The First FIFe International Cat Show of 2006
Connie Gauci de Brincat B.A. (Hons.) Philosophy
The first Fife International Cat Show of 2006 was held at the Sports Complex Cottonera on February 19. The judge was Dr. Kvetoslava Mahelekova from the Czech Republic.
A ”happy and relaxed” atmosphere was the aim of the committee of Malta Feline Fanciers.
Few animals have earned greater reverence and awe throughout history than the domestic cat. Power animal of the Shaman, witch’s familiar companion and Babylonian temple cat; its links with magic and mysticism and religion are to be found in all world cultures as far back as 3,000 BC.
It is no wonder that the Show Hall was thronged with people to see these amazing felines. Groomed to perfection, the cats were ready by 10.00 am to receive the adoration of the faithful. Gorgeous cats of all shapes and sizes were on show ready to be judged, making it a feline’s fantasy come true. Some of the cages were draped in artistic curtains. All very colorful and surreal.
The Cat Show is held under very strict rules of FIFe, The International Federation of
European Felines. Any contravention, however minor, may lead to disqualification and disciplinary action. The club can expect no responsibility for any action which may result from a failure to comply with these rules.
All cats, kittens and neuters as well as the domestic cat are eligible for the show if registered with FIFe. All pedigrees issued by the club are internationally recognized.
Each Exhibit must be vetted in (dreaded by all exhibitors) by the club’s veterinary surgeons and no exhibit may be penned in before being examined. All the cats’ papers and vaccination certificates are well scrutinized and the cats thoroughly examined.
No cat or kitten that has been de-clawed will be accepted to participate. De-clawing a cat is, incidentally, one of the most atrocious practices current in Malta – save sofa and furniture, maim a cat, is the motto.
All Exhibits must be vaccinated against Feline Infectious Enteritis. All cats showing a positive reaction to FeLV block test must not be shown.
Once inside the Hall, the grooming starts, out come the boxes filled with every sort of aid imaginable and the poor cats are put through minor tortures with brushes, combs and what have you. The cats really love this attention and happily doze off until their turn comes to be judged.
Dr. Mahelekova was really impressed with the high standard of cats exhibited at the Show Hall. It was really hard on her to choose the Best kitten, Best Junior, Best Male and Best Female. The fact that the cats are nominated is quite an achievement. Only the very best are nominated.
All cats judged are issued with a judge’s report.
Some of the people who visited the show Hall showed interest in owning a cute cuddly kitten. However, for those to embark on the first-time kitten ownership, it would make sense to consider the following points, before final decisions are made: what type of cat would be best for you – the agile, athletic oriental or the more calm and gentle Persian? Are you prepared to send time and patience on daily grooming routine? This would be of particular importance if your choice is a longhair.
Remember that a kitten grows into a cat and could share your home for 12 to 16 years or more, so it is essential to make the right decision.
Once you decide, choose a kitten which is approximately 12 weeks old. the kitten should be in a good general health, bright and active, with clean eyes and ears and no sign of soiling under the tail. Make sure that you have a look at the parents’ pedigree and collect your kitten’s pedigree verified by Malta Feline Federation. Any enquiries should be addressed to registrar@onvol.net
Be quite definite and ask for inoculation certificates. A kitten should be vaccinated before it ready to go to its new home.
For information about animal rights and / or the Persian breed please login to
http://www.monellapersians.com.mt
For information about the Malta Feline Federation please login to
http://www.malta-feline-federation.com
