Check in time for most cat shows is an hour and a half prior to the start time of the show.  It is best to arrive early to enable yourself enough time to set up your cage and to get familiar with the show hall.  When you first arrive at the show hall, you should pick up your catalogue (every exhibitor entered in the show is assigned a catalogue).  

Catalogue:
On the front of the catalogue you will find your cat's entry number and row designation.  Your row designation will give you a good idea as to where you will be benched.  You will see that every cage is assigned a cat's number and owner's last name, making it very easy to find your cage.  Your show catalogue contains all kitten/cat entries in alphabetical order. Longhair kittens are listed first, followed by the shorthair kittens, next the longhair champions, followed by the shorthair champions, next longhair alters, followed by the shorthair alters and lastly household pets.  The catalogue also contains an exhibitors list, an extra entry form, a championship claim form and your score sheets.  The judges schedule is generally found on the back pages of the catalogue.

Review the show schedule:
The show schedule lists the judging rings and the sequence in which the classes will be judged.  Circle the class you are exhibiting in for each ring.  This will help you to be ready for your class when it is announced.  When you hear your cat's entry number announced, take your cat to the appropriate judging ring and place your cat in the judging cage that has its entry number displayed.  Close the cage door and take a seat in the chairs provided to watch the judging.  You will also notice that CCA uses pink cards for female entries and blue cards for male entries.  If you miss your first call, the ring will announce a second call.  If you miss your second call, then you maybe disqualified from that ring...so it is very important to listen to all the anoucements!

Sometimes the cat is nervous:
If the judge notices your cat is nervous, they may ask the owner to retrieve the cat from the cage and place it on the judge's table for them.  This is the only time that you are allowed to approach the judge while your cat is in the ring.  If you have any problems you must notify the ring clerk, who will be sitting at the end of the judge's table.

When the judging has been completed:
After your cat has been judged in it's breed class the card on the cat's cage will be turned down.  This action indicates to the owners that they are to remove their cats from the ring and take it back to the benching area.  

As per CCA rules:  All judging rings will take precedent over final award presentations.

Final Award Announcements:
Listen for your cat's entry number when Final Awards are announced for each ring.  Your cat may be chosen to receive an award.  If you hear your cat's entry number take the cat to the ring that requested it.  All judging rings will take precedent over final award presentations.

Bests of the Best:
At the end of each show day all the points are added up and a presentation of "The Best of the Best" is announced.  Each show varies, but most shows will give out large rosettes to the top three cats in each class:  kitten, championship, premiership and household pet.  If you are placing very high in your standings throughout the day, you may want to stay until the very end to see if your cat has achieved this very prestigious honor!