There are quite a few pro photogs who work the show scene; Robert Fox and Krissie Lundgren to name just a couple. The cat is put in a small makeshift studio with lightbox, flash and reflectors and as a result the cat is being photogrpahed in a controlled situation. Of course, if the cat doesn't want to play ball, then that's the way it goes...
Me, I prefer shooting cats in their home environment. After a while, they ignore me and my camera, relax and can just be themselves. I've taken a number of competition-winning photos in this way. However, last year I was given a right royal runaround by a feisty 23-year-old cat who thought it somewhat beneath her to have ver photo taken, so it just goes to show.
My two are used to posing for meowmy's camera.