Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat General => General Cat Chat => Topic started by: Leanne on October 27, 2008, 16:11:24 PM
-
I don't know whether to go, I know its in Bracknell, but our local coach company are doing a trip so we'd do that.
However, I don't know whether to go? Is it worth it? (i'd love to see some of the breeds)
Is it like crufts??
-
I normally go when it is in London but last year wasn't that great - I've been to shows at bracknell before and it is a good venue - the shopping is usually quite good!
-
I'm torn on my principles, in that I don't agree with crufts and I don't know whether its like that!!!
-
I enjoyed last year because I met up with Dawn and her hubby, Witty and the georgous Pearl and Clare and Tessa but, as a show, I didin't think it was that good but it was the first time that I'd been. I'd love to goto Bracknell but it is a bit far without transport.
Cheers
Leigh
-
I went to the National last year for the first time, and was torn about the cats in cages thing, but to be honest, I didn't see too many looking distressed if I'm honest.
I was lovely see lots of breeds I'd never seen before as well, and the shopping was fab :)
I think I'll probably go again this year.
Leigh, if you can jump on a train to Woking you're more than welcome to come with me ;) You'd also get to meet the gorgeous Max in person too :Luv:
-
Thanks hun that sounds like a really nice offer, I'll get back to you on that one ASAP, I'd love to meet Maxy boy.
Cheers
Leigh
-
I might join you - I'm bad with directions but will do my best!
-
Dog shows and cat shows are not the same at all.
Right just typed a lot about the Supreme rather than National lol.
At National all the cats are in their cages and judges come round and judge them by taking them out of their cage and then after putting them back.
Its only the top cats who are then moved to a set of cages on the stage and each one is then judged on the stage.................well thats how it used to be in London, dont know what facilities they have at Bracknell.
-
Where is it being held this year? Didnt go last year and i hear that it wasnt so good as previous years.
Whats the nearest train station and can you walk from the train station to the show?
Ta much
-
There is a station at Bracknell, but its not really walkable from there. I would imagine they may run a bus service or something as the leisure centre is quite a way out from the main town centre.
If I have room in my car Sharon, and depending on if we can tie up times etc, I can always pick you up as well from the station?
I need to look into amounts of parking on site, and whether they have a park and ride set up as well, that could be a possibility!
-
This sounds a very inconvenient place to hold the show!
-
the car park is pretty big, although I've only been to specific breed shows which probably don't get the same interest.
-
Sorry, but I don't agree with cat and dog shows. It's not fair on the animals to be preened to their maximum and then suffer someone marking them on how they look.
Shows are also what increases everyone wanting pure pedigree cats and dogs and why many are left with no homes and in rescues - or dismissed as soon as they are of no longer use and not winning medals.
-
Sorry, but I don't agree with cat and dog shows. It's not fair on the animals to be preened to their maximum and then suffer someone marking them on how they look.
Shows are also what increases everyone wanting pure pedigree cats and dogs and why many are left with no homes and in rescues - or dismissed as soon as they are of no longer use and not winning medals.
I show my kitten and he is so relaxed. I said that I would try him and if he didn't like it that would be it. But he's a bit of a show off and does actually like the attention. If you go to a show you will find that most of the cats are fast asleep.
Shows also have a growing Household Pet section its not just pedigrees on show. I also don't apologise for the fact that I personally love the persian breed and Bam Bam is my first kitten the others are rescues. I think you will find that many pedigrees are in rescue for many different reasons. My 2 boys were in due to the owner developing mental problems.
Shows are not everyone's cup of tea and that's fine but to insinuate that people who show would 'get rid' of their cat when it ends its show career is very offensive. I fell in love with Bam Bam from a 4 week old piccie and at that point wasn't thinking of showing. He is first and foremost my baby.
Here is a piccie of Bam Bam at a show on Saturday - Mr Relaxation
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v521/candiceh/Bam-Bam/020.jpg)
-
Although cat shows obviously have big pedigree classes, the household pet classes are now very competitve and they are absolutely gorgeous.....no pedigrees allowed.
