If you are interested in showing, I would suggest you start by attending some local shows. Talk to the breeders there and watch the judging. Visit websites and read the standards. LEARN, what a fold should look like so that you will have a good idea of what you are looking for when you start to look for a show cat. There are many different styles of folds, as breeders often interpret the standard differently, so you want to know what is what, not just take someone’s word that this is a “great show cat”.

Unfortunately, not everyone is scrupulous and some breeders are only out for the extra money they can make selling a "show" cat or just don’t have a clue what a show cat is (ears and tail aren’t all it takes!).  Some of these so-called breeders never even show – so how would they know what a good show cat is?  Don’t be impressed with a title unless you know what organization that title was earned in and just what titles can be earned in that same organization.  Look for someone that has kittens/cats of their OWN breeding that have earned not just championship titles, but things like Regional (RW) and International or National (IW, NW) titles.  Most importantly, find someone that will mentor you. The breeder you get your baby from should be willing to work with you and help you…answer any questions you may have and be there for you while your starting off, and hopefully for many years afterwards.

Most breeders suggest starting off with a show alter/premier. This is a cat that has already been spayed or neutered and is an excellent way to start off showing and see if showing is really for you.  This is also a good way to learn more about the breed, meet other breeders and have some fun along the way.   An alter/premier should have all the good traits of the breed, a true show cat, but you won’t have to worry about things like weight loss, spraying, attitude, all those other fun things you can get with a whole cat. The cost on an alter is also going to usually be more reasonable, just a bit more then a pet, so you're not spending a fortune for something that may not be for you in the end.  It is a VERY competitive class, with lots of fun and camaraderie.  I have personally shown several folds and other breeds to titles in this class, including several  Persians, an Exotic Shorthair and most recently a Cornish Rex and had a wonderful time doing so.

        The websites ( CFA & TICA) offer show schedules and your breeder can help you pick out a good show to start at, with any luck, one that he or she can be at with you.  There they can show you the ropes, help you groom your cat, teach you about points, etc.  Showing isn’t cheap, but can be very fun and rewarding.  There isn’t any money in it, but those ribbons and maybe year end awards you get can make it all worthwhile, not to mention the friends you make along the way.

At the shows you will be judged in multiple rings and by multiple judges. Each judge will look over the breed class and place the cats as he sees them, in accordance to how close to the standard he feels they are. When all the breed class judging is completed the judge then chooses his top ten cats to come back for a final. If it is a Specialty ring, those top ten will be either all longhaired or shorthaired breeds and if it is an Allbreed ring, all breed classes are included. The judge will then start from the 15th or 10th best and work their way down to the kitty that they feel is Best in Show. The cats are each awarded a ribbon showing their placement in that ring. Each judge may have a totally different final then the next, although, usually, you will see some consistency.  Some shows do a Best of the Best at the end.  This bring back their top 3 kittens/cats/alters or premiers/ HHPs and gives them a special award for doing well in that show.