Showing your cat can be loads of fun!!!  We enjoy the shows because they help us see the cats in our breeding program compared to what other breeders are showing.  This way we learn how to improve our breeding stock.  We also greatly enjoy the camaraderie and socializing with other bengal breeders.  Nothing like spending all weekend with other enthusiasts to make new friends and learn all about them and their cats.

Hamlet is a Supreme Grand Champion.  This is the highest title given by TICA.  Only about 1% of all cats shown ever achieve this title.  In order to win the title, Hamlet had to compete for almost 6 months, earn 6,000 pts. and be awarded at least one Best Cat Award.  The picture right is the ring where he earned his Best Cat Award under Frances Yow in Burlington, NC.  He also won another Best Cat award later that same day!

Bengal Congresses are special competitions for Bengals only.  They are judged like regular shows, and then the top ten get "finals."  There are several Congresses for Bengals all around the country, but the prestige Congress of the year is "On Safari."  OS moves to a different location every year, and all the top Bengals come to compete.  In 1999 Hamlet was second place at the On Safari in Seattle Washington.  He is pictured left being judged at On Safari.

Although show titles may not seem important when shopping for a kitten, remember that cats who earn titles have proven that they are not only good examples of the Bengal breed, but they also have good temperaments to be able to withstand rigorous show schedules.  

Hamlet is a lovely example of a "marble" bengal.  His pattern is clear, and his markings are also good.  But, one of the reasons he has done so well at the shows is because HE LOVES SHOWING!  He is extremely easy to handle, both by us and by the judges.  He purrs when being examined, and rubs his head on the cage when it is his turn because he is anxious to be handled.  He will come out onto his grooming table and brush himself.  He has been a joy to take to the shows. 

Sinjun has been shown exclusively as an alter.  He quickly gained his Grand Champion by winning the required 6 finals.  Finals are the top ten cats in any ring in all breeds.  Right now Sinjun only needs a Best Cat award to earn his Supreme Grand Championship, and we are hoping he will complete his title soon.

Sinjun is shown at left being stretched by the judge on the examining table.  It is important for the judge to be able to easily handle and examine the cats while on the table.  The judges will often let go of the cats and tease them with a toy to assess expression and head.  The cats must be confident, and never shy nor aggressive toward the judge.

Ryker was shown as a kitten and then a whole cat before he started competing in the alter classes.  As a kitten, he was ranked in National competition and won many finals.  As an adult, he earned his championship easily.  He is only one rosette away from his Grand Championship, but he is going to retire since he has decided he doesn't like showing any more.

Pictured right is Ryker earning a final at the Catastrophic Bengal Kitten congress in 1999.

Since Christine and I both enjoy sewing, we have had lots of fun decorating our set ups at the cat shows.  We have put together several different multiple-cat cage covers, complete with matching cat beds, table covers and other accessories.  Pictured right is our Christmas-jungle theme at the Jungle Lovers cat show December, 2000.