PREPARING FOR SHOWS 4 5 



CHAPTER XXII 



Preparing for Shows 



The cat that has been properly fed and 

 cared for will require very little extra attention 

 at show time. If the old hair has been combed 

 out in the spring and the fleas gotten rid of, 

 the new coat should be coming along nicely 

 about October. Comb carefully with a large 

 steel comb, just enough to not have knots form 

 and then brush once or twice a day with a good 

 bristle brush ; be sure and brush forward toward 

 the head. Also see that the ears are clean. 

 If you own a stud cat, see that the oil is cleaned 

 from the upper part of the tail; this is often 

 called *'stud oil" and sometimes discolors the 

 tail. Soap and water is as good as anything 

 for this. Do not send or take your cat to a 

 show in poor condition ; fleas, dirt, knots in the 

 coat, dirty ears, all count against the animal 

 when judging. If a light colored cat, it may be 

 necessary to wash the animal before showing. 

 This should be done a few days before show 

 time and the cat thoroughly dried and then 

 brushed well. Some cats if not too soiled can 

 be cleaned by rubbing with alcohol and then 

 powdering with corn-starch of talcum. This 

 powder must all be brushed out before the show 

 or the judge may disqualify the entry. 



