CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) is a major pedigreed cat registry. A CFA cat show is a structured event where licensed judges evaluate cats against published breed standards.
A show typically runs 1–2 days and includes multiple judge rings.

A ring is one judge’s complete, independent evaluation. The same cat is judged multiple times across different rings by different judges.
This is why a cat can place in one ring and not place in another—each judge is independent.

Finals are the judge’s top selections for that ring (Best, 2nd Best, etc.). Finals are the standout results people care about most because they represent top placement within that ring.
These are also what generally accumulate toward titles over time.

These are layers of classification. Breed is the breed standard (Birman). Division groups sets of colors/patterns within the breed. Color is the specific color/pattern variant.
Some awards are called within these layers before broader finals.

Exhibitors show cats for third-party evaluation, to earn titles, and to validate a breeding program by demonstrating that the cat meets (or exceeds) the official standard.
It’s proof-driven, not hype-driven.