The TICA cat show and awards banquet in Visalia turned out to be a roller coaster weekend! At least I enjoyed the hotel room.
I spent a lot of time looking out the window.
Even if the view was just of a parking lot.
This was a huge cat show! Hundreds of people showed up just see all us kitties.
You know how most cat shows have a rescue there with adoptable kitties? Well, this show had the world-famous Cat House on the Kings there! Coincidentally, almost exactly a year ago to the day, my human was up in this area, visiting this sanctuary!
I also had a relative there! My half brother, Tajhara Chill Factor, came up for his very first show as a kitten! He is a blue Somali (I am a ruddy), just a little over four months old, and his birthday is exactly the same as mine — March 19 — only a year later! He and I share the same mother, Bluesette… I wonder if she planned her kittens that way!
He was a little unsure of himself at first, but eventually he caught on that showing was fun and the judges were more than happy to play with him! He actually got several finals… and the last judge on Sunday gave him Best Kitten! Which is a real compliment, because that judge really knows the Somali breed well.
I didn’t have as much fun as my half-brother. Nobody knows exactly what upset me, if it was super-stinky stud spray in one ring, or the really crazy, annoying Norwegian Forest cat I was often caged next to, or something else more mysterious, but I started getting upset and hissing in the rings! Supposedly, I was not “that bad” compared to some other cats, and judges don’t care if you hiss as long as you aren’t mean, but I have a pact with my human that if I don’t want to show anymore, I don’t have to. She also worried a lot about causing damage to my usually easy-going temperament and wound up pulling me from the last ring of the first day, even though that judge has liked me before. The next day, she made sure I was separated from the other cats whenever I went to a ring, and I was better, but still stressed out.
Even though I didn’t enjoy myself in the judging rings like I usually do, I still enjoyed meeting people, and there were a lot of people who came by to see me and visit! I was more than happy to play hostess with everyone. I liked that lots.
Ironically, after my problems in the rings the first day, my human had to pick up some awards for me at the TICA Southwest Regional banquet that night.
I got ribbons for being last season’s 13th Best Alter and 22nd Best Kitten in the region! Plus I got certificates for being the region’s best Somali Kitten and Alter. Even if I wind up retiring from shows, I’ve still done great!
I was better the second day, although I still wasn’t at my best. Even so, I did make five finals! So it was still a good show for me.
Later that night, my human took me on a walk all around the hotel. We sat for a long time on the couches near the entrance and people watched as they came in and out of the automatic sliding doors.
We also went to the show hall, which had been broken down. Everything was gone — the cages, the decorations, the vendors, all the cats and people. The only ones in there were me and my human. But we could still feel the energy.
ConCATulations to the prizes, Summer !
For me it was a super-stinky stud that totally ended my show careers. After that show I was very stressed in my showcase and up at the judges too.
So that was it said my mom-person !
But, hey I became Great International Premier and that is not bad for a cat that was bought for company 🙂
XOXO
Kitties are like all living beings…some days are a little off and who knows why?! Could be the moon, could be the unpleasant scents could be anything really. . . . just an off day(s) and we all get those. But you did enjoy some of it so let’s see what happens next time! 🙂
the critters in the cottage xo
Sounds like you may have just had an off day, Summer… We have those too!
Congrats on all those pretty ribbons!
You did great, Summer. Congrats!
Purrs xx
Athena and Marie
Each of us has “off” days, Summer. Concatulations on your results anyway ! Your mom Bluesette is super organized being able to plan her babies on the same day : it’s a great way to not forget their birthdays ! Purrs
Even the bestest of cats can have an off-day, so maybe it was just that, Summer. Congratulations on those finals!
Summer, your half-brother is a cutie. I’m glad he warmed up to showing. Maybe this was just an “off” weekend for you, or maybe you’re reaching an age where you prefer smaller shows, or not showing at all. I’m sure you and your mom can figure that out. I’m glad you enjoyed your hotel room and watching all the goings-on. I know you also have the goal of becoming a therapy cat. Is there a time when you start focusing on that?