I hope that cat shows promote cats and yes some of the breeders are very single minded but many of the people who go to look are just cat owners and lovers.
I have at times had a worry over certain cats, especially kittens who do not seem to be very happy, and think that maybe the days are a bit long for them.......they are bloomin long for me and I only get there halfway through usually LOL.........but on the whole people who show are sensible and do not show cats who do not enjoy the process.
They are places for lovers of cats to meet and chat and learn and also shop ;D
-
I woul consider entering Gizzy for a non pedigree class............whereas Beavis has a pedigree as long as my arm an woul be rubbish in a show! :evillaugh:
-
Same with my Birmans lol....my moggies would not approve and although Misa is so very handsome I am sure he would do well. Sasa would not be amused at all as beautiful as she is. ;D
-
Beavis mum is a champion and his granny and great granny were Grand Champions. He however is a complete slob and a bit of a scuiff bag.....................................but hes my happt scruff bag and I loves him!
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk165/kirsty1712/beavis/100_4155.jpg)
-
Franta and Ducha have a big pedigree too and have a grand champion and other champs in their lines, one of which was very grand LOL.
havent got their cards to hand but am sure they would have both done quite well if shown when young.
I love Beavis colour, mine are a blue point and a seal point ;D
-
Oscar was a blue - he was more show quality , but they have always just been pets!
I always found it amusing that Oscars posh name was Panjanderum Ferrari - if he got over 5 miles an hour we were doing well! :rofl:
-
Oh that made me larf :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
-
Sorry, but I don't agree with cat and dog shows. It's not fair on the animals to be preened to their maximum and then suffer someone marking them on how they look.
Shows are also what increases everyone wanting pure pedigree cats and dogs and why many are left with no homes and in rescues - or dismissed as soon as they are of no longer use and not winning medals.
Sorry, I really have to object to that statement - especially since I show a household pet i.e. a non-pedigree. I don't find it fair that you're tarring all of us involved in the cat fancy with the same brush. :( Household pets are not judged on looks, but on presentation, temperament and condition. If anything, the competition is far harder in the household pet section of shows.
Pearl is first and foremost my special little girl and what she does on the show bench is only the icing on the cake. Besides, I know I'm *always* taking the best cat home with me.
As you can see, Pearl is really not bothered in the slightest by showing. :Luv2: She loves meeting people - whether judges and stewards or members of the public and is a real ambassador for the non-pedigree show cats.
-
That's great that they have a non-pedigree section - however, it still does not get away from the fact that there will be many people (and would assume that none of them come on here) that will be in it purely for the money/medals and will no longer want the animal once it passes it's competition best.
The judges are also looking for perfection - and it's not fair to mark an animal on how it looks/presents itself etc.
I don't doubt for one second that people on here who show their cat will have them for life and will give them first class care - after all, they're on here because of their love for cats. It's the people that don't come on here - the people who are only interested in the shows for themself, not the cats.
-
I think you are making a sweeping statement tbh. Is your comment made from experience or your perception of what happens?
Of the people I know on the 'show circuit' they love their cats and would certainly not get rid of them after they have finished their show career.
Also in the majority of shows there is no money in winning just rosettes/cards.
I also fail to understand your comment re its not fair marking a cat on how it looks/acts - why not - its not as if the cat will be mentally scarred from hearing the comments. Bam Bam couldn't care less as far as he's concerned he's had lots of cuddles and been played with all day.
You have a right to your opinion and if you don't like the idea of shows then that is entirely up to you I just wanted to clear a few things up.
-
It is only my perception of what goes on that I am basing my opinion on. However, I have heard stories surrounding dog and guinea pigs shows and assumed that cat shows would be exactly the same. If it is just rosettes/medals then that is a bit better - I thought there would be money involved in the prizes. I still, however, do not like the idea of shows and that won't change.
