WHAT IS GOING ON?

You will notice that the agility ring differs from the regular judging ring is several ways. The cats can be a household pet ( HHP) or a registered breed, but must not be of wild ancestry. All HHP over 8 months must be spayed or neutered. All of these cats, faults and all are welcome. Kinks in the tail, crossed eyes, and other faults don't matter here. Their ability to run the course and eagerness to try are all that counts . We encourage the running of cats from all walks of life: the favorite pet, the kitty living in a shelter (temporarily, we hope) or the top conformation show cat; all are equal in agility 

The agility course is set up with a combination of stairs, jumps, tunnels, hoops and weave poles.

Each cat enters through the gate and is given a little time to get comfortable with the surroundings. Some may enter ready to run the course, but they will be the veterans, most likely. When he is comfortable (note the tail coming up), the cat is led through the course of obstacles by the handler using a toy as a lure. The handler should not touch the cat with hands, but may encourage him with the toy. From the first paw touching the stairs until the last obstacle is completed, the time is kept on a stopwatch by the Ringmaster. The total score is a combination of the actual time and the number of obstacles completed. Bonus points are given for seconds under the maximum time of 4 minutes 30 seconds.

If you have any questions, be sure to ask the Ringmaster or one of the Attendants.

Enjoy!

Click here to see a video clip