SHOW NEWS

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UPDATE!!! March 23, 2019

If you are one of the amazing people who own and show a Basilic Blessing Siberian, I want to let you know I have recently completely revised my show bath routine!!! It has been revolutionary, in my opinion, and I want to recommend and pass this along to you. It came about because of two main reasons. First, we have had our lovely RW SGC BasilicBlessing Grand Finale on our three season porch, so that she would build that great, massive Siberian coat expected during the winter show season. After awhile, her coat was starting to look really great. Then I took her in to give her a show bath, to my horror, much of her amazing coat washed down the drain and then was further lost in the brush and blow dry!!! I was so saddened. It wasn't "coat blow season", and yet here we were losing it all. Although these were the popular products, recommended by many, many people in the cat fancy, show circuit, they simply are counter-productive for our needs.

This is when I started thinking and re-thinking the show bath that I had always heard. First, Siberians are the only breed with a TRIPLE coat. This indicates to me that the show bath should, in fact, be somewhat different to nurture and sustain that special feature. Secondly, most pet shampoos are actually designed to strip dead coat and cause the pet to lose their fur in the bath, so that they will not get knotted and matted, and you won't have to brush as often. But in this case, we do not want the cat to lose its coat! We want a product that will maintain and even build the coat. So, even though I had been using a "thickener" as one step of the bathing process, it was insufficient.

As a result, I began to do some digging and research. Surely, some of the heavy-coated dog breeds would know about this issue. So, I asked my good friend Jan, who has had award-winning Samoyeds for years, what product she used, and whether there was something that maintained coat rather than stripping it. SO, all credit for this discovery really goes to Jan. She recommended "Isle of Dogs" products (which, as it turns out, is located about 20 minutes from my home)! At the next two baths, NONE of Finale's hair went down the drain (or very, very little that I could tell)! Her coat felt thicker and plush, but still coarse like a Siberian coat should be. I would like to recommend these products and pass this idea along to you.

In addition, I want to state that some people say a bath should be very warm; however, our Siberians like it cooler (but not cold). Again, I think this is because they are naturally cold-weather animals. The hot water caused our poor kitties to pant.

Lastly, I have also changed my "tools". I have begun using a long-tined, static-free comb, and similar long-tined brush both for combing through and fluffing up the coat during the bath and at the showhall. I don't know why I didn't discover it sooner, but it works great. The slicker brush is for catching fine fur and dead fur, so we aren't using it as much.

Here's the link to Isle of Dogs:

https://iodogs.com/

And the products are #20 Royal Jelly Shampoo, #50 Light Management Conditioner, and the Lush Coating Brush Spray.

The #20 can be applied twice as clarifying and coat builder steps. I am still experimenting with the Conditioner. Without it, the cat's skin seems to dry (and get flakey). In 2-3 baths, though, the product seems to build up on the coat. So, I am planning to use Dawn dish soap or other clarifying solution to reduce the build-up at the third bath. The company also recommends #91 Royal Jelly Coat Supplement, which I have not yet tried.

SHOWING YOUR CAT:

First: Make sure that your cat is registered with TICA. To do this, you will need

a Certificate of Registration or Breeder Slip from your breeder to fill out and send

to TICA with your payment.

Second: Find a show near you that you would like to attend. tica.org/show-calendar

You may even want to visit a show as a spectator first, so you can know the format and what to expect. Register for the show. You may need to register in the "TOES" system to join online. Otherwise, most clubs have a "print" registration form that you can download and send in the mail. Usually, you will want to register quite a bit in advance (a week, minimum; a month or more in advance is advised, especially since you can often get lower entry fees).

Third: KNOW THE SHOW RULES! tica.org/pdf/publications/shw_rules.pdf

Fourth: Have all the supplies you will need for the show. tica.org/pdf/forms/shows/check_show.pdf

This includes a "cage" where your cat will spend much of its time. Some shows will allow you to rent a cage for a minimal fee; however, most shows prefer you to bring your own. Sturdi brand pop-up tents are the most common. They are light and travel easily, and they are big enough and comfortable for most cats. A "double space" cage is recommended, and, in addition, you will need to make sure you have reserved a "double space" for your cage at the show. I also like to reserve a groom space for the show, and have a Sturdi groom space display for that purpose as well. It works great! For cage curtains, I have always just used a nice table cloth, and for under the cage & grooming space, I use vinyl table cloths.

Generally spaking, I don't even put a litter box in the cage during show, but I do have one available. Your discretion.... but I will put it in the cage during lunch and after the show only, since the cats like to just sit in it, and it messes up their fur. USE CRYSTAL KITTY LITTER, such as Dr. Elsey's or the PetSmart brands.

Finally: Bathe and groom your cat. Many things to say about this, especially regarding Siberians.....

My Show Bath:

A Siberian should have a bath 24-hours before the beginning of the show.

