelle Australia.date 26/Jan 05 - Date: 25-Jan-05

Having been an exhibitor and a Judge for 50+ years I think you have painted a very accurate picture of the showing of cats in America and I love the humor it makes it worth the read. Thank you.

From: Kathie Scallan - Date: 26-Jan-05

Loved this!! I am an ex breeder and judge and I've always known it's about the owners! I've told many people that their cats would prefer to be home on the bed! If mette Mjanger reads this please contact me on kscallan@ozemail.com.au It would be great to catch up after all these years.

From: Jules from Australia - Date: 26-Jan-05

A very enjoyable article and photos; the cats are beautiful - the writing and humour are very enjoyable. I've shared the link to this page with friends, so am hoping they will come and take a look at your town - and the cat show too. Well done ... I found the last photo very, very funny too. :)

From: Karen Fallon - Chelmsford, MA - Date: 26-Jan-05

This page was also sent via a list and I am so pleased to be able to see a clear image of how much fun we all have at shows. It is also nice to be able to see exhibitors from other areas. Thank you for showing the "real" cat people!

From: Ann Strople - Duluth, GA - Date: 26-Jan-05

Great job and a fun story. Bet you had a good time writing it. The photos are super, too.

From: Jan Damrow - Queensland, Australia. 27-Jan.05 - Date: 26-Jan-05

People watching is always good, there are more cats outside the cages than inside, and if you listen you learn a lot, even about the cats.

From: Mimi Cat - Date: 26-Jan-05

What fun to see this from a different (non-showing) perspective. And I loved the surprise of getting to see how great my friend Penni looks.....even if that Aby she is carrying looks a little strippy....and has an odd head shape.....

From: Kelli Cajigas - Date: 26-Jan-05

What a wonderful commentary on a cat show from an "outsider's" view. The photos and humor really captured the essence of a show beautifully. Great job!

From: Trish & Mike~~ east coast - Date: 26-Jan-05

Thanks for the wonderful article. A very fun read that captures our great hobby wonderfully.

From: Carol Kane. Bendigo. Australia. 27/ Jan/ 05 - Date: 26-Jan-05

Brilliant, I must say I wish we had a reporter that would do such a funny, scarily insightful article on one of our shows. If your ever down under, give us a call, and Please keep up the great work.

From: Jenny Winterbine (Bendigo, Vic, Australia) - Date: 26-Jan-05

Congratulations! It is the best article I have ever read on a cat show. Informative and very funny.

From: Kathleen Abbott, Nicolaus, CA. - Date: 26-Jan-05

Great job. I was there with my Oriental Shorthair kitten, Black Dahlia. You did a great job. Judges sometimes use toys so they can look at the cats' expressions, eye color and shape and head shape.

From: Deb Legrand-Wellman - Date: 26-Jan-05

What anice mixture of humor and facts. Thank you for showing the "cat people " to the public

From: Chris Taylor - Ipswich. Queensland, Australia - Date: 26-Jan-05

Fantastic. Now I know cat shows wherever they are seem to have the same ingredients. Cats/Cat Judges and people of all shapes & sizes.
Can't stop laughing!!!

From: roeleen b - Date: 27-Jan-05

great that you posted this article on the show.
gives a great perspective of showing in the US

From: Cindi Edmunds, Pinetown, South Africa - Date: 27-Jan-05

What a lovely picture show! How I wish our shows here could be such fun and not as serious as they are.

From: Bob Zenda - Sierra Vista, AZ - Date: 27-Jan-05

Kudos for a really delightful piece -- loved the gangsta "detour". Glad someone posted link to the CFA List.

From: Dennis Bishop - Date: 27-Jan-05

To bad they didn't have a Japanese Bobtail at the show, that would have made it even better.

From: Daphne Negus, Kanab, Utah - Date: 27-Jan-05

kindest, therefore most pleasing, account I have ever read of a cat show by a visitor.

