On the Sunday in Mexico City, we attended a FIFe cat show - an interesting experience indeed! Setup of the show, and the judging procedures, were very different from what I am used to at a CFA show.

The show was located in the atrium area of a very modern four story shopping plaza, with a huge skylight overhead to provide natural light for the judging rings. The 6 judging rings were setup on a raised stage, and each judge had 4 cages in their ring. A steward brought the cat from each cage to the judge for handling, and returned it to the cage. Written notes by each judge are required on all entries that they handle. Note that although the show had 100 entries, not all judges handled all of the cats. Judges handled the cats by "groups", for example one judge may evaluate only the American Shorthair, Sphynx, Exotic and Solid Color Persians entered.

Awards within breed were EXCELLENT-1, EXCELLENT-2, EXCELLENT-3, EXCELLENT-4, MUYO BIENO and MEJOR DE VARIEDAD, with each judge nominating cats that advanced to the Best of the Best competition held at the end of the day.

As the show was open to anyone visiting the mall, the attendance was fantastic! People crowded the judging areas, while other watched from the balconies above. Major sponsors of the show were Ralston-Purina and Hill's.

The club banner was a full two storeys high!
Showhall/mall decorations included a huge Christmas tree in one corner ....	... and the world's largest pinata in the other!
The judging area before the start of the show.	Ralston Purina was a show sponsor
Veterinarian inspection of all entries was mandatory.	A judge from Argentina was doing some of her Persian training at the show.
Judge Jitka Kliterova from the Czech Republic evaluates ones of the shorthair entries while her steward holds the cat.	The lone Abyssinian entry.
Edna Field evaluating an American Shorthair.	A very nice Silver Tabby American Shorthair kitten.
Crowds ....	... and more crowds!

More FIFe Cat Show