-
It is only my perception of what goes on that I am basing my opinion on. However, I have heard stories surrounding dog and guinea pigs shows and assumed that cat shows would be exactly the same. If it is just rosettes/medals then that is a bit better - I thought there would be money involved in the prizes. I still, however, do not like the idea of shows and that won't change.
Hi Angeladeedah,
Serious question with no edge whatsoever - why not go along to a show and find out? You seem to be fairly open-minded and prepared to listen to comments from the other side of the argument. You don't have to go to the "biggie", there will be smaller, local shows (Google is your friend). Dot's a pedigree and I think she was shown as a kitten by her breeder. I don't show and I wouldn't really want to but that is simply because I'm just not interested in doing it. Dot's breeder shows her cats regularly BUT if the cat proves not to enjoy the process, she stops taking them to shows. Her show cats get a teriffic day out, they get to meet loads of people and have a huge fuss made over them. I suppose Dot's a by product of this but she lives the life of riley here in Catbird Towers and that is what happens to all of this particular breeder's cats - they either go to loving homes (through an extremely thorough vetting process) or they stay with her. Obviously there are dodgy breeders who don't care about their cats but I wonder if they would be bothered to show them? There's no money in it, at least nowhere near enough to cover the cost of raising show quality cats - just because they are pedigree, they are not necessarily show quality.
I hope you go to a show and get a chance to meet the cats and chat to the owners and breeders. Mainly, I hope you go because it will probably put your mind at rest. There are good and bad breeders but, as we are all too well aware, there are good and bad owners and breeders of any cats - moggy to pedigree. It's not a problem restricted to, or exacerbated by, pedigrees and showing.
I hope this doesn't read as a rant because it certainly isn't intended as one! If you go, I hope you enjoy your trip (go check out the Maine Coons - the bestest cats :Luv:.
C.
-
Thanks - I might just do that, just so that I can see for myself. Your right - there are 2 sides to every argument and I'm quite prepared to listen to them especially when I'm obviously not that clued up on them. I've been basing them alongside dogs/guinea pig shows/breeders and perhaps should be looking at them all separately. Of course, it would be a boring world if we all agreed with each other.
-
its worth going once just for the shopping! if you don't like it (my oh doesn't) then you know - love guinea pigs, didn't know people showed them!!
-
Oh no, if you can buy stuff maybe I shouldn't go after all - I'd spend a fortune! ;D Do they just get advertised in the local press?
:) Yes, people show guinea pigs - again you have your pedigree guinea pigs too! I personally haven't been to a show but definitely wouldn't want to go to a guinea pig one - I do love them, I have 2 of my own.
-
forgive my ignorance but I didn't know you could get pedigree guinea pigs! I used to have a long haired one and a rosetted one when I was a kid but my first love was my little peanut who was all black
-
Defo worth going for the shopping :)
The one thing which I did really love about the show last year was the amount of 'slaves' who spent ages talking about their furbabes, let you stroke them (as long as you'd washed your hands!!!), spoke at length about not only the breeds, but also the temparaments of their own cats, it was clear to me that they adore their babes whatever the outcome and how many rosettes they do or don't win.
For me it was a chance to see breeds I'd never seen before, alongside the household pet sections as well. To me it makes no difference, they are all adorable whether ped or moggy :Luv: but having heard about all the different breeds like Maine Coons, NFC, Burmans etc, it was lovely to see just how gorgeous, and different, they are :)
My fave puss was of course the adorable Pearl, who allowed me to have a little cuddle :Luv: :Luv: :Luv: :Luv:
-
Oh no, if you can buy stuff maybe I shouldn't go after all - I'd spend a fortune! ;D Do they just get advertised in the local press?
Oh yes you should - you can pick up quite a bit of stuff cheaper than you would in the shops (assuming you found a shop that good).
I've not seen them advertised in the local press but they are on t'internet - try Googling your area + cat shows and see what comes up. You will almost certainly have a local cat club near you and their site should list upcoming shows. You can also find the Felis Britannica site and I think shows are listed there.
Hope you have a good time.
C.
