Cat Shows 101

A Beginner’s Guide to TICA Cat Shows: Points, Titles & Visitor Etiquette

Attending a TICA (The International Cat Association) show for the first time can feel exciting—and a little overwhelming! Between the judges’ rings, the different competition classes, and the steady flow of cats being benched and shown, there’s a lot to take in.

Whether you’re a new exhibitor or a curious visitor, this guide breaks down how TICA shows work, how cats earn titles and points, and the etiquette that keeps the show running smoothly.

Having been involved with TICA shows from a very young age, I can say that TICA shows are especially welcoming for newcomers. Personally, I only support and show in TICA shows because I find them to be one of the friendliest ways to get started in the cat show world. So, I will only be covering TICA shows here because that’s what I know.

With the new show season starting, now is a perfect time to plan your visit, learn more about different breeds, and get ready to experience the excitement of a TICA cat show firsthand.

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How TICA Cat Shows Work

A TICA show is made up of multiple rings, each with its own judge. Every judge evaluates every cat entered in the classes they qualify for, which means one weekend show can offer many opportunities to earn points and finals.

Show Classes

Cats are grouped into classes based on age and status:

• Kittens (4–8 months)

  • Purebred registered breeds. They must be 4 months old, and the day they turn 8 months they move to the Championship class. It can come down to Saturday being in the kitten class and Sunday being in the Championship class.

  • Kittens can earn points, but they do not earn titles. Kitten points do not carry over to the Championship class. Kitten points are basically for rankings for the breed, example Best Devon Rex Kitten. Most show a kitten to get them used to the show ring early before they start to show them more as an adult.

    • 1-50 Longhair Kitten Numbers

    • 51-100 Shorthair Kitten Numbers

• Championship (adult, unaltered cats)

  • The Championship Class is where purebred, intact adult cats (8 months and older) compete for titles such as Champion, Grand Champion, and Supreme Grand Champion. This is the class most people think of when they picture traditional pedigree cat competition.

    • 101-200 Longhair Adult Numbers

    • 201-300 Shorthair Adult Numbers

• Premiership / Altered Championship (adult, neutered/spayed cats)

  • The Alter Class—often referred to as Premiership—is for purebred adult cats that are spayed or neutered. These cats compete just like intact adults, earn titles, and can reach the highest levels of TICA awards.

  • This class highlights the beauty, type, and temperament of breeding-quality cats who are no longer part of a breeding program but still excellent representatives of their breed. This class is also great, if your breeder allows showing rights for your pet, to show your cat. Many new breeders first start with showing an alter before a breeder will allow them to purchase a cat with breeding rights.

    • 301-350 Longhair Alter Numbers

    • 351-400 Shorthair Alter Numbers

• Household Pets (HHP)

  • The Household Pet (HHP) Class is one of the most welcoming and heart-centered divisions in TICA. It celebrates cats of all backgrounds, including mixed-breed cats and purebreds without registration. HHPs compete based on health, grooming, condition, and personality, not breed standards. This class embodies the spirit of TICA: every cat has value.

    • 401-450 Longhair HHP (kittens & adults) Numbers

    • 451-500 Shorthair HHP (kittens & adults) Numbers

• New Breeds & Traits

  • Judges evaluate them using the proposed or developing standard, but they do not compete for titles and do not receive finals in the same way as Championship or Alter classes.

    Instead:

    • Judges give written or verbal feedback

    • Exhibitors gain exposure and educational value

    • The breed committee gathers data and consistency notes

    The focus is education, evaluation, and consistency, not competition.

  • New Breed (NB)

    For developing breeds that:

    • Have an established, proposed breed standard

    • Are working toward Championship status

    • Need more generations, consistency, or population size

    Examples (historically or currently):Lykoi, Toyger, Khao Manee, Highlander, etc.

    • 501-550 Preliminary New Breed Numbers

    • 551-600 Advanced New Breed Numbers

  • Preliminary/New Trait (PN/T)

    For recognized breeds exhibiting new traits or colors not yet accepted into Championship.

    This includes:

    • A new color (e.g., a breed gaining a new pattern)

    • A new hair type

    • A new mutation under evaluation

    These cats are purebred but display a trait not yet fully approved.

    • 601-650 New Traits Class Numbers

If you are catching a ring in action and want to know what group they are judging, the easiest way is to look at the numbers. Breeds are cataloged alphabetically. So for example, Abyssinians are always going to be the first breeds within the shorthair purebred classes.

