A Rewarding Journey: Our Experience in TICA and CFA Cat Shows

As passionate and hands-on breeders, we’ve always believed in creating a deep, personal connection with the cats we raise. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of participating in TICA (The International Cat Association) and CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) cat shows, and what an incredibly rewarding journey it has been! Although we no longer actively participate in these shows ourselves, we encourage all cat lovers and breeders to experience them. Here’s why attending cat shows was such a fulfilling part of our breeding journey.

The Hands-On Experience: A True Connection

At our cattery, we pride ourselves on being hands-on in every aspect of our kittens’ lives. From the moment they are born, we nurture them with love and attention, ensuring they receive the best possible care. This hands-on approach goes beyond just feeding and cleaning. It’s about being involved in every little detail—learning each kitten’s unique personality, observing their development, and ensuring their comfort in our home.

This close relationship allows us to connect deeply with our kittens, which in turn helps us as breeders to understand their needs and behaviors better. When you breed cats with this level of emotional investment, you begin to realize that it’s not just about producing beautiful cats—it’s about creating lifelong bonds that we carry with us.

The Magic of Cat Shows: A Shared Passion

Our participation in TICA and CFA cat shows provided a chance to showcase this hard work and love for our kittens. These events are so much more than just a competition—they’re a celebration of the beauty, diversity, and spirit of cats. At the shows, we met other breeders and enthusiasts who shared our passion, exchanging tips and insights, and learning from the experiences of others.

What we found particularly rewarding was seeing how our kittens performed in the rings. Watching them strut their stuff and interact with the judges gave us a sense of pride and accomplishment. It was a validation of the love and care we poured into our kittens. It was also incredibly rewarding to witness the joy of our clients when they brought home kittens that had been recognized at these prestigious events. Seeing them excel in these shows meant that our breeding program was helping to shape some of the finest examples of their breed.

A More Emotional and Fulfilling Experience

Participating in these shows was more than just about winning ribbons. For us, it was an emotional journey. Being there, surrounded by people who shared our love for cats, created a sense of community and support. The experience of watching our kittens grow and succeed was deeply moving, but even more so was knowing that we had a role in shaping their future.

For us, this experience reinforced why we breed cats with such passion and care. It wasn’t about the prizes (though they were lovely!), but about the joy of seeing our babies grow into healthy, confident, and well-adjusted cats. Every ribbon, every compliment from a judge, and every happy cat owner left us with a sense of fulfillment that words can’t quite capture.

Passing the Torch: Our Kittens in the Show Ring

Although we no longer actively participate in TICA and CFA cat shows, we’re still able to see our kittens shine in the ring. Many of our clients, who have become dear friends, continue to show their cats, and we couldn’t be more proud to see our kittens on the global stage. It’s truly a privilege to know that the cats we bred are not only loved in their homes but also appreciated by judges and audiences in these prestigious events.

We’ve always believed that being a breeder is about more than just producing cats—it’s about the long-term relationships we build with the people who welcome our kittens into their homes. It’s about creating bonds that last beyond the show ring, and we’re thrilled that so many of our kittens have gone on to have successful show careers with their new owners.

Why We Recommend Everyone Try It

If you’ve ever considered participating in a TICA or CFA cat show, we wholeheartedly recommend it. It’s an experience like no other. It’s an opportunity to meet fellow breeders, learn new things, and witness the beauty and diversity of the feline world. Whether you’re a breeder or simply a cat enthusiast, attending these shows is a wonderful way to celebrate your passion for cats and deepen your connection with the feline community.

In the end, whether you choose to show your cats or simply admire them from the sidelines, the most important thing is the bond you share with them. At our cattery, we continue to believe that the joy and fulfillment of breeding comes from the love, care, and attention we give our kittens—whether they ever step foot in a show ring or not.

Conclusion

Our journey in TICA and CFA cat shows was a deeply rewarding one, full of learning, connection, and pride. While we no longer participate actively, we cherish the memories and the relationships we built through those experiences. As breeders, it’s about more than just the cats—it’s about the bonds we create, both with the cats themselves and the wonderful people who adopt them.

For those of you who are still on the fence about participating in a cat show, we say go for it. The experience is sure to be an unforgettable part of your journey in the world of cats!