First, trim all the nails & clean the ears with a cotton ball & ear cleaner for cats. If your Siberian has "lynx tips" on his/her ears, use a tiny scissors to remove them, emphasizing the ears' roundness. If the cat's eyes appear very "hooded" and their eyelashes distort or obscure the rounded shape of his/her eyes, you may need to trim them too using a baby scissors (rounded ends). Lastly, use a gentle cloth or cotton ball to clean the corner of the eyes and nose. Always check before each ring to make sure the eyes look clear, without "eye scoobies."

<- nail scissors

If your cat is greasy, especially a stud male, many breeders like to degrease the cat beforehand using "GOOP" (warm in microwave) or diluted DAWN dishsoap. spread it all over the cat (on dry fur), especially on the tail & mane & "behind", then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Next, the actual bath is a 3-step process. (RINSE COMPLETELY!) Bath water should be warm, not hot, and it is very helpful to be in a small, enclosed space, if possible, with a sprayer hose. Experiment to see what works best for you (preferably not on a show weekend).

After the bath, probably the most important part for a good show coat is to have the cat thoroughly dry. Personally, I haven't yet purchased a forced-air dryer, which I know is faster. However, I do have a pet-dryer that is quiet & has a stand so that my hands are free to hold the cat & a brush or comb. After the bath, I first towel dry kitty, removing as much water as possible. Spray with texturizing spray. As you blow-dry, gently comb or brush through the coat. Make sure to get the "behind" and under-arms especially. These are the places that tend to develop knots if not carefully groomed. When the cat is almost completely dry, "pack" with baby powder all over. (I wish I could find an alternate product that works as well with less "dust", but I haven't yet.) Continue to brush & blow-dry, getting out all the loose powder & getting kitty as dry as possible. For show, I like to have on hand all three of Jerob's sprays: Anti-Static, Texturizer, and Everyday Grooming spray. Each serves a different purpose. The Everyday is just for the regular touch ups before going to a ring, and is almost like using a fine water spray mist, for "fluffing up". Texturizer will add a bit of volume if needed. And Anti-stat is specifically for those dry conditions, especially in the winter, when you need to control static (and that will be pretty obvious!). I also bring powder to the shows along with a mini blow-dryer, in case kitty gets greasy behind the ears or if they get wet or poo or other mishaps during the show. Make sure you do a touch-up before every ring!!! No tangles or knots, matts, accidental wet spots or things stuck in the fur allowed. Judges DO look for a well-groomed cat, along with conformation and beauty.

Written by Shelley Sopa with thanks and acknowledgement to my friends and mentors who have provided much advice. You know who you are. :D

Updated 8/8/18

Photos to come....

GOOD LUCK!

2015-2016 Show Season ended May 1st, with Basilic Blessing Oliver finishing as the Great Lakes Region Best Siberian Kitten and 15th best All-breed kitten.

Basilic Blessing Johanna Joy was the region's Best Championship Siberian, 5th best LH cat, and 9th Best Allbreed Cat. She also is 2nd best Siberian internationally. Taddeus also had an award as 25th best kitten.

November 2015. Taddeus is growing in his ability to tolerate the show hall and handling. He became a Champion at his first adult show (September in Sturtevant, WI), and he is working his way up. Joy has taken a few months off to have her first litter of kittens! She is now ready to continue her show career over the winter months. She became a SUPREME GRAND CHAMPION earlier this year in only three shows!!! She is very popular with everyone and appears to enjoy showing very much. I think Taddeus will handle things better when she is around again, but we will wait and see who ends up being at the top! As for our International Winner, Debut, he is taking some time off, and he is enjoying the beginning of winter very much. He is growing into a giant, fluffy stud cat!

So many updates!! The formatting on this page has not been working for quite some time. I decided today to change the format (!!) and now it seems to be working.

Yesterday (May 2, 2015), we brought Joy and Taddeus to the Franklin Park, IL specialty show.

The amazing club people from this show have already posted the results. (Thank you Geri, Barb, Dawn, Chris, and many others.)

Joy finished BEST CAT IN SHOW!!!!! With 9 out of 10 finals.

Our wonderful new Finnish boy, Taddeus finished 5th Best Kitten in show (2nd best Longhair) with 10 out of 10 finals!! What a great start to the new show year!

We also can announce at this time that Debut has finished BEST SIBERIAN CAT IN THE WORLD! for 2014-2015 show year. He also is an International Winner (# standing not yet confirmed) and Third Best Allbreed Cat in the Great Lakes Region!!! He has had a stellar show career, and we absolutely love him. (More info & photos to come once standings have been finalized.)

On November 8 & 9, 2014, we attended the "NFL" show in St. Francis, WI. Basilic Blessing Beloved Johanna Joy (daughter of Debut) was presented in her first show at 4 months old. Even though she had to compete against many older kittens, she still finished SECOND BEST KITTEN IN SHOW overall, awarded with ten out of ten finals!!!!! She is definitely a girl to watch! We anticipate a great show career for her & are so delighted, as she is the culmination of all the cats in our cattery.

