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 and TICA) 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 competitions. 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 3 show systems work – experts from each of the registries will be on hand to answer your questions.
The Venue
Saturday 13 September 2025
The NEC, Hall 3a
9:30am 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
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.co.uk
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.co.uk
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.
The NEC has a number of food and drink outlets either in the hall or 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/