Our CFA Show Journey So Far
Since stepping into the world of CFA cat shows, we have had an incredible experience filled with learning, strategy, and meeting wonderful people. Our journey began with two major shows: the Saintly Cat Club Show in Minnesota and the Hawkeye Cat Club/Wild Rose Cat Club Show in Iowa, and our boy Luftig has been making great strides toward his Grand Champion title!
Saintly Cat Club Show – Minnesota
This was our first CFA show, and we were both excited and nervous. Luftig competed against five other Open/Champion Maine Coons and one Grand Champion. Despite the tough competition, he earned 153 Grand Points, which was a fantastic start! He received multiple ribbons, including:
- 2nd Best Champion
- 3rd Best Champion (twice)
- 2nd Best Champion in Longhair Specialty
- 3rd Best Longhair Champion
Hawkeye Cat Club/Wild Rose Cat Club Show – Iowa
By the time we reached Iowa, we had a little more experience under our belt, and Luftig did exceptionally well again! This time, he earned:
- Best Champion in Open
- 8th Best in an Open Final
- A total of 40 Grand Points
Now, after just two shows, Luftig is only 7 points away from earning his Grand Champion title!
The People & Community
One of the best parts of this journey has been meeting so many kind and supportive fellow exhibitors. From offering supplies when we needed them to sharing valuable tips on choosing the right shows, we have truly felt welcomed. While there’s occasional talk about CFA politics and the strategic aspects of showing, we haven’t personally experienced anything negative. The competition is certainly fierce, but there’s also a strong sense of camaraderie.
What We’ve Learned About Showing
The point system in CFA shows has been fascinating to understand. It seems that the more competitors you have within your tier (Champion or Grand Champion) and your breed, the greater the opportunity to earn points—as long as you have a quality cat.
While I appreciate seeing how Luftig places, I do wish there was more feedback on where points were deducted and what could be improved. This kind of insight would be invaluable for making better breeding and showing decisions in the future. That said, I absolutely love the judges who take their time to thoroughly examine each cat and share their thoughts.
Looking Ahead
This journey has been both exciting and educational, and we are eager to continue showing. Luftig has done phenomenally well, and we are proud of his progress. Beyond the ribbons and titles, the friendships and connections we’ve built have made this experience even more special.
We can’t wait for our next show—hopefully, we’ll be celebrating Luftig’s Grand Champion title soon!
