Part 1: Knowing How It Works
Unlike their canine counterparts, catz only have one show pose that they need to worry about. Being this the case, all breeds (thereof or hexed versions with the use of a catz base) are able to do it. There is a special pose for the siamese cats, though it is not covered in this tutorial.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Catz Pose has three main elements to it: Head, tail, and legs. Two of these catagories can be broken up into specifics. For the head, there are eyelids and alignment (which is sort of a mood point - being as it is the default for most catz). The legs, which is the most important part of the pose, can be separated forequarters from hind quarters. Catz also posses the ability to pose in both directions (right and left) for an acceptable position, though many show rings may specify which is preferred.
| The Head
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By default, a catz head is naturally aligned in the center and should be facing forward when in a show pose. Now, eyes are a different story. These should be as even as possible, not cocked to one side -- as if the cat were giving bad-eye. Of course, there are some breeds that pose with their eyes wide open, which is perfectly fine!
| | The Front Legs
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The standards for the front legs are similar to those for dogz. This aspect should literally look as if the catz only has one leg. Everything should line up perfectly, one behind the other; even the left paw is concealed.
| | The Back Legs
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Unlike the front legs, it is better if we can see both of them. In fact, the more space between them, the better. One paw will reach backwards and the other will stay in place, creating an *almost* 90 degree angle; and the paw will be touching the ground.
| | The Tail
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Should have a slight curl to it in a broad "C" shape over the back. Flickering tails look sloppy and lack professionalism characteristics. Sometimes, depending on the breed, it is acceptable to have the tail be strait up and down with the slightest curl at the base.
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Part 2: Samples and Critiques
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The Head: Like I mentioned above, the head alignment is perfect, as such a position is set by default. However, where this cat has a problem is in the eyes. Notice how en-even and unbalanced they are...
The Front Legs: Here we have an example of legs that would count as... shall we say... perfect?
The Back Legs: Hmm... not so good. Though he is posing correctly, the feet are still touching, and need to be separated. What little space there is is only a few pixels -- and that doesn't win BIS!
The Tail: For all I have to say, that's not bad. In the best picture I got out of him, the tail was similar to this one. Notice how it is at a decent angle without any kinks or flickering. Also, though it isn't completely over his back, it still has a slight curl.
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The Head: Though you can see more of the eyelids in this picture than the last, they are still un-even and don't make for a very professional look... don't cha know?
The Front Legs: Nearly perfect! Look at the paw, however, and notice how there is a little extra fuzz that is a new addition when compared to the photo above. It is just the fringe on the other paw - and should not be there.
The Back Legs: Once again, there needs to be A LOT more space between these two legs.
The Tail: Whoops! This happens somtimes... The catz was flickering his tail when the picture was taken and the camera caught it at the wrong time. Most certianly NOT good posture.
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The Head: Ah, the dramatic eye - one eyelid is completely gone! Well, being as this cat is a mixie with breeds that may pose like that, is little move is alright - as long as the other eye does it, too. I know, however, that it is (in this case) not preferable.
The Front Legs: Almost! I can still see the back end of the left leg peeking out from behind where it should be. Take a look at all the foot-fuzz!
The Back Legs: I must say, this is much better than the other two attempts. There is more space and the feet are separated, but for the "perfect pose" this space needs to be even MORE exagerated.
The Tail: Not bad... It has a little kink in the tail, which leads me to believe that he was flickering his tail just a little. But otherwise it looks fine for this catz.
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The Head: You know, it's amazing what a little maturation can do to ya... In fact, it turns you around, and with it a revolution in eyelids. See how even they are, and rather flat. In some cats, they are angled. Either way is perfectly fine.
The Front Legs: Well, not so good here. Though they are together (without spaces) but fail to meet the basic standard. Do you see one leg or two?
The Back Legs: As much as I would like to say so much for a new perspective, it doesn't really do much. See the comments for the back legs from the image above.
The Tail: The base of his tail forms nicely, but as it goes up there seems to be a serious problem. First of all, it is pointin the long way. He was probably not concentrating and began to wag his tail!
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The Head: Now this particular catz poses with her eyes wide open. Some breeds are liked this. Perfectly fine!
The Front Legs: Though they are bordering on showing the other leg, it is a pretty good as it is. Different judges will have differnt opinions - you just have to test and try around a little. ;)
The Back Legs: Simply beautiful! Take a look at the spacing between those paws - much greater than in the previous examples.
The Tail: Though it could be a little more curly, it is very much acceptable.
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The Head: Once more, we have the wide-open-eyed-pose. And just look at that pretty pink :P All the same, tis not bad.
The Front Legs: The actual "leg" portion of this catz has no faulter. However, there is a clump of pixels near the bottom that suggest a peeking paw from behind the other.
The Back Legs: Though they are not as far apart as the above example, they are still an excellent example for those posing cats who can't just seem to "get it right." ;)
The Tail: Now, if this isn't the image of perfection, I don't really know what is!
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The Head: Now, to some, this element may look a little off balance. However, take into consideration the breeding that this mixie has and the matter can easily be dismissed. Like her predecessor, she too has the wide-eyed posing technique.
The Front Legs: Good - but not great. The darker gray indicates that the other leg can be seen and needs to be fixed. Watch that! It can mean the difference between getting points and having to re-enter for lack of them.
The Back Legs: Here we run into the same problem that the first gray catz had - not enough space. As proven below, this catz has a lot more potential than what she is showing here.
The Tail: Let us call it perfect because... well... it's perfect!
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The Head: Again, there is a small tilt in the alignment of the eyes and of the head, itself. Consider the illusion created by the brown-ish fur at the back of the head. Also, the picture was snapped at a different angle, which also plays a role in perception.
The Front Legs: Really close! There is still a chunk of the back leg showing... this time on the opposite side of the leg!
The Back Legs: MUCH better than the other picture - notice all the space and depth seen here. Note also a difference in the slight angle difference of the entire shot. This technique is also covered in the next section ("How To Get That Perfect Pose")
The Tail: No complaints in this department. Relax and enjoy!
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The Head: Ah, this is a fine one -- I just love the ears on that catz! Anyway, from a showing perspective, there is no greater perfection. Notice how she does have eyelids, they are just really thin; perhaps a pixel or two thick at the most.
The Front Legs: Some judges may accept this as a full leg (only one showing) and others may pick on the pattern and such to claim that you can see a little bit of the back side. I could go both ways... so you make a decision.
The Back Legs: Nice attempt, but they could be wider. Turning the cat around so that it faces the right would help this matter.
The Tail: A master of the art, I shall complain not! Like before -- relax, observe, and enjoy.
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The Commentary: Doesn't every chosen litter deserve a novelty among the group? This catz is Egyptian's brother, Saloo (a.k.a. The drama cat). As you can see, he is a bit of a hunch-back -- but that doesn't stop him from attempting to show pose!
Try this: Use all of your nifty skills and tell me "What is wrong with this picture?"
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