BREEDING AND EXHIBITING 71 



In sending specials for shows, be sure and state if they 

 are for cats or kittens. For instance ; " For the best Blue 

 Male Cat " will mean that your prize will be awarded in the 

 Cat Class, and only supposing a kitten were entered in 

 that class, could it compete for your special. If you wish 

 it to go to a kitten then don't omit to specify this. The 

 limit age for kittens varies at shows, sometimes under eight 

 months, and sometimes under six months. 



A very good way of cleaning your cats previous to show- 

 ing is to heat a good quantity of bran in the oven. Put it 

 into a large bowl or foot-bath, and stand your puss in it. 

 Rub the hot bran well amongst her fur for some minutes, 

 and afterwards carefully brush it out. It is wonderful how 

 soft and silky this process makes the coat. I do not advo- 

 cate washing cats, even in summer weather, and certainly 

 not in the winter. 



When there is a class for pairs of kittens provided at a 

 show, the two exhibits need not necessarily be of the same 

 litter, but remember they are judged as a pair, so let their 

 size and appearance be as alike as possible. It is no use 

 to enter two kittens of different colours in a pair class. 



When prize-money is sent to the winning exhibitors, they 

 should acknowledge the sum to the show secretary, and 

 don't forget to thank the donors of specials. The addresses 

 are generally to be found in the catalogue index, or the 

 secretary, if written to (with stamp for reply), will give the 

 information required. 



If your cats are not in good condition do not send them 

 to shows. There is but one place for cats out of coat, and 

 that is at home ! 



When cats are entered for shows in joint names it is 

 advisable and desirable that the owners should let the 

 secretary know to whom to send the labels and tallies. It 

 is sometimes only possible to forward these a day or two 

 before the show, and, if sent to the address of the owner 



