FAQs
General
This is a unique event where you can interact with pedigree cats and household pets as well as judges from each of the three major cat registries in the UK (GCCF, FIFe and TICA) as part of a non-competitive show. There’s a lecture theatre with cat-related talks and Q&A sessions all day. There will be lots of trade stalls offering cat-related items (many of which you can’t find on your local high street) and also opportunities to register your interest in adopting a cat from a cat charity or rescue centre.
Competitive cats shows are organised by clubs associated with each of the major cat registries. Each registry (GCCF, FIFe, TICA & WCF) has its own format, procedures and rules for their shows. At shows, cats compete to win titles and are judged by cat judges on how well a cat meets its breed standard.
At The Cat Show Live, there is no judging and no competition. Instead, it is a unique opportunity to learn about cats and the various breeds. Because owners aren’t worrying about getting their cat to be judged on time, they can give you their full attention.
You can also learn how each of the 4 show systems work – experts / breeders from the registries will be on hand to answer your questions.
TICA, FIFe & WCF will have their own booths with demonstrations on their show format where you can find out how to enter or visit a competitive cat show in the UK
At The Cat Show Live (TCSL), we are committed to fostering a positive and ethical space for cat lovers, owners, breeders, exhibitors, and pet industry professionals. As a new and independent business in the feline events sector, we value transparency and integrity in everything we do.
As such, we are aware that there is currently some controversy surrounding another well-known events organisation, Loving Cats Worldwide (LCWW), and its founder Steven Meserve. While we are not party to the details, we wish those involved well and hope that any challenges are soon resolved.
That said, we feel it is important to clarify that The Cat Show Live has no connection or affiliation with Mr Meserve or Loving Cats Worldwide. As a small sector, some of our team members naturally have experience working with other organisations within the cat events industry. However, neither our founders nor our company have any links or associations with Mr Meserve or his business.
We understand that misinformation can spread online, and some individuals have mistakenly associated us with other businesses in the sector. Therefore, we feel it’s important to clarify that The Cat Show Live is an independent, owner-operated business, committed to delivering exceptional experiences for our exhibitors, attendees, and partners.
If you have any questions or concerns about The Cat Show Live, we encourage you to reach out to us directly using the contact details below. We appreciate the trust and support of our growing community as we work to establish a reputable and engaging platform for cat lovers worldwide.
For further information, please contact us at event@thecatshowlive.com and address your email to: FAO founders Samantha Marsh & Peter Banbury.
Yes, find out more by reading our Cat Welfare Statement PDF.
1. Commitment to Accessibility
The Cat Show Live is committed to ensuring that all visitors, including those with disabilities, can enjoy our event on equal terms. We aim to identify and remove barriers that may prevent or limit access, in line with our duties under the Equality Act 2010.
2. Reasonable Adjustments
We will make reasonable adjustments wherever possible to ensure that visitors with disabilities are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled visitors. Examples include, but are not limited to:
• Step-free access to all public areas.
• Accessible toilets.
• Assistance dog access to the event excluding cat village* – (see 4 for alternative arrangements)
• Reserved accessible seating where required.
• Support with queueing and entry processes.
• Providing event information in alternative formats upon request (e.g., large print).
• A designated quiet space will be available for neurodiverse visitors or anyone who may find large crowds, noise, or sensory stimulation overwhelming.
3. Companion/Carer Tickets
We recognise that some visitors require the assistance of a companion or carer to attend our event.
• Our standard concession rate for a companion/carer ticket is £21 (standard adult ticket £35).
• This concession applies where a companion/carer is essential to enable the visitor to attend.
• In exceptional circumstances outside our pricing policy, we will consider issuing a free companion/carer ticket on a case-by-case basis.
• Proof of eligibility (such as a valid Access Card with a +1 symbol, a letter from a GP, or evidence of Disability Living Allowance/Personal Independence Payment) may be requested at the time of booking or entry.
4. Booking Accessibility Requirements
Visitors who have specific access needs are encouraged to contact our team in advance so that we can accommodate any requirements. This helps us to provide the best possible experience. * includes assistant dog support in cat village
5. Continuous Improvement
We welcome feedback from our visitors to help us improve accessibility at The Cat Show Live. Feedback can be sent to event@thecatshowlive.com
The Venue
Saturday 13 September 2025
The NEC, Hall 3a
10:00am to 5:30pm (The Cat Village will be open from 10:30am to 4.30pm)
The NEC is easily reached by all forms of transport. More information on all of these is at https://www.thenec.co.uk/visitors/getting-here/
Yes – we advise pre-booking to ensure you have a parking spot – and you will save £5 as well (see https://www.thenec.co.uk/visitors/parking/ for details)
Yes – we advise you to book this in advance. The NEC has made a useful video to explain what to expect: https://youtu.be/h5a4WUelb8s
Yes we do! Please see below:
Tickets
Adults – £35, Child – (5-16yrs) £27, Under 5s – free
Family (2 adults, 2 children): £97
Concessionary prices for Senior Citizens and Carer’s available
Please visit https://thecatshowlive.co.uk/tickets/ to book your tickets.
