What to buy for a cat fair

A cat fair needs more than cages and judging tables. You also need a workable check-in point, clear signs, payment equipment, refreshments and enough power access for the day. Plan supplies around the number of cats, exhibitors, judges and visitors rather than buying by guesswork. This list covers the practical equipment and catering items that are easy to overlook, especially when several activities run at the same time.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 18
Chairsqty 80
Cat cagesqty 40
Foldable tablesqty 6
Cash desk table
Waste binsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Refrigeratorsqty 2
Cash drawer
Payment terminalqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 8
Cable reelsqty 2
Laptop
Printer
Walkie-talkiesqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6
Pitchersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8

Decorations

Trade show tableclothsqty 24
Cat postersqty 12
Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Price listsqty 20
Name badgesqty 80
Wristbandsqty 600
Cat toys for boothsqty 20

Lighting

LED lampsqty 12
Mood lightingqty 6

Cleaning

Vacuum cleanerqty 2
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 4
Dog waste bagsqty 500
Litter boxesqty 45
Water bowlsqty 45
Disinfectable matsqty 45
Hand sanitizerqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 6 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Beer - 4 crates
- Alcohol-free wine - 6 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Mini sandwiches - 180 pieces
- Wraps - 80 pieces
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Ham - 1,5 kilo
- Smoked chicken - 1,5 kilo
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 100 pieces
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Bananas - 5 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper cups - 300 pieces
- Paper plates - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Cleaning cloths - 24 pieces
- Cat litter - 10 bags
- Cat food - 8 kilo
- Cat treats - 12 sachets
- Cat water - 60 liters

Tips

Count one cat cage per participating cat, then add a small reserve if space allows. Confirm the final cat registrations before placing the equipment order, ideally at least one week before the fair.
Set up a dedicated check-in and payment area with a cash drawer, payment terminal and cash desk table. Test both payment methods and bring a printer and spare paper at least one day beforehand.
Plan power before the event day: coffee machines, kettles, refrigerators, speakers and other equipment may need separate extension cords, power strips or cable reels. Tape down or cover cables before doors open.
For catering, match reusable glasses, coffee cups, plates and cutlery to your expected visitor peak, not the total attendance. Keep pitchers, serving platters, serving spoons, cutting boards and knives together in one food-preparation area.
Prepare supplies for movement around the hall: waste bins, walkie-talkies, floor-plan signs and printed inspection forms should be ready before exhibitors arrive. Keep a cooler or refrigerator available for anything that must stay cold.

Frequently asked questions

How many cat cages do I need for a cat fair?: Start with one cage for every registered cat. Add 5–10% extra capacity where possible, so a fair with 100 cats has 105–110 cages available.
How much catering equipment do I need for a cat fair?: Base cups, glasses, plates and cutlery on the busiest serving period. For 100 visitors at once, prepare at least 110 place settings and keep a reserve of 10–20% for replacements.
When should I order equipment for a cat fair?: Confirm cages, tables, rental equipment and catering no later than 1–2 weeks before the fair. Finalise quantities after registrations close, then check deliveries and power requirements at least 2 days before setup.
What payment supplies are needed at a cat fair?: Prepare one cash drawer and one tested payment terminal for each active payment point. Check connectivity, charge the terminal fully and keep a backup payment option ready before exhibitors and visitors arrive.

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