What Is the Best in Variety (BIV) Title
The BIV (Best in Variety) is the title that recognizes the best cat within its own breed and colour variety, at a given cat show. Unlike championship and merit titles, the BIV is not built up over time — it reflects a comparative judgment among the cats present in that specific variety on the day of the show.
Minimum Requirements to Award the BIV
To award the BIV, there must be at least 3 cats of the same breed and the same colour (or colour group, for breeds where this subdivision applies) present. This requirement applies regardless of age, sex, or exhibition class of the cats involved.
The Case of Neutered Cats
Neutered cats cannot compete alongside kittens and entire (unaltered) cats. As a result, for a neutered cat to be eligible for the BIV, there must be at least 3 neutered cats of the same breed and colour present, regardless of sex or exhibition class.
Minimum Score Required for the BIV
To earn the BIV title, a cat must reach a minimum score of 95 points.
How BIVs Are Awarded Across Kittens, Juniors, and Adults
How BIVs are split across the different age groups depends on how many cats are present in each class. Here are the main scenarios set out in the regulations:
- 3 kittens/juniors (Classes 11 and 12) + 3 adults (Classes 1, 3, 5, 7, 9): two separate BIVs are awarded, one for kittens/juniors and one for adults.
- 3 kittens in Class 11 + 3 juniors in Class 12 + 3 adults: three separate BIVs are awarded, one for kittens, one for juniors, and one for adults.
- 3 kittens in Class 12 + one or two juniors in Class 11 + at least one adult: the juniors (Class 11), not being enough on their own for a separate BIV, compete together with the adults.
- 3 juniors in Class 11 + 1 in Class 12 + two adults: first, a single BIV for kittens is formed (Classes 11 and 12 combined), and that winner then competes with the adults for a second BIV.
- One kitten in Class 11 + one kitten in Class 12 + one or two adults: all cats compete together for a single BIV, since there aren't enough entries for separate awards.
The General Rule
In short, each age group (Class 11 kittens, Class 12 juniors, adults) can be awarded a separate BIV only if it has at least 3 cats. If a group doesn't reach this minimum number, its cats are merged with the nearest group to form a set of at least 3 competitors.
For the full detail of every possible combination, refer to the official reference table in the regulations.
Quick Summary: BIV Title Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum entries required | At least 3 of the same breed and colour/colour group |
| Minimum score | 95 points |
| Age, sex, class | Not relevant to the base numerical requirement |
| Neutered cats | Do not compete with kittens/entire cats; at least 3 neuters required |
| Number of BIVs awardable | 1 to 3, depending on the split between kittens, juniors, and adults |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the BIV a championship title like CH or IC? No: the BIV is not part of the championship path or the merit titles. It's an award given show by show, based on a direct comparison among the cats present that day.
Are 3 cats of different breeds but the same colour enough to award the BIV? No: the 3 cats must belong to both the same breed and the same colour (or colour group).
Can a neutered cat compete for the BIV alongside an entire cat? No: neuters compete separately, and at least 3 neutered cats must be present for a BIV to be awarded among them.
What happens if a variety has only 2 kittens and 1 junior? If no single age group reaches the minimum of 3 cats on its own, they are merged (for example kittens and juniors together) to form a group large enough to compete for the BIV.
How many BIVs can be awarded within the same variety at a single show? Up to three: one for kittens (Class 11), one for juniors (Class 12), and one for adults, provided each group has at least 3 cats.