In addition, DEBUT finished as BEST CHAMPIONSHIP CAT IN SHOW!!!!! He also had 9 out of 10 finals. We want to thank God for giving us such great success.

Debut recently achieved his SUPREME GRAND CHAMPION title at the "Nascat" show in Waukesha (Sept.6,2014), receiving a BEST IN SHOW under judges Susan Lee and Sharon Kelani. He also received three "second best" and a fourth.

DEBUT, Kent, and I attended the Regional Awards Show, "Star Power," in Novi, Michigan on August 1-3, 2014. On Saturday night, Debut received his plaque and ribbon for being the BEST SIBERIAN KITTEN in TICA for 2013-2014, as well as the 6th BEST KITTEN in the GREAT LAKES REGION. Basilic Blessing Autumn Reign (though not in attendance) also received her award as the 17th best Longhair Cat in the Region and 6th best Siberian Cat in the world for this year.

My darling "Pippi" (Basilic Blessing Autumn Reign) also became a SUPREME GRAND CHAMPION!!! And is currently the BEST SIBERIAN CAT in the GL REGION.

For VALENTINE'S DAY weekend, Feb. 14-16, 2014, Kent & I attended the Maumee, OH, show with FOUR cats! (We have never done that before, so it was a "big deal" for us.) AND we brought a baby kitty along to boot (just for the ride). We had a really excellent time & were very impressed with the quality of the show and number of entries. DEBUT had his DEBUT there :) -- first kitten show. The judges really enjoyed him, and with very intense competition, he still came away with ELEVEN finals!

Judge Carlos Lopez (from Argentina) stated, " I have been all over the world, I have been to Russia

judging, and THIS IS THE BEST SIBERIAN CAT I HAVE EVER SEEN." (picture below)

On Saturday & Sunday, January 11-12, 2014, we attended "Cats & Confetti" show hosted by Great Lakes Friends of Felines in Sturtevant, WI.

We had an amazing show this weekend! "Kiki" (Basilic Blessing Sun Behind A Cloud) had 12 finals in her last show as a kitten & she had so much fun too! We found out today she was the BEST KITTEN IN SHOW! This is an outstanding accomplishment. Lara became a champion in her first adult show & "Pippi" (Basilic Blessing Autumn Reign) became a Triple Grand Champion with eight finals. Wow. We feel humbled, amazed & so blessed to have these delightful animals. We always go trying not to expect too much, and we have come away in awe.

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Sometimes we go not expecting too much and come away pleasantly surprised. On December 8-9, we joined the Christmas themed show in Milwaukee, and Jelani came out with six finals, as well as one BEST IN SHOW, bringing him to his SUPREME GRAND CHAMPION status, the highest award in TICA. He needs to attend one more show to get additional points, but has the number of finals required. We are extremely thankful to have such a delightful and handsome boy, who was so pleasant and playful with all the judges.

On January 14-15, 2012, Jelani and Jinja both participated in their last show as kittens. They each finaled in four rings, Jinja taking one BEST IN SHOW (pictured below).

Basilic Blessing Solomon Korah participated in the "Silver Jubilee" show in Waukesha, WI on June 11-12. He received three finals awards, and achieved status as Quadruple Grand Champion (QGC)! We are so proud of him! Thanks to Wi-ILL Cat Fanciers and all the superb judges for an excellent show.

We attended the Pet Expo / TICA "Out of This World" show in Minneapolis, MN on March 12-13, 2011, hoping to get our CH Solomon Korah to the next level, and allowing Viktor to participate in his last show as a kitten. The show exceeded all our expectations, and we are excited to announce that Basilic Blessing Solomon Korah is now a Triple Grand Champion (TGC), having achieved THREE Best In Show awards, as well as five other finals!! Sibano Viktor of Basilic Blessing also had a smashing weekend with eight finals. We are absolutely thrilled and wish to thank the outstanding judges who handled our boys with such care and gentleness. We also would like to thank the Great Lakes Cat Consortium for organizing this show.

Shelley holding Solomon, and Kent, Toni Scarboro (SP Judge),

Lisa Dickie (AB Judge) Shelley, and Solomon.

"He just looks like he should be coming straight out of the Siberian forest."

-- Kim Tomlin, AB Judge

Basilic Blessing Solomon Korah achieved Champion status at the show in Lansing, MI on Dec. 11-12, 2010.

We are very excited & think he is definitely worthy of the title. He had two finals, 5th best in show and 8th best in show.

Also at the Lansing Show, Viktor had a final in kitten class; he had three finals at the next show in Milwaukee, WI, on Jan. 15-16. We are thankful for such a nice boy and believe he has great potential for future shows.

For 2009, RW CH Basilic Blessing Juliet of Sibano achieved an

Award of Excellence as the 10th best kitten in the Great Lakes region.

Congratulations!! And "Thanks!" to Kris Hirst.