PS Whatever anyone says, the Maine Coons are still the bestest! :wow: :P
-
Cat shows are mainly full of cat mad people and the odd cat - so you should fit in really well :rofl:
The GCCF website has a list of the shows until May 2009 ;)
http://www.gccfcats.org/showsnew.html
-
Cat shows are mainly full of cat mad people a
Very true ;D
All the breeders/showers I know (admittedly not many! but I do know a few) are cat lovers first and showing/breeding comes secondary to that. They adore all of their cats and when they're not at a show, their cats live in the home with them and are treated as the loved pets they are. Unfortunately, you will get some who get carried away with the winning or are bad losers, but most are not like that.
One thing that I noticed when I went to a TICA show (or was it a FIFE? not GCCF anyway) was that in the final when cats were eliminated one by one and passed down to their owners, every single owner gave their cat a good cuddle and a few words of praise even though they'd been eliminated from the competition.
I know that some people don't like seeing cats in cages or the idea of competition, but shows are about more than showing (esp the supreme). They showcase cats (non pedigree as well as pedigree), give those considering buying a pedigree a chance to talk to breeders (instead of answering an ad which probably belongs to a kitten farm or backyard breeder), give local rescues an opportunity to fundraise through having stalls and provide a fab opportunity to buy stuff that isn't available in the shops and often at discount prices.
-
One thing that I noticed when I went to a TICA show (or was it a FIFE? not GCCF anyway) was that in the final when cats were eliminated one by one and passed down to their owners, every single owner gave their cat a good cuddle and a few words of praise even though they'd been eliminated from the competition.
I think that was the FIFe one you got cuddled by Bilbo at ;D
-
Wow, can't believe this is next Saturday!!!!
Sooooo, who's going?
Me and Leigh are intending to go, who else so we can organise to meet up! ;D
-
Because I'm feeling lazy, how much is entry? Also any idea how much the train is from central London (any station). Don't know if I will come but it is my Saturday off work, I've never been to a cat show and would rather like to go before I disappear off to NZ. I do have the issue of finding the ruddy place, out in the back of beyond and getting home again but I fancy the day out.
Hmmm.
-
what what what???
I wanna go! WHere is it???
-
Its in Bracknell this year, bit out of the way, but I have 2 spaces in my car in anyone wants to come with me (need to get a train to Woking, mainline from London Waterloo).
Could make it a mini-meet at my house too :evillaugh:
Will have a look at website tomorrow and post the other details, I've got a shortcut set so will be able to find it easier ;D
-
Hi hun,
Count me in, I'm looking forward to it and meeting Maxyt boy.
Cheers
Leigh
-
Me too, and Max can't wait to meet you, and hopefully some of his other Purrs mates too ;D
Was thinking of coming back to Woking after the show, there's a good pub close to the Station, maybe get a spot of lunch?
J will be around later in the day as well, so sure he'd like to see you again ;D
-
Is woking easy to get to, from Croydon? I would love to go.... if Robin can't drive then maybe I'll tag along with you guys.x
-
Have just checked on line Helena, looks like you can go from Croydon to Wimbledon, then Wimbledon straight down to Woking :)
-
Oooohh, I may take up one of those seats Clare if that's ok? Just let me know where and when, well I know where, Woking, so just when ;D Would be lovely to meet some of you purrs peeps!
-
Course you can hun!
Will work out times and stuff in the week. If you could PM me your number at some point as well, that would be helpful for the day ;D
-
Ooooohhhh!
Can I reserve a seat for now, and then speak to R - if he can drive us there we'll go in his car, but if not I'll come with you guys. I should know by tomorrow eve if that is ok?
-
That's fine hunnie ;D
-
Somebody please make me drive so I can get myself to these events!
I'll have to figure out how to get by train to bracknell, does anyone know if there's a bus or something similar from the station to the venue?
-
can you drive zenith?
-
I'm supposed to be going - I ended up missing the supreme because Amber had to go to the vet - only trouble with the national is my mil wants to come
-
I've just checked on the website, and the information is very limited!
