Each decorated cat cage will be evaluated in the following areas:
- First Impression
- Originality
- Information Card
- Work Done by Member
- Basic Comfort
- Safety
- Easy View of Cat
The judge will provide a rating of Excellent, Good, or Fair for each of these criteria; as well as some comments
Criteria for Cage Decorations
- Judge on originality. The superintendent will inform the judge if there is a special theme or any other special awards.
- The cage decorations must be designed and assembled by 4-H member, not parent. Parts of the decorations may be purchased or put together with items on hand, but some original construction is encouraged.
- A card must be displayed on the cage which states: cage title or theme; whether the decorations were made or purchased; if made, how were they made and did the member have help making them; if organic materials were used, were they determined to be safe; and any other information the member would like to point out to the judge(s).
- Basic comforts: the cat must be comfortable with room to move around and lie down. The cage must be covered on top, sides, rear, and bottom. The cage must include a litter pan with clean litter, fresh water, and food. (If the cat is on a restricted diet, a card stating this should be placed on the cage.) The litter pan and food and water dishes should be part of the decorations.
- Safety: the decorations should not be something the cat could destroy, be hurt on, or eat and become ill.
- The cat must be seen. The front of the cage is NOT to be covered.
Scoring
- If most of the marks are *’s (excellent), a blue ribbon is awarded.
- If most of the marks are +’s (good), a red ribbon is awarded.
- If most of the marks are –‘s (fair), (highly unlikely) a white ribbon is awarded.
Cage Decoration Information Card
The following information is to be included on the cage decoration information card
- Jr., Int., or Sr.
- Cage Title/Theme
- I decorated my cage as follows: (explain what you made and/or purchased, how you made it, etc.)
- I made items by myself/with help (circle one). Explain any help you had.
- I determined organic material was safe. Yes, No, or Not applicable.
- I would like to add the following information for the judge’s consideration.