Superintendent: Shauna Kister
Check-in & Vet Check: Thursday, July 31, 8–8:45 a.m. (South Hall – Lancaster County Farm Bureau Room)
Show: Thursday, July 31, 9 a.m. (South Hall – North End)
Public Viewing: approximately 9–11:30 a.m.
Release time: Thursday, July 31, at end of Cat Show
Open to 4-H members. Number of entries per 4-H member: limit of 1 cat per class.
KITTENS UNDER 4 MONTHS OF AGE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Cats are judged on physical condition, cleanliness, temperament and presentation, not on specific breed standards.
Cats may be spayed, neutered or intact.
A cat that becomes difficult to handle may be judged in the cage at the judge’s discretion with A LOSS OF 5 POINTS.
Cages will be provided at the fair. 4-H members may show from their own pet carrier but using the provided cages is preferred. 4-H member will furnish food, water and litter. As part of showmanship, cages will be judged immediately after the cat is shown. Cages should have a bottom liner such as a blanket or rug, some sort of cloth or paper enclosure around the sides of the cage and food, water and litter should be available for the cat. Cage should be clean and orderly. 4-H members must clean up their own exhibit area.
4-H members are required to wear a long-sleeved white shirt or blouse with 4-H armband on left arm or a 4-H T-shirt, jeans or long pants and closed-toe shoes (no shorts or skirts). Individuals not meeting these requirements will be lowered a ribbon placing. For concerns, contact superintendent in advance.
Small animal and pet veterinary science poster or display should be exhibited in Static Exhibits — see page 22–23.
Health Requirements:
- Cats shall be free of fleas, ticks, ear mites, worms, other parasites and infectious diseases.
- Cats are required to be current on their vaccinations of Rabies, distemper, panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calici virus. Cats must either have a current feline leukemia vaccination or proof of a negative test within 180 days of the show. IMMUNIZATION RECORDS MUST BE PRESENTED AND WILL BE CHECKED AT CHECK-IN. 4-H members vaccinating their own cats must provide proof by including a statement from their vet or by including the vaccination labels. A rabies vaccination is federally mandated to be given by a Certified Veterinarian ONLY. This vaccination must be current and include a veterinarian signature.
- Claws shall be trimmed. No Exceptions.
- No expectant or nursing mother cats may enter.
- Any cat not meeting these health requirements will not be judged and will be asked to leave the South Hall immediately. ALL DECISIONS, BY THE VET IN CHARGE OF CHECK-IN, ARE FINAL.
SHOWMANSHIP
All 4-H members — except previous trophy winners — are eligible to participate in their respective age division. Previous trophy winners must advance to the next division regardless of age to be eligible to participate.
4-H members must prepare and show their own animals.
4-H members will be judged on handling of cat from cage to judge’s table, plus answers to questions as to breed, age, type and date of immunizations, sex and general knowledge of cats. Questions will be asked from the “Your Cat and You” 4-H project book.
🔎 RESOURCE: “Showing Your Cat in 4-H,” is available online at https://go.unl.edu/lan4h-cat
- Premiums: Purple $4; Blue $3; Red $2; White $0
G690001 Junior Cat Showmanship — 8–10 years of age
G690002 Intermediate Cat Showmanship — 11–13 years of age
G690003 Senior Cat Showmanship — 14–18 years of age
G690004 Advanced Senior Cat Showmanship — 4-H members who have previously won in senior or advanced senior showmanship
CAT SHOW
- Premiums: Purple $4; Blue $3; Red $2; White $0
- Special Awards will be given
G690021 Short Hair Cat (this includes cats and kittens)
G690022 Long Hair Cat (this includes cats and kittens)
G690023 Working Cats (cats must live outside the house 75–100% of the time)
CAT QUIZ
The Cat Quiz will take place during the cat show while the judge computes the scores. The Cat Quiz is a written test for 4-H individuals to test their knowledge on cat facts. Must register during online entry by July 1 to receive a ribbon or premium money. Resource materials are the cat 4-H project books and the “Your Cat and You” 4-H project book. If 4-H members think they will be late for the quiz, they must get prior permission from the Cat superintendent. In case of a tie, there will be tie-breaker questions for bonus points. The Cat superintendent has final say in the contest.
- Premiums: Purple $4; Blue $3; Red $2; White $0
G690041 Cat Quiz — 8–11 years of age
G690042 Cat Quiz — 12 years of age or older
CAT COSTUME CONTEST
A 4-H member is limited to 1 of the costume categories. Costumes will be judged 50% on originality and 50% on effort. Costumes do not need to be handmade. The contest will begin after the Cat Show/Quiz is completed.
- Special Award to Top 4-H members
- No Premiums, Ribbons Only
G600051 Costume 1 — cat only in costume.
G600052 Costume 2 — both cat and 4-H member in costume.
CAT STATIC EXHIBITS
- Static Exhibit Check-in: Tuesday, July 29, 4–8 p.m. (Ag Society Hall)
- Static Exhibits Released: Monday, Aug. 4, 7–11 a.m. (Ag Society Hall)
See page 21 for more information about 4-H static exhibits. Animal exhibits are in the “General Areas” and may be interview judged.
- Premiums: Purple $3; Blue $2; Red $1; White $0
- No state fair entry
G690931 Educational Poster and/or Educational Display — on any topic relating to the health, care, environment and history of cats (do not include actual animals). Entered and judged day of cat show. Must be no larger than 22 inches x 28 inches.
G690932 Cat Toy Exhibit — homemade item made by 4-H member. Must include a list of materials used and a short explanation of how the item enhances your pet’s health or enjoyment. Exhibit will be judged on safety, appropriateness for purpose and workmanship.
G690935 Record Book Keeping — books will be judged on completeness.