Cat shows are sponsored by the different registration associations, such as The Cat Fancier's Association. A cat show consists of several (6-8) different rings, each presided over by a different judge, so that each ring is like a different show! All CFA judges are association-trained and certified in their knowledge of the standards for the various cat breeds.

Each cat entered in the show is assigned a number, and when that number is called in each ring, the cat is placed in a cage behind the judge. The judge then takes out each cat and evaluates it for adherence to the breed's standard. The cats are chosen for the best of color by gender, then best of breed. When all breeds have been evaluated, the judge will pick their 10 best cats (the Final), sometimes in a specialty, such as shorthair, or from all breeds judged. This is done for all three judged categories, Kittens, Championship, and Premiership (alters).