Maybe you were just having an “off” weekend. But sounds like you did great, anyway. We will be interested to hear how the next show goes.
XOXO
Sometimes we kitties have bad days, just like humans. Sophie has had days when she wasn’t up for adventures or socializing. It always takes us by surprise, but hey… we’ve all been there!
ConCATS on all your ribbons and awards! You are one cool cat!
Your half brother is a cutie pie! Maybe you were just having a bad day or maybe since you’ve seen the Queen Mary, shows just aren’t want you want to do anymore. Whatever happens, we know your human will always put your feelings and needs first so we know you’ll find something you enjoy!
Sorry to hear ya wuz stressed out Summer. But congrats on doing so well!
Sorry you had some angst sweet Summer!!
Summer, we are sorry you weren’t feeling up to showing that weekend. We hope it was just one of those things. hey, even us kitties can have bad days. We appreciate your humans attitude about it all. Concats on all of your awards, too! you’ve accomplished a lot! we hope showing can still be fun for you 🙂 Your half brother is a cutie! concats to him too!
pip, smidgen, Minnie, hollie
Stinky stud smells can send anyone towards a bad day! We are very proud of you, sweetie, with all you have done in your show career.
Everykitty has an off day sometimes, Summer. We’re sure your human will be keeping an eye on you to be sure you enjoy yourself next time you go to a show.
Summer, you are always a winner in our books 🙂
We love the pic of you in the chair.
Sometimes ya just have an off weekend or day.
We hope you enjoyed yourself overall because you did well !
Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure and JJ
Well, Summer, I have to agree with everycat else and say we all have bad days. Maybe you just need a nice long break. Maybe it’s time to say goodbye to cat shows. Maybe you want to shave your head. You’ll figure it out just don’t put too much pressure on yourself. You are a fantastic kitty regardless of what you decide! Although I would really like to see you with a shaved head!!! Love you lots! LadyBird
We all have off days sometimes. If it wasn’t just an off day and you don’t like showing anymore, you have an awesome human who won’t make you keep doing it, so let her know what’s on your mind. She’ll make sure you’re comfortable and happy. Congrats on the awards you received.
Your humans if very wise to consider what you want and what is best for you. It’s great you are so sociable. It means you have options.
I’m glad that you at least enjoyed the hotel! We are all allowed to have bad days. I’m glad that you were able to have a few wins while you were there. You deserve all of those ribbons and more! Your brother is really handsome! That blue color is really neat to see on a somali.
I read your newsletter.Summer, and I think you would make a wonderful ambassador if you do decide you don’t like showing anymore. Hopefully, you just had an off couple of days.
Hopefully it was just one bad weekend for you and you get to keep going and meeting all kinds of people! But even if you don’t, you’re still beautiful! Your brother is cute too, must run in the family!
We’re sorry you weren’t quite yourself at the show this weekend, but you’re mom is looking out for you. We still think you’re the best in show.
Great first photo dear Summer…….you did very well – we all have an off day once in a while and that “guy” you were next to obviously upset you a bit so to heck with him – you STILL did well!
Love, Sam
Congrats on your awards.
There are days like that Summer. Whatever you end up choosing, you’re still the BEST CAT in our eyes. You did great though.
Summer, every kitty has a bad day now and again. You still looked pretty comfy and happy in your cat bed. We are so happy to meet your half brother. He is quite a handsome fellow. Whatever you decide to do the future, cat show wise, we know your mom is very proud of you. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
Your half-brother is very cute! Sorry to hear you didn’t have as much fun and you got stressed. But glad you still had a good show!
Concats on your awards Summer. Hopefully it was just an off day. I get days like that the same as the humans do. Nellie could be right, it might have been the full moon causing it. It always makes me feel unsettled for a couple of days.
I’m kind of surprised you don’t get stressed more often. I can’t imagine doing so many shows all the time. All the traveling, being in a cage all day, having to pose and behave for the judges and everything sounds like too much to deal with.
