Kids share knowledge in feline competition

The small class of 4-H cat presenters was ready with their groomed felines for judge Casey Chenoweth from Trout Creek on Thursday afternoon at the fair. The three participants were John McNamara with his Main Coon, Thomas, Cooper Spurr with her 5-month-old kitten Matilda, and sister Kendall Spurr with her 5-month-old kitten Millie. The kittens are litter mates.

In the showmanship portion, the three shared their knowledge by demonstrating what they could do with their felines. They went over the ears and paws to show tolerance of being groomed and examined. Overall appearance was assessed by the judge.

Next they were interviewed at great length to determine what they have learned about the care and showing of a cat. The judge took their lack of experience into consideration. She said they did very well for the first year of showing but they have lots to learn.

"Cats need to be spayed or neutered before they are shown," Chenoweth said. She added that the poultry barn was not the best environment for the cats with the roosters crowing. McNamara's cat was nervous with the activity and noises. But, John made a poster board about his cat which helped to earn him the reserve grand champion ribbon. All three received ribbons for their efforts. Kendall received reserve champion. She and John are 10 years old. Cooper, who is 12, said they raised the kittens from birth. "Since our cat had kittens we decided to show them."

The three have other animals in 4-H.