From: Nicky Goulter, Surrey England - Date: 27-Jan-05

Hi the link to your wonderful article has made it across the pond. I did chuckle regonise the people, we are just the same over here. I breed Siamese, Snowshoes & Turkish Vans and have also just started judging so it was doublely enjoyable to read.

From: Marilyn English St Louis Missouri - Date: 27-Jan-05

adorable pictures and great to see this from some one out of the Fancy. Truly caught the flavor of the show.

From: Sandra Woodley - Berkshire UK - Date: 28-Jan-05

Great article, funny and informative!

From: Valerie Black - Date: 28-Jan-05

Loved the article, it was hilllarious and informative!!! Wonderful to see such lovely cats, thanks again ; )) Valerie and the furry clan

From: Jennifer Goldman,DDS The kittycat dentist - Date: 29-Jan-05

Loved your article. I'm only sorry I missed the show! Your writing was very entertaining. This is the first time I've seen your website. I'm adding it to my favorites. I have a tabby and a siamese mix. My daughter would like to adopt a maine coon cat next summer!

From: Dwyllis Harrison - Date: 30-Jan-05

Really enjoyed looking at the pics and reading the comments. Here in New Zealand, showing cats moves at a more sedate pace, but CATZ are now having American-type shows over here and most people really enjoy showing and attending these fun shows. I haven't done so yet, but I intend to this year. It will be great to have cages with colour instead of plain white. I wonder though ..... will the cats notice the difference??

From: Nancy Philip - Date: 30-Jan-05

This was the best article and made me laugh as well as being informative. I am an American and Siamese cat breeder currently living in New Zealand but was able to go to the Las Vegas show where I met the red hat lady and her cat, but alas didn't get to witness the feeding of the cat! Cat breeders are nuts the world over LOL

From: Heather - Date: 31-Jan-05

What a great looking show very different from the ones we have here in NZ !! But the cats and the people all look the same !!

From: Sam Moore, Kailua, Hawaii - Date: 31-Jan-05

Thanks to Nancy Philip from New Zealand I've been able to see this entertaining report on this show. You've correctly exposed the truth about those of us who breed and show cats. Yep, we're a strange lot but we love our critters. Sibyl, you'll forever be the Red Hat Lady henceforth.

From: Meryle Frame, Victoria. Australia. - Date: 31-Jan-05

Yes, I feel I know quite a few of the people in this show, though I have never been to the USA. Cat people are the same the world over it seems. We are a strange lot, but most of us are adorable anyway, just like our cats.

From: Kim Mattler - Auckland, New Zealand - Date: 31-Jan-05

Well, what a wonderful article from an "outside" perspective. I've often wondered what non-cat show/breeding people think of cat shows. You've given a lovely, humourous presentation of a show that I can still relate to as a show person and breeder. Well done, I really enjoyed my visit!

From: Marilyn Krist - Date: 02-Feb-05

Dog shows (people) are just as much fun. I know a macho guy who has a white curly poodle girlieman dog named "Noodle".

From: Brian - Date: 06-Feb-05

Only in Woodland!

From: Barbara Moore - Date: 13-Feb-05

Marietta, Ohio Enjoyed your article about the cat show. I breed and show Chartreux. I have yet to travel that far yet

From: Kat - Date: 02-Mar-05

hi there every one who is reading this!! :D i think that the cats are really cute and the people that put this page up is really smart!! :D thank you!! you really helped me on my language project!! LOL!!! :D

From: Joseph Quinlan - Mina Saud, Kuwait - Date: 22-Mar-05

I grew up in Woodland and my sister sent me this link knowing my sense of humour - she was right, I'm sitting here at work reading this, peeing my pants laughing out loud and my arab work-mates are really getting worried. Note to Debi Kallmeyer - Dead Cat Alley REALLY is in Woodland and it is an integral part of Woodland's colorful past!

From: Deb Nugent - Sydney Australia - Date: 02-Apr-05

Excellent article, a great giggle, never a truer word spoken, although here in Oz we don't give out cats baby food in spoons - maybe we should ;), we also do not (often) have the room for grooming tables such as you have pictured, what an eye opener. Thanx.

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