Summer I agree, that might have been your way of telling your human that you have had enough. I am sure she will do whatever is best for you!
I bet your mama DID plan her kittens that way, doesn’t sound like a coincidence to me!
Congrats on all that you have accomplished! That’s quite a bit for a youngster like you! xoxo
your half brother is a cutie. don’t worry about this show….may have just been an off weekend. and hey – there is always the hotel stay 🙂
That first photo of you is absolutely brilliant! As for the show – perhaps you have just moved beyond all this – and you are ready for bigger an better things. I think your human is a fabulous colleague for always putting YOU first. Because your human has you out and about in the world the cages and cat shows might feel to confining for you.
Hey, hissing at Humans is completely normal. I can purrsonally attest to that, and I’ve never even *been* to a cat show. Hey! Wait…..huh. I thought I had some kind of an insight there for a minute, but it’s gone now.
You are always Best in Show in my book, sweet Summer!
That is too bad Summer that you didn’t have a very good time. Your Mom is very smart to consider not showing you any more. You sure have done great at the shows. Wasn’t the plan for you to be a Therapy cat but I might be wrong about that. I think it is great that you like people so much and go for those nice walks with your Mom.
Cocatulations, Summer! Sometimes we have an off day, maybe it was that kind of day for you We love The Cat House On The Kings! How pawesome they were there.
Purrhaps it was the Blue Moon! Whenever mes extra mean, its usually just after the full moon. But it looks like yous had a good time.
And LOOK at all those ribbons!
Pock on Grrl Furrend
Kisses
Nellie
Aww dont worry Summer! I also get very aggravated sometimes at shows for no reason! Its a long day for a small kitty and we cant run around and play and sleep where we want to!
You did so very well! I still hope that one day I will do as well as you at shows. Next weekend I have a show with some international judges so that will be exiting.
Love Isabella
sometimes you just gotta hiss and let it out. your brother is a looker.
We always think you are most amazing pretty Summer and congrats on the nice awards!!!
I’m sorry you didn’t have as good a time at that show, Summer, but you have already accomplished SO much at such a young age!
SUMMER BLESS YOUR HEART…I EXPECT THE STRONG SUPER STINKY STUD SMELL WAS WHAT GOT YOU ALL WORKED UP. MY MOM LIKENED THE SMELL TO SOME OF THE AWFUL PERFUMES SHE SMELLS ON FOLKS WHEN SHE IS OUT AND ABOUT. IT PURELY INSULTS HER NOSE AND MAKES HER HEAD HURT. REST UP SWEET GIRL YOU HAVE A TON OF PERSONALITY AND BEAUTY GOING FOR YOU. THERE IS ALWAYS NEXT TIME….
HUGS MADI YOUR BFFF
Congratulations on your awards Summer. Sorry you got upset, but sometimes that happens. I am sure you will always be sweet. That is so neat that your Mom had babies on the same day a year later.
Your half brother is very handsome, Summer. Congrats to him. Maybe you were having an off day. Everybuddy has those sometimes. But you still managed to get some good wins. Congrats!
Concatulations on your wins! We’re sorry this show didn’t go as planned. Hopefully it was just a one off and things will go back to normal.
Mom stopped showing Ellie because she didn’t like it at all. Hopefully, it was just a bad day but, if not, your human is wise to reconsider showing you.
The Florida Furkids
We all have off days Summer and perhaps something small happened to make you want to be quiet.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
Hey! You guys usually have so much fun at shows, don’t you? Ribbons, Prizes, meeting the judges, and you have never been upset before have you Summer? Please, don’t be discouraged, especially if there is a lot there you enjoy and you and your Human like to do together. Take some time, think about what might have spooked you – careless people, crazy smells or noises can really put a show cat off their game. Give it some time, and space and see how it goes.
Concatulations! You still did a great job. All kitties know when something is wrong, it’s just plain wrong!
Don’t worry, you just behaved as some human stars do too, at least you didn’t punch a photographer on the nose ! You still got a lot of awards !