There is plenty to see and do all day. There are no extra charges to enter any of the Cat Show Live areas once you are in the hall with several features including packs / competitions to keep children occupied. All theatre talks are included in your ticket price (subject to availability).
We have a fixed limit on the number of visitors who can attend, so there is no guarantee that tickets will still be available on the day. To avoid disappointment on the day please pre-book your tickets at: https://thecatshowlive.co.uk/tickets/
All tickets can be re downloaded from the ticket portal. In the event you cannot access or retrieve your ticket please contact event@thecatshowlive.com
For everyone’s health and safety, please stay at home and recuperate. Unfortunately, we can’t offer refunds, but you can pass your ticket onto a family member or a friend for them to use instead.
The Cat Show Live will return in 2026 and beyond on an annual basis.
In the hall
No, but Security will do random bag checks.
Flash photography is not permitted within The Cat Village.
Most owners will be happy about you taking photographs or videos of their cat, but it is polite to ask permission first.
Please note that photographs and footage will be taken throughout the event by our event photography team. These will be used for marketing and publicity in our advertising, on the website and in social media or in any third-party publication. Please contact the event organiser if you have any concerns or if you wish to be exempted from this activity by emailing sam@thecatshowlive.com
Yes – we have designed our aisles to be wide to easily accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters
Whilst we recognise that your Assistance Dog can accompany you everywhere at the NEC and in the show hall we would value and ask for your cooperation when visiting The Cat Village.
Due to the increased risk of any of our cats not being comfortable or familiar with dogs (which could result in unpredictable reactions), we have a team of volunteers who are happy to look after your Assistance Dog whilst you enjoy visiting our cats in The Cat Village. We see this as managing any risk that may occur when two species meet in unfamiliar circumstances. Please go to the Customer Services Desk on arrival to arrange this.
We will provide a quiet space for your Assistance Dog to rest in with one of our volunteers and we will have fresh water available for their comfort.
Please visit the Customer Services desk to collect your Children’s Packs, enter the treasure hunt and for our young teenagers ask about the ‘epic’ social media competition to win prizes.
There will be a number of human food and drink options in the hall. Alternatively the NEC has a number of food and drink outlets just outside in the Piazza. Check out the options nearer the time at: https://eat.thenec.co.uk/. You can also bring your own picnic.
Please visit The Cat Village section of our web site (https://thecatshowlive.co.uk/the-cat-village/) to see the breeds attending this event
No – only pre-booked cats into The Cat Village can attend. Please leave your own kitty at home – instead find some nice treats for them in Retail Avenue!
All cats will be used to events like this. They will be comfortable and used to travelling. Many will be happy to sit outside their pen to meet you and some may even be on their harness and moving around. We ask you make sure you read our guidelines for visitors on entry. Please look at how they interact with their owners and the public to be assured they are enjoying their day out as much as you are enjoying meeting them
Yes – with the owner’s permission and under their guidance. There are some simple guidelines that we will issue to each visitor (for example, don’t poke fingers into the cages or disturb a sleeping cat)
Sorry but no cats can be sold/adopted/re-homed at the show. For pedigree cats, this is an ideal opportunity to do your research in advance of any purchase decision.
You can also register your interest in adopting a cat from a cat charity or rescue by scanning the QR codes displayed in Hope Avenue.
We have a number of cat food stalls booked in. Please check with each supplier to check what food they will be stocking on the day: https://thecatshowlive.co.uk/retail-avenue-2/food/
Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service will provide “On Call” cover for this event via their Out of Hours Service. In an emergency patients will be required to attend the hospital located at:
Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service
Highlands Road
Shirley
Solihull
B90 4NH
In an emergency contact the hospital on 0121 712 7070
Our Team will then advise you further and arrange an appointment at the hospital. Due to the Emergency nature of the service on occasion you may face a short wait, we always endeavour to triage and treat our patients based on the nature of their injury or illness.
Our out of hours consultations costs for any show attendees requiring assistance during the event are:
£285.00*
*Any medications / additional costs required will be thoroughly discussed by our team prior to treatment.