Its a fairly long walk from the station to the leisure centre, or a taxi ride at the very least I would think.
It doesn't even say if there's a park and ride in operation from the station, which is a bit frustrating.
I'll see if there's any other way of finding out a bit more.
All I do know is that the doors open at 12.30!
-
Yep Clare, I tried doing some research but the website is rubbish. It says tickets are £5 in advance but not how much on the door. Gives no directions, driving or otherwise.
They run the very high risk of having a low turn out due to location and lack of information.
-
Sorry Gill, i'm in the process of learning to drive, I need to get past my theory test so I can pass and get to drive to the places I want to go.
I missed the Supreme this weekend as I still cant drive :Crazy: I was doing well on my practical driving lessons two years ago but when I moved from London to Swindon it all stopped
-
Oh I won't be able to go now Clare, just got my first booking at Harrods (for Aveda - woot woot!!!). Although I really want to come along to this I really need the money, so... next time!!
-
Oh that's a shame Helena, was looking forward to seeing you. Can't argue with extra cash though, completely off topic, what's it like working on the counters? Been thinking of applying but don't know if it's for me.........
-
Go for it! They usually allocate you on different counters, I'm doing a fragrance job too, can't remember who for, some french perfume - so you get to go everywhere. I decided on going for Harrods as they pay better (still only temp work so I can choose my days - perfect) otherwise they pay peanuts. But lots of agencies out there - PM me for details etc and I can put you in the right direction for it. Where are you based?
-
That's a shame hun :hug:
-
OK, I've called the leisure centre and they have loads of on-site parking, so whilst it may be busy, I think it will be OK to drive straight there, as opposed to seeing if there's a park and ride system :sneaky:
Apparently you can park in the surrounding residential roads as well, so that's one hurdle dealt with :)
-
Sadly dont think I can make it.
I really need to finish learning to drive - I could have made it then.
Until two years ago I lived in London my entire life, so never needed to drive public transport is great there (Except for the blackfriars to Sevenoaks service :briggin:)
-
I can have a look at picking you up from Bracknell station, assuming we can all tie in times to work?
Now Tigerbaby can't make it, I've got space in my car for 1?
-
I am still definitely up for this, will send you my number this evening Clare.
Quite looking forward to it but must be restrained, I am only in the country for another two months and am not lugging cat bits half way round the world for no good reason!
-
I am still definitely up for this, will send you my number this evening Clare.
Excellent, it should be fun ;D
-
Leigh / Shona
Lets sort out times over the next day or 2.
In terms of my timing, I'll be back home by 10.30, got to see my physio 1st thing as I've hurt something a bit lol!
L already has my number, but I'll pm you S ;D
-
Sooo, who is actually going tomorrow then? Just me Clare and Leigh or others still going? I'm just putting a padlock on my wallet :evillaugh:
-
I think Leanne is going too?
-
Hi Clare thank you so much for the offer, if only i'd seen this the other day!
I've agreed to see my OH's nephew tomorrow as I thought there's be no chance of getting to Bracknell. I'm quite upset wth myself as i'd love to go to the show and also to see you all!
Have a great time tomorrow and I hope to hear a lovely update soon too :)
-
Have a great time all and please report back, would love to know how Bracknel goes and how hard/easy it is to get there ;D
Take some picture too :evillaugh: :evillaugh:
-
Will report back properly later, Leigh still round our house playing with Max and helping sort out scart leads (owe him a beer in the pub in a bit!), but we're having a lovely day.
We also met up with Dawn F at the show as well which was a lovely surprise :wow: Just a shame that Shona couldn't make it :(
-
A lovely day, lots of stunning furries, and spent too much money on the stands, but hey, all worth it :evillaugh:
Here's some piccies of my fave furbabes:-
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/Klareyka/catshowpics012.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/Klareyka/catshowpics011.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/Klareyka/catshowpics010.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/Klareyka/catshowpics008.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/Klareyka/catshowpics007.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/Klareyka/catshowpics003.jpg)
Then back to my house for some playing and cuddles:-
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/Klareyka/catshowpics001.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/Klareyka/catshowpics009.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y243/Klareyka/catshowpics002.jpg)
We rounded it off with a nice bit of grub and a few drinks in my local pub, all in all, I really nice day ;D
-
Aww gutted I missed it, give Max a squidge from me :Luv2:
-
Lovely pictures and looks like Max has a new friend ;D
How big was it and were there a lot of selling stands?