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How Points Work in TICA:

Color → Division → Breed

Show Format

• In TICA, each judge’s ring is completely independent. This means:

  • Your cat is judged fresh every single time they enter a different ring.

  • Judges do not know or consider what another judge has done.

  • Every judge at the show will evaluate every cat entered in that show.

  This gives every cat multiple chances to shine.

• Cats only compete within their class. Example: Championship class doesn't compete against the Alter class.

When your cat is judged in a ring, it earns points at three levels before it ever reaches a final.

1. Color Placement (1st–3rd in Color)

Your cat competes against only cats of the same color within its breed.

Example: all blue tabby Bengals compete together.

• 1st in Color = 25 points

• 2nd in Color = 20 points

• 3rd in Color = 15 points

If there aren’t enough cats entered, points adjust accordingly.

2. Division Placement (1st–3rd in Division)

Next, your cat competes against all cats of the same division in its breed.

Divisions vary by breed, but examples include:

• Tabby Division

• Solid Division

• Pointed Division

• Mink/Sepia/Traditional Color divisions (for breeds with all three)

Example: Blue Tabby, Red Tabby, Black tabby of the same breed are compared against each other.

Points:

• 1st in Division = 25 points

• 2nd in Division = 20 points

• 3rd in Division = 15 points

3. Breed Placement (Best–3rd Best of Breed)

Finally, your cat competes against all cats of the same breed in that ring.

• Best of Breed = 25 points

• 2nd Best of Breed = 20 points

• 3rd Best of Breed = 15 points

Breed placements are important because they help determine who moves into the finals.

It's important to note that a cat winning best of breed isn't guaranteed to place in the finals. You could also have potentially all three best of breed placements in a final.

4. Finals

After breed placements, cats can move on to finals, where they compete against the top cats across the class.

Allbreed (AB) Rings – All cats compete together, regardless of coat length.

• Finals: Best–10 or Best–15 overall

• Competition: Every breed and coat type is judged against each other

• Impact: More cats competing and fewer spots available make Allbreed finals very competitive

• Points: Cats that make Allbreed finals earn more points, which can help their title progression and regional or international rankings

Specialty (SP) Rings – Cats compete within their coat type.

• Finals: Two separate groups – Best–10 (or 15) Shorthair and Best–10 (or 15) Longhair

• Competition: Shorthairs only against other shorthairs, longhairs only against other longhairs

• Impact: Fewer cats per group mean smaller finals and slightly less competition

• Points: Cats still earn points toward titles

5. Best of Show / Best of the Best (End of Show)

Some shows, but not all, hold a Best of Show or Best of the Best award at the very end.

• Purpose: This is mostly for bragging rights—it’s a way to recognize the top cat of the show.

• How it’s decided:

  • Each club has its own rules for calculating the winner

  • Typically, it’s based on the total points a cat earned at that show

  • Because the rules vary, this award is not an official title and does not affect points toward championships

Takeaway: Winning this is a prestigious acknowledgment at that show, but it doesn’t influence official TICA titles or rankings—just bragging rights!

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Understanding TICA Titles: From Kitten to Supreme

Have you ever wondered what all those initials mean in TICA? Or what your cat has to do to earn them? It may seem daunting at first, but the system is actually very logical once you break it down.

Kittens (4–8 months)

• Kittens do not earn traditional titles in classes.

• They can compete to become a Regional Winner (RW) or an International Winner (IW) based on points earned in shows.

• This gives young cats early recognition and helps build their show record.

Championship (Pedigreed Whole Cats, 8 months and older)

Pedigreed whole cats start in the Novice class and can progress through the following titles:

1. Champion (CH)

2. Grand Champion (GRC)

3. Double Grand Champion (DGRC)

4. Triple Grand Champion (TGRC)

5. Quadruple Grand Champion (QGRC)

6. Supreme Grand Champion (SGC)

These titles reflect increasing levels of excellence in breed standards, finals placements, and consistent performance over time.

Altered Cats (Spayed or Neutered, 8 months and older)

Altered pedigreed cats start in Novice Alter and progress similarly:

1. Champion Alter (CH Alt)

2. Grand Champion Alter (GRC Alt)

3. Double Grand Champion Alter (DGRC Alt)

4. Triple Grand Champion Alter (TGRC Alt)

5. Quadruple Grand Champion Alter (QGRC Alt)

6. Supreme Grand Champion Alter (SGC Alt)

This track celebrates excellence in spayed/neutered cats competing in Alter classes.

