This weekend I attended my first cat show, A Cat Fanciers’ Association All Breed Cat Show,  hosted by the Santa Monica Cat Club. I wasn’t sure what to expect really. I wanted to learn more about the pure breed cat lover set, and I think a CFA show was a perfect first timer choice. The Cat Fanciers Association is a non profit founded in 1906 with their very first cat show taking place in New York in 1907, 105 years ago!

According to them, “CFA is known as the Fairest, Friendliest and most Fun feline association.”  Their goal is to promote the welfare, education, knowledge and interest in all domesticated, purebred and non-purebred cats.

The crowd LOVED this judge.

I went in knowing nothing, and got a better idea of what they mean by fun and fair as I worked my way through the exhibition hall, talking to owners and checking out the cats. First off I was delighted to see they had cat adoptions at the show. Hope to Home for Cats had brought a great variety of cats and kittens available for adoption and had set them up in between the showroom and the exhibition hall where they had the best foot traffic. The adoption aisle was so crowded it was hard to get a photo! By 2 pm on the first day, there had been only one adoption, however the donation bowl was filling up and anyone could see, the attendees at this show love cats, and not just the pedigree kind.

Adoptable Cats brought by Hope to Home for Cats.

There were over 300 breeds and varieties of cats and kittens showing at 8 “rings” concurrently. The judges pointed out to the spectators what exactly they were judging on, making note of pros like “lovely matching socks on the front paws” and joking about how hard it is to judge a giant, lazy (Maine Coon!) cat who just laid on the judging table gazing out at all of us. The judges conducted the feather test (awww) before scooping the cats back up, putting them in their cages and hanging 2 or 3 ribbons on each. 

The feather test portion of judging!

The lazy lion - A 32 lb Maine Coon Cat.

Cat owners were shuttling cats from the ring to the exhibition hall in between judging, which was the most hilarious thing to see. To be a good show cat, one must be docile and unafraid. I never tired of seeing these exotic little beasts draped over an arm or splayed out like a baby, furry toes pointing towards the heavens, just looking around and taking it all in while on the move.

Look at that face, those toes... oh my...

The exhibition hall was arranged by breed, and each cat had their own little tent with a grooming station set up nearby.   You could walk through the narrow rows and talk to the owners, who would sometimes take the cat out so you could get a better look. It was here that I began to see how totally into this the exhibitors were. Talking with old friends and celebrating cats. Then I met Maverick, who was my favorite cat at the show!

Maverick!

Maverick is a supreme grand master, and has a lifetime achievement award for all of his regional and international wins. His Auntie Kathie told me he was originally adopted at one of these cat shows and then entered into the Household Pet division (HHP) where he charmed everyone with his sweet, outgoing personality and extreme good looks. All cats in the HHP division must be at least 4 months old, not declawed and spayed or neutered. The Household Pet competitors draws some of the largest crowds.

It’s no wonder Maverick was my favorite little furball at the cat show. Nothing makes me happier than hearing a second chance story and seeing a cat or dog or rooster or guinea pig or whatever given a second chance. There is nothing better than seeing these animals continue on to live a great life and be loved.

Thanks to my photographer friend Michael Stankevich for taking these great pictures!

What do you think about Cat Shows? Leave us a comment below.

cat adoption    cat care    cat lady