I felt that way too, Sherry. But oddly, last years cat show was
different. People were very expansive. I felt every cage I walked by
held a proudly displayed pet. Owners were talky and actually would let
you touch some of them if supervised.  I like listening to the judges
talk about the pet category. They really go to great lengths to explain
about genetics and stuff. It's really fun when there are rescue stories
attached (though most are a rescue of some kind or another, some
stories are amazing, especially considering that they are being happily
handled in a strange situation. This year, the receptionist from my vet
brought a BIIIIIIG cat. It was a guy who was a feral cat rescue. A
couple of years ago, no one could touch him. Her husband kept feeding
him and working on him. Finally after a few months, they trapped him
and brought him in. The husband kept working with him. Then one day he
just made a big switch and boom, he was lap cat fungus from there out.
Became Mr. Mellow. He was just fine letting even the judge handle him.
Biggest cat I think I've ever seen. Had the feral clipped ear and all.
The judge noticed right off and asked about it. He got third best pet.
He was really something. Best pet was a ticked tabby the judge went
nutso over because she said that kind of coat was very, very rare in
mixed breed stray cats.) It's a fairly small show, and I go for toys
and furniture mostly, but I sure also get a lot of education.