Cat show teaches showmanship

When it comes to showing animals at the Palouse Empire Fair, the first thought many might have is of children showing steers, pigs, sheep, goats and other varieties of livestock.

There is another division of showing animals that gets much smaller – ― cats.

"This is a great beginner animal project," said Tarri Steiger, superintendent of the cat show and historian for the Palouse Empire Fair Foundation. "A majority of these kids have been showing cats since they were Cloverbuds."

This year had a showing of eight participants.

"We were at our average this year," Steiger said. "On high years we have about 15 – 16 kids participate and it can get as low as four. This year the kids were mostly intermediates and seniors."

Most kids that start out showing cats as Cloverbuds will continue showing their cat for years following.

Just like any other animal showing, the kids must learn the curriculum, and fit and show their cats.

"We focus on the showmanship and make sure everyone has the opportunity to present, even if the cat doesn't want to participate," said Steiger.

Steiger shared a story of how at this year's showing one cat was being stubborn and was not wanting to be shown. After the girl had said her name and the cat's name she put the cat away and was then able to use someone else's cat to show her knowledge of fit and show.

"Many of the cats are just barn cats that are cleaned up and shown," Steiger said.

These kids are able to bring their cats in for the show and they take them right back home.

"It's a fun show," Steiger said. "We give out a lot of big ribbons and want to make sure everyone leaves with a ribbon.

The cat show is sponsored by Pets Are People Too and every participant leaves with a $10 gift card.

Steiger has been a part of the cat show for many years and this year will be her last.

The new superintendent will be Pru Beyer.

"I've been doing it a while and now it's time to watch grandchildren show their animals," Steiger said. "I've had a lot of help from Becky Elfers, a veterinarian in Colfax, who has judged all these years. We've greatly appreciated her help and this year we had a vet from WSU come in and judge."

Those at the cat show encourage kids to always give it a try.

If interested you can call the 4H office, Steiger, or Pru Beyer for more information.