This content has been written by CFA cat breeders national wide sharing what is happening and why they are canceling cat shows and new exhibitors. This information has been submitted to us and no ones are used.
Wed Feb 15 9:04 am (PST)
I have to say... And there is a reason I did not include any tails... I need to comment on the posts about on how CFA needs to be nicer and more welcoming to new exhibitors - heck, and old ones too. I was treated so rudely at an out of region show last year that even *I* almost left after one day. So this is VERY true, and no amount of corporate money will matter if we cannot bring in new breeders. But what has been ironic, and there's no easy way to sugar coat this, is that some of the posters on this topic are not exactly known for positive treatment of others in CFA. Again, I don't care if you are new or old - if you're rude enough, nasty enough, unwelcoming enough, even our OLD exhibitors will leave with the NEW ones!
So everyone, remember what you've said here every time you open your mouth (or your keyboard, or your phone) and think about how YOU would like to be treated, before you say something to someone you disagree with or think has a "lesser" cat or whatever the case may be. We ALL have a responsibility to represent CFA positively and as I like to remind people - EVERYTHING you do reflects on you, your cattery, your breed, your club and CFA. EVERY time you say or do something, it reflects on ALL of those entities. Act accordingly.
Wed Feb 15 10:59 am (PST)
Oh, yes. When one exhibitor is nasty to another, don't you think the spectators see that? Don't you think the newbees see that? Make a pact. Congratulate your enemies when they achieve a win in a ring. You will be surprised how quickly the new attitude spreads. Just a little observation from my point. I've always let spectators meet and pet my cats. I've always taken the time to talk to spectators. I've always helped other exhibitors and newbees. And I've noticed that it "rubs off" on the other exhibitors. I've watched the exhibitors benched around me become more comfortable with doing the same things. It makes for a great atmosphere at the shows.
Wed Feb 15 1:19 pm (PST)
We had an experience last month I want to share. We've been showing in CFA for 10 years. - is now a licensed ring clerk and loves it. It took a bit of prodding, but we finally got the entry clerk of the Loveland, Colorado, show to tell & he could clerk at this 2-day show. Saturday - clerked; we arrived a few minutes late on Sunday, and he found out he'd been replaced. He came over to where I was with the cat and told me he couldn't clerk that day even though he had everything set up; didn't know why other than we were not here at 9 A.M. (The show didn't start until 9:15 or 9:20.) He finally was told the show committee replaced him, but then was told it was the Master Clerk. This has never happened before, even though we run late at times. I was upset and felt like never entering a show again. It's not just other exhibitors who destroy the Cat Fancy.
Sent: Tuesday, February 14 4:47 PM
I did not want to sound overly negative and critical but I totally agree with you. The association really needs to kick up the marketing and promotion. Martha Stewart did more for the AKC this morning on the Today show in two minutes than 10 Meet The Breeds weekends. Is CFA on Facebook? Our events and publications need to be promoted and marketed through social media. Now that I think of it, I do not recall getting the order form for yearbook and Cat Talk that we normally get in the new Yearbook. Those order forms should be at the gate desk at every show.
Tue Feb 14 5:22 pm (PST)
I'm with & on this thing about Corporate Sponsorship for the hobby. Breeding cats is what keeps CFA alive. If the fancy is declining in numbers I must agree that I feel the Board should be the ones making sure CFA is a household word just like AKC is a household word.
The costs for this could help in reduced costs for show halls, more spectators. The list goes on. We have very little going for us except in Ohio when the National Show comes along.
Our name is just generally not known! When I say CFA, and get a blank stare, I say, "You know, like AKC, only it is a Cat"... People do not know us. And on this one I think it should be mostly corporate while the rest of us do the work putting on shows.
Ever since Cattery names were charged, I see the decline going down. Think about all the fees we pay. Add them up and it doesn't take a genius to realize why there is an exodus of exhibitors. Too little emphasis on new people and too much on other things.
Tue Feb 14 9:41 am (PST)
I want to respond to some of the recent posts regarding shows that are struggling or canceling and the shortage of new exhibitors. First, I want to say that after some long hard thinking I have decided to not have a Damn Yankees Show in Groton, CT this September. I guess I should also announce that - has canceled the Sequin Silver show that is held in MA every August. Both & and I are tired and need to take a break from the whole cat thing.
Both shows were able to break even last year but it was close... Too close. Like Florida, New England is in the same predicament. 150 entries (or less) just does not pay the bills. I get the feeling the folks in Florida have tried just about every fund raising gimmick they can think of as well as cut cost wherever and however they can. The environment has drastically changed and we simple do not have the numbers we need to continue. What is an even bigger concern is the lack of new blood. I wrote to my regional director last week informing her that & would like to take one year off from the show schedule. I also asked her if she knew of anyone or group who would like to take over the club. My condition was that they be responsible, reliable and keep the show in New England. Honestly there is nobody in the NAR that can fit the bill.
At this point I think the region has a better chance of me coming around in a year or two than giving the club to people who may very well disappear. I just can't believe that I cannot give away a club with thousands of dollars in its treasury!!! It's a bad scene out there for the show producers.
So please, exhibitors, remember this when you launch a petty complaint to the show manager. Honestly, you are so lucky you have a show to exhibit your cat in. The domino effect of shows being canceled is considerable, at least for me. Without local shows, I will be forced to drive 6 to 8 hours in order to grand a cat. I am not sure I will be able to do this. I am not certain of a solution but agree being nice to new people is a must. More importantly we have to get these new people through the door so we can be nice to them.
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