How hard is it to get there and how many people?
-
Hi folks,
I had a lovely day out at the National. The venue was very good and the entry price of five pounds very reasonable. Lots of beautiful cats, in fact about 50% more than last year I was told by one of the officials. I really enjoyed the show and meeting Clare and her OH again and the honour of meeting the georgeous Maxy at last. We also bumped into Dawn again and had a very nice chat. Always a real pleasure meeting Purrs peeps and a great day out.
I bought lots of stuff for the boys as usual as can be seen in the pic below of his Lordship Alfie checking out my purchases with typical restrained enthusiasm ;D
(http://www.leigh-kemp.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/alfie_national.jpg)
(http://www.leigh-kemp.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/ALFIE_NATIONAL_BITS2.jpg)
Thanks Clare, John and Maxy, a lovely day, a couple of Maxy pics for you.
(http://www.leigh-kemp.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/maxy1.jpg)
(http://www.leigh-kemp.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/maxy2.jpg)
Cheers
Leigh
PS. Yes lots of people Gill not that many stalls but, as you can see, I managed to buy quite a fe bits as usual ;D
-
You did indeed ;D
Great pics and I do love Max ;D
-
Just seen this thread.
Re clare's photos. I specifically remember Photo 4 (the tabby with the bur rosette on his pen) and No. 252 who was a real charmer who wanted to play. A neighbouring pen owner let me borrow her feathers on a stick and the little guy and I had some fun much to the amusement of my wife.
-
You did indeed ;D
Great pics and I do love Max ;D
Shame Max's 2nd pic was tainted by my pale face :rofl: I must apologise, I was absolutely full of cold yesterday and survived with lemsips, so look a bit, shall we say, pasty :rofl:
-
Just seen this thread.
Re clare's photos. I specifically remember Photo 4 (the tabby with the bur rosette on his pen) and No. 252 who was a real charmer who wanted to play. A neighbouring pen owner let me borrow her feathers on a stick and the little guy and I had some fun much to the amusement of my wife.
I fell in love with the little dude in pen 252, soooo playful and friendly :Luv: :Luv: :Luv:
-
I just adore 252 :Luv2: :Luv2:
-
I think the show was quite successful, seemed like there were more people but less CP stalls than at olympia - was nice to see Clare and Leigh, even my mil didn't complain which is always nice, she feel in love with a bsh silver tabby - sadly I was unable to buy much as everything I wanted seemed to have sold out and almo nature with pumpkin in is just not acceptable in my house, still did get (another) thing for removing cat hair from furniture
the car park was completely full we were lucky and somebody was just leaving
-
I was there and I'm sorry I didn't get to meet any purrs peeps :'(
Clarenmax I saw you from a distance - I saw your purrs badge but I was paying for something.
I too got some bits for my boys too.
I have to say I struggled with the show in some ways. Personally I am not 100% sure how happy the cats are being shown.
We were talking to a lady with a persian kitten, I can't remember the pen number and she was saying during the vetting the vet noticed there was something wrong with a tooth so she could no longer show him. She then said the breeder was irresponsable for selling him and he'll have to go back. Someone asked why she wouldn't keep him as a pet and she said no I have 4 others at home and I breed them. I found this to be really sad.
-
that is sad Leanne - fortunately I've never come accross anyone like that, it would certainly put me off
-
Likewise, I've just posted on the other thread :)
-
looks like you guys had a great time!!
Both Max and Alfie are gorgeous - I love how content Maxi Moo looks on Leighs safe lap!
Next time I'll be there in person (I was there in spirit)