Cat Show Titles Explained

Cat Show Titles: A Path to Excellence

At cat shows organised by the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe), cats can progress through a series of titles. By competing at shows and being assessed by international judges, they can earn titles recognising their conformation, adherence to the breed standard and the breeder’s work.

Titles earned at shows are official honours that a cat retains for life and that become part of its pedigree.

To learn more about our show experience and where our cats compete, visit our page on cat shows attended by La Bella Vita Cattery.

Age Classes at Cat Shows

At FIFe shows, cats compete in different classes according to their age.

The main classes are:

  • Kitten (4–8 months) – kittens
  • Junior (8–12 months) – junior cats
  • Open (over 12 months) – adult cats
  • Neuter – neutered cats

In these classes, cats receive assessments and certificates that allow them to progress through their show career.

Championship Titles at FIFe Shows

A show cat progresses through several levels. Each title is earned by collecting certificates awarded by different judges at official shows.

Kitten Champion (KCH)

This is the first title a kitten can earn in this age class: Kitten (4–8 months).

To earn this title, a cat needs:

  • 3 CACC certificates
  • awarded by 3 different judges
  • in 3 shows

This title recognises that the kitten already shows promise when judged against the breed standard.

Junior Champion (JCH)

The title Junior Champion is awarded to cats in the junior class: Junior (8–12 months).

To earn this title, a cat needs:

  • 3 CACJ certificates
  • awarded by 3 different judges

A Junior Champion is a young cat recognised for its breed type and conformation.

Champion (CH)

After turning one, a cat enters the Open class and can begin working towards adult championship titles.

To earn the Champion title, a cat needs:

  • 3 CAC certificates
  • awarded by 3 different judges
  • in 3 shows

This title confirms that the cat fully meets its breed standard.

International Champion (IC)

The next step in a cat’s show career is the title of International Champion.

To earn this title, a cat needs:

  • 4 CACIB certificates
  • earned at 4 international shows
  • awarded by at least 3 different judges

An International Champion is a cat that has demonstrated its quality in international competition.

Grand International Champion (GIC)

After becoming an International Champion, a cat can compete for the title of Grand International Champion (GIC).

To earn this title, a cat needs certificates designated CAGCIB, through either of two routes:

  • 9 CAGCIB awarded by at least 3 different judges, which may all be in the same country

or

  • 6 CAGCIB awarded by at least 3 different judges in at least two different countries

Competing in more than one country therefore allows a cat to earn the title with fewer certificates.

Supreme Champion (SC)

The Supreme Champion (SC) is the highest FIFe championship title.

It is earned through certificates designated CACS, through either of two routes:

  • 12 CACS awarded by at least 5 different judges, which may all be in the same country

or

  • 9 CACS awarded by at least 5 different judges in at least two different countries

Here too, competing in different countries offers a faster route to the title.

Awards and Honours at Cat Shows

In addition to championship titles, cats can win highly prestigious awards at shows.

Best in Variety (BIV)

The award Best in Variety is presented to the best cat of a particular variety (colour or pattern) within the breed.

For this award to be made, there must be at least three cats of the same variety.

Nomination for Best in Show (NOM)

During judging, each judge selects the best cats in the category to take part in the show final.

Receiving a Nomination for Best in Show is a significant achievement in its own right.

Best in Show (BIS)

The Best in Show is the final stage of a cat show.

An international panel of judges chooses the best cat in the category from all those nominated.

Winning a Best in Show is one of the most prestigious honours in the cat show world.

Special Titles at FIFe Shows

In addition to championship titles, some cats can earn special titles based on achievements throughout their show career.

Among the most notable are:

  • Junior Winner (JW) – awarded to young cats that win at least 5 Best in Show
  • Distinguished Show Merit (DSM) – awarded to cats that win at least 10 Best in Show
  • Distinguished Variety Merit (DVM) – awarded to cats that win at least 10 Best in Variety
  • World Winner (WW) – a title awarded to the winner of Best in Show at the FIFe World Show

The title World Winner is one of the most prestigious honours in the international cat fancy.

Cat Shows and the Breeder’s Work

Cat shows are more than competitions. They bring together breeders, judges and enthusiasts from around the world to share their knowledge and experience.

Cat shows offer an opportunity to:

  • assess cats against the breed standard
  • refine breeding decisions
  • exchange knowledge with breeders from around the world
  • encourage a culture of feline welfare and respect

For a responsible cattery, show results recognise careful breeding and a commitment to raising healthy, well-balanced cats that meet the breed standard.

/by