Household Pets (HHP, 8 months and older)

• Household Pets (spayed or neutered) are non-pedigreed or non-showable as purebreds. This can include:

  • Domestic Short/Long Hairs (everyday cats)

  • Tailed Manx

  • Long-nosed Persians, etc.

• Owners of registered cats must surrender papers before showing as a Household Pet.

HHPs start in Novice and can earn:

1. Master (M)

2. Grand Master (GM)

3. Double Grand Master (DGM)

4. Triple Grand Master (TGM)

5. Quadruple Grand Master (QGM)

6. Supreme Grand Master (SGM)

This track highlights the best of non-pedigreed or altered cats in TICA shows.

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Code of Ethics for Judges

Judges play a critical role at TICA shows—they are responsible for evaluating each cat fairly, consistently, and according to the official breed standards. To maintain the integrity of the competition, all TICA judges follow a strict Code of Ethics:

• Impartiality: Judges must evaluate every cat on its own merits, without favoritism toward breeders, owners, or friends.

• Avoiding Conflicts of Interest:

  • Judges are not allowed to share a hotel room with someone showing their cat.

  • Judges cannot wear cattery logos or merchandise at the show.

  • If a judge has a role in the breeding, ownership, or pedigree of a cat in the ring, that cat is entered as Exhibit Only—it is shown for judging and experience but does not earn points to prevent bias for that particular judge's ring.

• Consistency: Every cat is judged according to the same standards, regardless of reputation, prior wins, or personal preferences.

• Professionalism: Judges should act courteously and respectfully toward exhibitors, other judges, and show staff.

• Confidentiality: Judging decisions are based solely on the cats’ qualities; judges should not discuss or disclose results prematurely or outside official show procedures.

• Integrity: Judges must avoid other conflicts of interest and always strive for fairness.

• Education and Knowledge: Judges are expected to continually improve their understanding of breeds, genetics, and show procedures to make informed, accurate decisions.

Takeaway: These rules ensure that TICA shows are fair, that all cats have an equal chance to compete and earn points, and that trust is maintained between exhibitors, judges, and the organization.

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What to Expect at a TICA Show

Attending a TICA show is an exciting experience, especially if it’s your first time. Here’s what you can expect:

• Kittens for Sale Are Rare

  • In the past, before the internet, cat shows were a primary way breeders sold kittens. You could often leave a show with a new feline friend.

  • Nowadays, it’s rare to find kittens for sale at shows, and most breeders discourage it. This is for the best—it helps prevent impulse buying and ensures kittens go to homes that are prepared and informed.

  • While you may not be able to bring a kitten home immediately, cat shows are a great way to meet breeders. Many exhibitors will have upcoming litters, planned litters, or can direct you to someone who will have kittens available in the near future.

• Rescue Cats and Adoption Opportunities

  • Some shows partner with local cat rescues, who may have cats available for adoption. This is a wonderful way to give a cat a loving home while supporting local animal welfare organizations.

• Talking with Breeders

  • Shows provide a unique opportunity to learn about different breeds, ask questions about care, and get first-hand insight from experienced breeders.

  • Be respectful of the exhibitors’ time—most are busy with their cats and showing schedules—but many are happy to chat during downtime.

• Shopping and Cat-Themed Items

  • While kittens are rare, shows often have vendors selling cat products, toys, and gifts for cat lovers. It’s a fun way to pick up something special for your own pets or a fellow cat enthusiast.

• The Show Experience

  • Expect a bustling environment with cats of all breeds, judges evaluating in multiple rings, and exhibitors carefully preparing their cats.

  • Even if you’re not competing, observing the judging process, seeing different breeds, and enjoying the atmosphere is educational and entertaining.

Takeaway: A TICA show is less about taking a kitten home immediately and more about learning, connecting, and enjoying the world of pedigreed cats. It’s a chance to meet breeders, discover breeds, and potentially adopt a rescue cat, all while experiencing the excitement of a real cat show.

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Visitor Etiquette at a TICA Show

TICA shows welcome visitors to watch the cats, learn about breeds, and experience the excitement of a cat show. To make sure everyone—including the cats, exhibitors, and judges—has a positive experience, here are some key guidelines:

• Respect the Cats and Exhibitors:

  • Ask Permission First

    • Always ask the exhibitor before petting a cat. Each breeder and each breed is different—some cats, especially those requiring extensive grooming, cannot be handled frequently without affecting their coat. Rex breeds are an exception in my opinion, as a little handling can sometimes enhance their curls. Even if you see someone else petting the cat, don’t assume it’s okay; they may be a fellow breeder or the cat’s original owner visiting their kitten.

