School teachers, executives, blue collar workers, doctors and lawyers during the week, CFA judges are masters of their second craft on weekends - where they are regularly in touch with the finest pedigreed cats in the fancy.
The men and women evaluating the cats at a CFA show are among the most thoroughly trained and well qualified persons in the world in the art and science of cat judging. CFA judges have demonstrated skill at breeding cats and a flair for exhibiting them; they have served on show committees in a number of capacities including show manager and entry clerk; they have acquired experience as
ring clerks and master clerks; and they have demonstrated good moral character in the cat fancy.
A prospective judge must have ten years of breeding experience before
applying to the judging program. Once accepted into the program, trainees must pass examinations on
breed standards and show ring mechanics, and they must apprentice with experienced instructors.