Snarly show cats

Question
I have 2 Norwegian Forest Cats who are 9 months old and have been shown regularly since they were 12 weeks old.  They started hissing at some shows when they were about 5 months old and are getting worse with each show.  I'm now thinking I will have to stop showing them as they are getting bigger and the judges don't like their manners.  They are both very good types and would do very well on the show bench if i could improve their behavior.  I have had some other show people suggest Stematil, Periactin or hormone injections but I don't know if that would work or if it would harm the cats in any way.  I enjoy showing them but I want them to be happy and well adjusted cats.  They are just delightful at home, but I don't have many people come to my house so they don't see a lot of people other than me.  I always leave either the radio or TV on when I'm not home. Is there anything you can suggest to help?

Answer
Marie,

<Sigh>, it is so frustrating to have nice show cats and have them turn snarly.  There are a number of things that may be going on.  The worst case scenario is that this line of Norwegians has not been bred for show personalities, in which case, it will be very difficult to overcome the less than stellar behavior.

So, let's assume that either these cats have been spoiled, or their hormones are kicking in or both. If I were going to try anything, it would be vitamin B1. I would give them a 100 mg of vitamin B1 Wednesday evening before the show and twice Thursday and Friday, 3 times on Saturday and twice on Sunday.  See if that mellows out the behavior.  You did not say whether they were male or female.  I have not had much success with periactin, hormone therapies, or anything that may affect their behavior (tranquilizers, anti-depressants, etc.)

Other things that people have tried with varying degrees of success are "Rescue Remedy", and "Bach's Flowers". These should be given in the ear and rubbed in (wearing latex finger cots), as they seem to work better when not given orally.  We have not had much success with these.

Sometimes, if it is hormones, they may outgrow it, by age 18 months, then again, maybe not.

In reality, the best options are to breed for temperament and to have some chaos at home (besides the TV and radio). Taking them to a pet supermarket in open wire cages sometimes helps.  Kitty boot camp, where they live with another breeder for about 6 weeks in a wire carrier in the midst of other cats, may sometimes help.

Good luck and best regards... Norm.