  • Be Honest About Prior Contact

    • If you’ve handled another cat at the show, let the breeder know. Exhibitors may provide hand sanitizer, but it’s wise to bring your own. Cat shows are one of the most common ways for diseases such as ringworm, Bordetella, or other infections to spread. Some outbreaks in past years have been serious enough to affect cats’ health or even be fatal.

  • Sick Cats at Home

    • If you have a sick cat at home, do not pet cats at the show.

  • Respect Breeder Preferences

    • Even if you wash or sanitize your hands, some breeders may prefer that strangers do not touch their cats at all. Expect a lot of “no”s, and respect those boundaries. There are also many exhibitors who will say “yes” if the cat is comfortable and it’s an appropriate time—always follow the breeder’s guidance.

  • Handling Etiquette Summary

    • Ask before touching.

    • Be honest about prior contact.

    • Sanitize hands between cats.

    • Respect the cat’s mood and boundaries.

    • Do not assume permission based on others’ actions.

  Following these rules helps keep the cats safe, the exhibitors happy, and your visit enjoyable.

• Respect the Humans

Shows can be long days under bright lights and on hard flooring. Exhibitors and judges might need a mental break, so don’t take it personally if someone seems a little short or less chatty.

• Unexpected departures:

  • Do not be offended if someone you are chatting with suddenly has to leave. There is often downtime while waiting for a ring, but when a cat’s number is called, it’s important to bring them to the ring immediately to keep the show running smoothly. Most exhibitors are happy for visitors to follow along on the sidelines or circle back to the benching area a few minutes later to continue the conversation.

• Watching the Judges

Observing judges is a great way to learn, but there are rules to follow:

• Stay behind the line:

  • Do not go behind the judges’ table. The only people allowed there are the judges themselves, the breeders putting cats in or out of cages, the clerk who numbers the cages, and the steward who cleans cages between cats.

• Keep it professional:

  • Do not mention out loud whose cat is in the ring; this can be distracting to the judge and exhibitors.

• Ask questions:

  • You can ask judges about breeds and traits—most are happy to explain if they know visitors are interested. If judges seem quiet, a polite question is usually enough to start a conversation. Otherwise, exhibitors in the crowd may also answer your questions.

• Be Mindful Around Cats in Transit

  Cats are sensitive and can be easily spooked:

  • Move out of the way if you see someone walking with a cat.

  • Whole males may become agitated if they see other male cats.

  • The goal is to move cats safely from their bench to their ring cage without risking a loose cat or stressed animal.

• Loose Cat Safety – “CAT LOOSE”

If the intercom announces “CAT LOOSE”, stay calm and follow these rules:

• Stand still 

  • and do not open any doors; this helps keep the cat contained.

• Do not grab the cat.

  • Fearful cats can bite or scratch.

• Alert the owner:

  • If you see the cat, call out its location. Let the owner or an experienced handler retrieve it whenever possible.

• Supervising Young Children

Children must be supervised and respectful around cats:

• Do not allow children to scare, tease, or jump at cages.

• Stressed cats may bite or scratch, posing a risk to owners, judges, and children.

• In severe cases, cats may be pulled from the show ring, potentially affecting their show career. Breeders invest significant time, money, and care, so respecting the cats is crucial.

• Timing Tips for Visitors:

  • Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning are generally the best times to visit.

    • Saturday morning: Exhibitors and cats are still adjusting to the show hall; cats may be a bit on edge. Judges are usually more willing to answer questions and explain breeds during Saturday.

    • Sunday afternoon: Cats and exhibitors are often tired after a full weekend; you’ll mostly see cats resting, and judges may be working on a tighter schedule to finish the show and travel home.

• General Etiquette:

  • Move calmly and quietly around the show hall to avoid stressing the cats.

  • Do not distract exhibitors while they are handling or showing cats.

  • Photography is usually allowed, but respect any “no photo” signs on specific cats or areas.

Takeaway: By being polite, patient, and considerate of cats, exhibitors, judges, and fellow visitors—and by respecting cages, handling rules, clothing choices, hygiene, and safety protocols—you help maintain a safe, enjoyable, and respectful environment for everyone at the show.

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Find a TICA Cat Show Near You

If you’re ready to attend a show, you can search for upcoming TICA cat shows by visiting: https://shows.tica.org/en/

This site lists shows by date, location, and type, making it easy to plan your visit and find shows in your area.