COMPANION ANIMALS
*Denotes State Fair Entry
Purple, $2; Blue, $1.50; Red, $1.00; White, $.50
All small animal entries must be pre-entered at the Extension office by the deadline. Only the following animals will be allowed to show in the companion animal show: Domestic Cat, Pet Rabbit, Ferret, Chinchilla, Guinea Pig, Gerbil, Hamster, Mouse, Rat, Turtle and Hedgehog. Entries in the 4-H Companion Animal Show are judged on the overall health and appearance of the animal, and the exhibitor’s presentation and knowledge of the animal; not judged according to breed standards. Mixed breed animals can be entered and identification is not required. Rabbits shown in the pet rabbit class cannot be shown in the County Fair 4-H rabbit show.
Show procedure: Exhibitors must be present at time of showing. Animals must be housed in a cage at all times of the show unless asked to remove them by the judge. If being shown in a travel cage, exhibitors should bring photographs of the animal’s normal habitat.
Each exhibitor will be asked to give a short “showmanship” presentation on their animal. The characteristics, health, and care of the animal should be provided in this presentation. Following the presentation, exhibitors will be interviewed on knowledge of their animal and its care.
The judge will evaluate the participant on the following basis: animal health and wellbeing – 35 points, cage evaluation (appropriateness of travel housing as well as description of everyday housing) – 25 points, and overall knowledge and presentation skills – 40 points.
See 4-H Companion Animal Judging Sheet for more complete breakdown of points available.
Participant should bring animal, adequate cage and accessories, completed health certificate for cats and ferrets, and pictures of normal habitat, if appropriate.
Cats must be brought in durable plastic or wire carriers (not cardboard). Cats will remain in carriers or other appropriate cage provided by the exhibitor except for when being judged. The exhibitor may provide food, water, and litter for the cat in the carrier if necessary. Exhibitors may want to provide a cover for the carrier to prevent their cat from seeing other cats. ALL CATS MUST BE SHOWN ON A LEASH and be on a leash at any time they are removed from the carrier/cage.
All other animals should be brought in appropriate housing either their normal cage or a durable plastic or wire travel cage (not cardboard). Cages must be secure. Exhibitors should provide water and food for all animals as appropriate. If a cage/enclosure is deemed inappropriate by the show superintendent, the exhibitor will not be allowed to show.
All animals should be free of fleas, ticks, ear mites, ringworm, any internal and external parasite and infectious disease. Required veterinary checks will be performed on each animal entering the show. If any signs of these external parasites or other contagious health conditions are presented, exhibitors will be asked to leave without being allowed into the show area. It is highly recommended that a veterinary check is performed or preventative measures are taken prior to the show to ensure the animal is free of external parasites. ALL DECISIONS OF SHOW OFFICIALS ARE FINAL. If an animal shows the possibility of being contagious, it will be considered a danger to the other animals in the show and will not be allowed to show. Animals that pose a danger to others will not be allowed in the building.
Cats are required to be current on their vaccinations of Rabies, panleukopenia, viral rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus. Cats must either have a current feline leukemia vaccination or proof of a negative test within 180 days of the show. Participants should have their veterinarian fill out and sign the “Nebraska State Fair Cat/Ferret Vaccination Record Form” and submit to the Buffalo County Extension office by June 15. Exhibitors will not be allowed to show without a signed Vaccination record form.
Ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies and have a completed health form signed by the administering veterinarian. Participants should have their veterinarian fill out and sign the “Nebraska State Fair Cat/Ferret Vaccination Record Form” and submit to the Buffalo County Extension office by June 15. 4-H’ers vaccinating their own cats must provide proof by including a statement from their vet on the Vaccination Record Form or by including the vaccination labels on the form and having it signed by a parent. A rabies vaccination is federally mandated to be given by a Certified Veterinarian ONLY. This vaccination must be current and include a veterinarian signature on the Vaccination Record Form.
If a cat is not declawed, the claws must be clipped. This will be a point of judging during the competition. No expectant or nursing mother animals may be entered in the show.
AGE OF ANIMALS: All animals must be weaned prior to show. Minimum age of animals to be shown:
i. Cats: 4 months
ii. Ferrets: 4 months
iii. Chinchillas: 7 weeks
iv. Guinea pigs: 4 weeks
v. Gerbils, hamsters, mice, rats: 4 weeks
vi. Hedgehogs: 5 weeks
vii. Pet rabbits: 9 weeks
Exhibitors are allowed to enter two cats/kittens in different classes. Exhibitors are asked to wear 4-H T-shirt or white shirt with 4-H emblem and long, dark pants or denim jeans, and closed toe shoes.
All exhibitors must clean up their own exhibit areas. Exhibitors are expected to take down their exhibits directly following the final show. Animals left after the show will not be supervised and the Extension Office is not responsible for damages or losses experienced before, during, or after the show.
*G690020 Long hair cat
*G690021 Long hair kitten (4 to 8 months)
*G690030 Short hair cat
*G690031 Short hair kitten (4 to 8 months)
*G690040 Pocket Pets (e.g. gerbils, hamsters, turtles, etc.) This excludes all frogs. Animals should be shown in appropriate cage. Exhibitors are allowed two entries in this class.
GENERAL
Purple, $2; Blue, $1.50; Red, $1; White, $0.50
Static exhibits must be entered the day of the small animal show and will be judged the day of the show. The exhibits will be on display for the remainder of the fair and must be picked up on release day.
G690045 Poster — Poster can include entries covering any companion animal (including reptiles, companion birds, or others, not including dogs). Exhibitors should make a poster with information on the proper care of a companion animal that they are not showing in another class of the Companion Animal Show. Poster should be the size of one full standard poster (should not exceed 22”x28”) board. Exhibitors must be present at time of judging and will be judged on quality of the poster, accuracy of information provided, and ability of the exhibitor to explain the information and answer judge’s questions.
G690050 Cage or transport made by exhibitor
G690060 Feeder or water equipment made by exhibitor
G690070 Photo or picture display or special interest display — should be educational
G690080 Miscellaneous cat or small animal exhibits
CAT SHOWMANSHIP
*Denotes State Fair Entry
Purple, $3; Blue, $2; Red, $1.50; White, $1
Each exhibitor will be asked to give a short showmanship presentation on his or her animal. This presentation should be a prepared speech for everyone at the show to hear. This speech should include the following: Vaccinations, Spayed/Neutered, Nutrition/Diet, Health, Grooming Information and what makes the cat special. Following the presentation, the exhibitor will be interviewed on knowledge of the animal and its care. Awards will be given based on the above.
G690010 Senior (14 and older 4-H age)
G690011 Intermediate (11-13 4-H age)
G690012 Junior (8-10 4-H age)