Preparations had been a bit hit-and-miss. At least he’d had a bath—but that was all we had time for. The show crew didn’t get going until late in the evening and didn’t roll into the overnight spot until it was already night—just a few hours before the show was set to start.
A couple of hours of sleep on our backs, and then it was up and off again. With bed hair all around, we stumbled into the show hall and through the veterinary check, which thankfully went smoothly. It was only then that Jonatan realized what was really going on: cats. Everywhere. On all sides.
On the way into the hall, he started to growl. A small but determined sound—like a kitchen appliance on its lowest setting. And that’s where he stayed, purring/grumbling away. All day long. Both on the inhale and the exhale.
By the time we finally reached the judge’s table, it wasn’t exactly a confident show cat that mom presented. It was more of a scruffy fluffball with bed hair and the sound of a blender. He looked most like a teenager being forced to attend their own confirmation, with a facial expression that said: “What kind of nonsense is this,” clearly in formal Norwegian…
But the judges smiled. Whether it was the ridiculous hairstyle or the humming motor sound that won them over, we don’t know—but Jonatan charmed them anyway. Afterwards, he took a well-earned nap (or hum) in the cage while we waited and waited… because that’s what most of a cat show is. An exam in patience.
We were quick to leave once it was all over.
And back at our overnight stay, things kicked off. Jonatan and Odin, both well-rested after having slept through the entire day, launched into the evening’s program: cops and robbers, cowboys and Indians, cat and mouse, and most of all—hide and seek. The games took place under, over, and through all the furniture, while mom tried to sleep—which she attempted to do pretty much all night.
Day 2 – The Kitchen Appliance Picks Up Steam
The next morning, the paw gang was ready for action at 4 AM. They had taken over the windowsill like little spies, growling at staggering passersby and an entire flock of breakfast-hunting pigeons. Mom refused to get up. But by 7 o’clock, she managed to drag herself out the door with the fur crew. She hauled the wheeled suitcase with the cage on top and shuffled off toward the elevator, while Odin trotted happily in front with his travel bag on his back.
And into the show area—at the last minute, of course.
Jonatan was due in the ring almost immediately, so grooming was replaced with a few quick shakes out of the cage and a little bouncing on the way to the judge’s table. But this day, it was a completely different kitty standing there.
The kitchen appliance had quieted down, and Jonatan was suddenly curious and playful. The exciting toys on the judge’s table were much more fun than growling at the neighboring cats, and the judge got a glimpse of his little personality.
Afterward, he put on his harness and walked around a bit on his own paws before we dropped by the photographer that both Jesper and Kasper have visited. Jonatan took to posing like a pro—he has experience with that already.
After a little nap in my lap, it was time to pick up Odin, take a stroll in the park, and then head home. And around his neck? A lovely little rosette—the proof that his first show was completed, bedhead and blender sounds included.
