Glossary of Terms

Best Cat (or Kitten)

For a show or a judge's ring, best of all breeds of cats in a show or ring; meets the standards for the cat's particular breed better than other cats in the show meet their own breed's standards.  When associated with a Region, the cat has shown better than others in that region for an entire show season (1 year).  When ranked (such as "Fourth Best"), the cat has obtained more total points during the season than all but those cats (or kittens) ranked above him.

Best Ocicat

For a show or a judge's ring, best of all Ocicats in a show or ring; meets the Ocicat standards better than other Ocicats.  When associated with a Region, the cat has shown better than others in that region for an entire show season (1 year).  When ranked (such as "Fourth Best"), the cat has obtained more total points during the season than all but those Ocicats ranked above him.

CFA

Cat Fancier's Association, a world-wide cat registry organization.  See their web site at http://www.cfainc.org/.

Champion

In order to become a Champion a cat must receive six Winner's Ribbons in competition.  A winner's ribbon is awarded if the cat fits the breed standard and if it wins over any other open cats in its color class and sex for a ring. 

Classic

A classic tabby pattern (not spotted), similar to what is often seen in the American Shorthair.  The kitten shown at the right is an Ocicat with a classic pattern.

Grand Champion (GC)

Champion cats that have placed higher than 200 other Champion cats are given the title of "Grand Champion".

Grand Premier (GP)

Premier cats that have placed higher than 75 other Premier cats are given the title of "Grand Premier".

Open

A cat at least 8 month old that has not yet received six winner's ribbons (see definition of Champion).

Premier

In general, a Premier is a neutered cat.  In order to become a Premier a cat must be neutered or spayed and receive six Winner's Ribbons in competition in the Premiership Class.  A winner's ribbon is awarded if the cat fits the breed standard and if it wins over any other open cats in its color class and sex for a ring. 

Region

The United States is divided into separate Regions for the purposes of showing cats in CFA shows.  Although cats and kittens can be shown in other regions, the region for which a cat is registered is where the cat competes for its regional award.

Regional Winner (RW)

Best-25th Best Cat, Best-20th Best Kitten, or Best-20th Best Cat in Premiership (Alter) in a region. 

Rings

See "Show Rings"

Show (or Judging) Rings

A "booth" set up in a cat show for judging.  A judge examines each cat on the central table; cats to be judged are placed in cages behind and to the side of the judge.  Audience chairs are placed in front of the judge's table.

TICA

The International Cat Association, a world-wide cat registry organization.  See their web page at http://www.tica.org/.

For more information on CFA scoring (Champions, Grand Champions, etc.), see the CFA's "Scoring Procedures" web page.