An update on our favorite Norwegian Forest Cats

Bjorn & Tutta -- uff da!

On April 15th, 2012, Vennskap Lodge's favorite Norwegian Forest Cats -- Bjorn and Tutta (children of our very own sports director, Kelly Quick) -- competed in the 18th Annual Sheboygan 4-H Cat Show.  The show was held at the Sheboygan Falls Municipal Building.

With about 75 cats in attendance, competition was steep.  The cats were divided into three divisions: long hair (which Bjorn and Tutta competed in), short hair, and kittens.  The long hair and short hair divisions were then subdivided by color.  They were not, however, subdivided by breed.

Tutta in the judging ring

Bjorn and Tutta each competed in two different show rings, with each ring having its own judge.  Essentially, each ring is its own separate competition -- the way a cat is judged in one ring has no influence on how the cat is judged in the other.  The rings were sealed off from one another, and cats were inspected in the ring one at a time.  The judges looked at each cat's characteristics and then made comments.  During each round of competition, an individual cat spent two to three minutes on the judging box.  Audience members were prohibited from cheering during judging so as to avoid spooking the cats.  However, clapping was allowed.  

Kelly shows her SoN pride at the show

When asked why she entered her cats in the show, Kelly said, "To find out objectively who is the cutest cat, Bjorn or Tutta."  Unfortunately, the question was not resolved since neither cat placed.  Despite only coming away from the competition with participation ribbons, Tutta and Bjorn were crowd favorites.  A number of audience members petted the cats and held them.  One boy was particularly enamored with Bjorn; he came back to play with him at least five times.

Kelly enjoyed showing the cats but said that she will probably not be doing it again next year.  The event was just too stressful for the cats (and for mom!).