Companion Animal

Division 100 – Companion Animal Show 

Class Descriptions: Entries in the 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.

• Poster division (#12) can include entries covering any companion animal (including reptiles, companion birds, or others). Poster should be the size of one full standard poster (should not exceed 22”x28”) board. Exhibitors should make a poster with information on the proper care of a companion animal (may include companion animals not exhibited in the Companion Animal Show). 

1. Show Procedures: 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.
   1. 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.
   2. 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.
   3. See 4-H Companion Animal Judging Sheet for a more complete breakdown of points available.
   4. Participant should bring animal, adequate cage and accessories, completed health certificate for cats and ferrets, and pictures of normal display if appropriate.
2. Housing: 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. Suggested: ALL CATS MUST BE SHOWN ON A LEASH and be on a leash at any time they are removed from the carrier/cage.
   1. 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.
3. Health & Vaccinations: 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 to enter the building. 
4. 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. Proof of vaccinations must be sent in with registration. Participants should have their veterinarian fill out and sign the “Nebraska State Fair Cat/Ferret Vaccination Record Form”. Exhibitors will not be allowed to show without a signed Vaccination record form.
5. Ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies and have a completed health form signed by the administering veterinarian submitted with registration information.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Number of Entries Per Exhibitor: An exhibitor may make no more than one entry per class with a maximum of four entries total.
9. Age of Animals: All animals must be weaned prior to show. Minimum age of animals to be shown:

1. Cats: 4 months
2. Ferrets: 4 months
3. Chinchillas: 7 weeks
4. Guinea pigs: 4 weeks
5. Gerbils, hamsters, mice, rats: 4 weeks
6. Hedgehogs: 5 weeks 
7. Pet rabbits: 9 weeks

CLASS

G100901 – Short Hair Cat or Kitten

G100902 – Long Hair Cat or Kitten

G100904 – Other Companion Animal Not Listed

G100003 – Ferret

G100004 – Chinchilla

G100005 – Guinea Pig

G100006 – Gerbil

G100007 – Hamster

G100008 – Mouse

G100009 – Rat

G100010 – Hedgehog

G100011 – Poster