Stella's first CFA cat show

Stella went for her maiden CFA cat show on 27th-28th January 2024 in the HK Convention and Exhibition Centre. Its a 2 day show, from around 11am to 7pm. There were 6 rings to compete in each day, and if she is lucky to get into the finals, she would have to present herself for 12  times daily.

For the first day, because she was a new comer, she was assigned to the Open category, for which she would try to win as many small rosettes as she could in order to be promoted to the Grand Premier Category ASAP. At the maximum, each cat could get 2 small rosettes in each ring. They being - Best All Breed, 2nd Best All Breed, Best Long Hair, 2nd Best Long Hair, Best Short Hair, 2nd Best Long Hair. Exotic Shorthair because of the Persian breed was classified as Long Hair Cats. Other popular breeds in this class include Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest, Persian, Ragdoll, Siberian etc. 

The first day was not too difficult for her. Of the 6 rings, she came out empty handed in only one. To our surprise, she was also awarded a big rosette in one ring in addition to the 2 smaller rosettes. She ended the day with a total of 8 small rosettes, one big rosette and became a one day Grand. 

The really tough challenge came on the second day, as carrying the Grand Premier title gave her better chance to compete for big rosettes or ranking in Premiership. Small rosettes are now irrelevant to her. Usually Exotic would be fully grown by the age of 3. Stella being 1 year 7 months, looks like a baby vs other Exotic competitors who are age between 3-6 years old. Naturally, she would loose out considerably in appearance and build. I believe genetically, Stella has the potential, as she was awarded with rosettes in 2 of the 6 rings.

Results:

Overall, I believe Stella is starting to know the game. She had more interaction with the judges although she likes to look at the audience or maybe trying to locate us. She was more relaxed - willing to eat and sleep on site. Strategy wise, if serious about competitions, then save it till Stella is fully grown! 

Snippets

Auntie and Stella being caught by the official photographer!

Stella: Let me see what I got

   Let's see......Hmmmm.....

Stella completed her second charity work - donations made on 3rd February 2024.

Betty is 10 years old today

Betty dear, 

Happy Birthday!

Wishing you Good Health and Happiness Always!

Update on Betty's IBD condition:

Betty revisited vets on 31st December 2023 and her condition was overall stable. Via ultrasound, though there are still some inflammation in a small part of her intestine, her clinical signs were good. So vet declared that IBD is under controlled after 6 months of treatment. 

During the past 6 months, she has steadily gained weight, and is now at 4.57kg, - a new record for this "miniature Ragdoll (as most judges described her). 

For the next 3 months, Betty will slowly switch from I/D diet to normal ones. Let's pray that we can succeed.

Betty, I thank you for your intelligence, patience and understanding as we combat against IBD. Its not an easy path, but luckily, with your co-operation, the road was a lot less rugged. Coincidentally, your kidney condition has also return to normal, for which I would say we are lucky. For this we would like to than Auntie R, Dr Tint, Dr Tasmin, Dr Jacky and Dr Vera for their patience, care, professionalism and love, for without which, you would not be the healthy kid today! Thanks be to God!

Like all parents, let us continue to work hard and greedily aim for another 10 years of good health and joyfulness! 

As an aside, the following interesting photos were taken during the birthday party.