How to organise a cat show without missing the details

A cat show needs more than a venue and a judging table. Start by fixing the date and booking a suitable space, then secure judges before opening registration. Once entries come in, build the catalogue and inspection schedule around the number of cats and available cages. The final week is for labels, prizes, catering and welfare supplies; event day depends on a clear setup order, from unloading and cages to registration and judging.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Reserve venue
2
Set the show date
2 people
3
Contact judges
4
Invite participants
2 people
5
Open registration form
6
Process registrations
2 people
7
Collect dietary requirements
8
Compile the catalog
2 people
9
Create inspection schedule
2 people
10
Confirm participants
11
Print numbers and labels
2 people
12
Prepare prizes and certificates
2 people
13
Do the shopping
2 people
14
Chill drinks
2 people
15
Check cat supplies
2 people
16
Open venue
2 people
17
Loading and unloading
4 people
18
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
19
Set up cat cages
4 people
20
Set up judging tables
2 people
21
Set up registration desk
2 people
22
Set up the catering table
2 people
23
Hang route signs
2 people
24
Hang decorations
2 people
25
Fill litter boxes
2 people
26
Set up water stations
2 people
27
Test sound system

Event

28
Register participants
3 people
29
Check cats
2 people
30
Welcome the audience
3 people
31
Announce the opening
32
Supervise judging rounds
4 people
33
Transport cats safely
3 people
34
Serve drinks
2 people
35
Serve snacks
2 people
36
Refill drinks
37
Clean the litter boxes
2 people
38
Check water trays
2 people
39
Answer audience questions
2 people
40
Present prizes
3 people
41
Let cats leave
3 people

Aftercare

42
Collect waste
3 people
43
Wash dishes
2 people
44
Clean cat cages
3 people
45
Dismantle furniture
4 people
46
Remove decorations
2 people
47
Clean the venue
4 people
48
Return materials
2 people
49
Sort lost property
50
Send thank-you message to participants

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

Tips

Book the venue and contact judges before opening registration. You need the date, judging capacity and room layout confirmed before promising places to exhibitors.
Close registration early enough to process entries and dietary requirements, then compile the catalogue and inspection schedule. Leave at least 3–5 days to confirm participants and correct names or class details.
Prepare one labelled set of numbers and cage labels for every entry, plus a small spare batch. Keep the registration desk near the entrance so exhibitors do not have to cross the judging area.
Set up cat cages, judging tables and the registration desk before adding decorations or catering. Fill litter boxes and place water tubs and feed bowls only after the main movement of furniture is finished.
Plan the final hour before opening for welfare and safety checks: test extension cords and the microphone, place disinfection mats, check litter supplies, and chill drinks after the coolers are positioned.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a cat show?: Start venue and judge arrangements at least 8–12 weeks before the show. Open registration only after the date, room layout and judging availability are confirmed.
When should registration close for a cat show?: Close registration at least 7 days before the event so you can process entries, collect dietary requirements and produce the catalogue. Use the final 3–5 days for participant confirmations and labels.
How many cat cages do I need for a cat show?: Plan at least one cage space per entered cat, based on the confirmed registration list. Add a small reserve, such as 5–10% or several spare cages, for changes and unexpected needs.
What should be ready before exhibitors arrive?: Cages, judging tables, registration materials, route signs, litter boxes, water tubs and disinfection mats should be in place before opening. Finish the main room setup at least 60 minutes before arrival so there is time for a safety check.

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