Cat show shopping list: what to buy and bring

A cat show needs more than cages and judging tables. You also need a reliable registration setup, clearly labelled spaces, litter and water supplies, and enough catering equipment for participants and visitors. Use this shopping list to check the items that are easy to overlook, especially extension cords, disinfection mats, waste bins and serving equipment. Match quantities to your expected number of cats, exhibitors and guests before shopping.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 14
Chairsqty 60
Cat cagesqty 40
Judging tablesqty 4
Clothes racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 8
Coffee potsqty 3

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Sound system
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Kitchen

Water jugsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving utensilsqty 8

Cat supplies

Litter boxesqty 40
Water tubsqty 45
Feed bowlsqty 45
Transport cagesqty 6
Coastersqty 50
Cat brushesqty 6
Disinfection matsqty 4

Registration

Name badgesqty 100
Badge holdersqty 100
Pensqty 30
Clipboardsqty 6
Registration formsqty 120
Catalogsqty 120

Decorations

Balloonsqty 80
Tableclothsqty 14
Welcome sign
Route signsqty 8
Arrow stickersqty 30
Ribbonsqty 20
Trophiesqty 12
Certificate foldersqty 40

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Vacuum cleaner
Broomsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Apples - 5 kilograms
- Bananas - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 trays
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 5 bags
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Crackers - 5 packs
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 60 pieces
- Cheese - 3 kilograms
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Butter - 2 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Cat food - 8 kilograms
- Cat litter - 40 kilogram
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant - 4 bottles
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls

Tips

Provide one transport cage per participating cat, plus a few spare cages for late arrivals or temporary separation. Label each cage before exhibitors start unloading.
Prepare at least one litter box and one water tub for every active cat area. Add spare bowls, litter and cleaning supplies because shows create more mess than expected.
Allow one chair per registration or judging-desk volunteer and enough tables for the catalog, certificates, catering and cat equipment. Keep the judging tables separate from the food service area.
Count cups, plates and cutlery for the full audience, not only registered exhibitors. Reusable cups, coffee cups, serving platters and serving utensils are often forgotten until catering is being unpacked.
Bring extension cords and power strips for coffee machines, kettles and the sound system, and check cable lengths before opening the venue. Keep cables away from cages and walking routes.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a cat show?: Bring cat cages, transport cages, litter boxes, water tubs, feed bowls, cat brushes and disinfection mats. You will also need judging tables, registration and catering tables, chairs, labels, signs, waste bins and basic serving equipment.
How many cat cages do I need for a cat show?: Plan one cage for each participating cat, then add at least 5 to 10 percent spare capacity. Extra cages help with late registrations, damaged equipment or cats that need temporary separation.
How much food and drink should I buy for a cat show?: For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per person, then about one drink per person per hour. Buy food for the confirmed attendance plus 10 percent, and include coffee, tea and water for the full event period.
When should I prepare the cat show supplies?: Confirm quantities at least 7 days before the show, after registrations and dietary requirements are processed. Print labels, numbers and signs 2 to 3 days beforehand, then check and pack the cat supplies the day before.

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