Camelot Cats Cattery

Note:  Each breed of cat has certain characteristics, some of which may require special consideration when you go to cat shows.  Know your cat and know your cats needs to avoid problems.

Benching

 

Benching is a term used to describe the process of determining where each exhibitor will be located in the show hall.  Typically, benching is done by the Entry Clerk.  Exhibitors that pay for special bench locations, handicap or special needs requests such as end-of-row and clerks who have entered a cat in the same show are given first priority for special bench locations.

Next, all those requesting to be benched next to another exhibitor are then located in the benching area according to each request.

Exhibitors that co-own cats and need to be next to each other so they can share grooming tables and supplies have an important need to be located as requests.  BE SURE YOUR ENTRY FORM INCLUDES A CLEARLY RECOGNIZABLE STATEMENT REGARDING CO-OWN ADJACENT BENCHING REQUESTS OR YOU MAY BE AT ONE END OF THE SHOW HALL AND YOUR CAT AT THE OTHER.

Finally, the remainder of the exhibitors are placed in the show hall.

 

New exhibitors should ask a lot of questions so they are benched adequately and they can enjoy the show.  It is important to understand that an entry for one cat only gives you one "bench opening".  This means that you get half of a full cage.   The cage is divided in the middle.  Two openings equals one cage.  If you have small cats, this is OK, however, if you are trying to show an adult Main Coon or Persian, you will need to also request a "double cage" if you want to get all of your cat in the opening at the same time.

 

Finally, for those who have purchased the really nice fold-up cages that you bring with you, these cages usually require two openings.  If you only request one opening when you submit your entry form, you won't have room to set up your nice cage.  In addition, you won't have supplies to use the crummy metal cages supplied by the cat show.  You will pay extra for a double opening but it may be well worth the additional cost.  Each show is different and each cat is also different so only the exhibitor can decide what the minimum benching requirements will be.

 

Each entry form has a place for "Benching Requests".  Use this form according to your needs and submit it to the Entry Clerk according to the instructions on the Show Flyer or advertisement.

 

Cage curtains are used to cover the wire cages included with the entry cost and both protect the cat from the surroundings (both real and implied) and also to give the bench position some class.  Cage curtains can be purchased from vendors at the show hall or simply made from material at home.

 

Read the show rules regarding what you can do and can not do at your bench position.  Different Registries may have different Rules.