"Revolution" is ready for his close-up!
On Saturday July 16th, I attended the Garden State Cat Club's annual Cat Show & Expo at the Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset, NJ. The event is the largest of its kind in the Northeast, and as it just so turns out, just a short 40-minute drive from where I live!
Coriander and Sage, were just two of the kittens available for adoption from Angel P.A.W.S.
One of my favorite things about this particular event is that they donate the lobby of the show to local rescue organizations for an all-out "Adopt-A-Thon." According to NJ.com, this year's expo welcomed over 100 cats and kittens from 9 rescue groups, who were all dressed in their finest attire, just waiting to find their purrfect forever homes!
Jersey based groups such as Tabby's Place, Liberty Humane Society, Jersey Cats, Lost Paws Animal Rescue, Companion Animal Trust, Cause 4 Paws, Second Chance for Animals, Summit Animal Rescue Association and Angel P.A.W.S. were all in attendance to show off their adoptable felines, as well as raise awareness (and donations!) for their respective causes. I also learned about the Siamese Cat Rescue Center in Locust Dale, Va, and the WINN Feline Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by the Cat Fanciers Association to support health-related studies benefiting cats.
Some of the adoptable cats I met:
Rusty, the "Rare Male Calico" was there from Lost Paws Animal Rescue
Esti is from Liberty Humane Society
Darrin and Endora from Jersey Cats enjoying their fabulous hammock! (All pics from this post are mine, except this one I snagged from the Jersey Cats Facebook page!)
Beautiful Ella from Angel P.A.W.S. had the most amazing blue eyes! Someone said she looked like Elizabeth Taylor!
Audrey from Cause 4 Paws was wearing a pretty gold sequined collar to further accentuate her prettiness
This sweet little tortie kitten was available for adoption from Companion Animal Trust
The two-day cat extravaganza also featured informative sessions such as a Breed Showcase hosted by CFA approved all-breed judge, Iris Zinck. Fun fact: Did you know that the Sphynx is the only breed of cat with lemon shaped eyes? That was one of the many interesting tidbits I learned from Zinck, who presented several purebred breeds, such as the Persian, Manx, Japanese and American Bobtail, Siberian, Himalayan, Turkish Angora, Exotic, and more.
Other festivities of the day included a "Kids Corner" with face paining, along with an "Ask the Vet" booth to provide insight on cat health and behavior inquiries. There were also several awards presentations, along with a course set up for running Cat Agility Trials. Unfortunately, I missed out on this often hilarious event, but from years past, I can say it brings to life the term, "herding cats."
Feline agility course, sans felines
The Garden State Cat Club is currently celebrating their 75th year, and of course the main event this weekend was the CFA 450-cat all-breed cat show, where spectators could "ooh" and "ahh" over the top kitties in their class.
The judging stations were all decorated in different themes
Cages were all lined up in rows, where you could walk and take a peek at the cats before and after they're judged. Some people really go all out with their decorating!
I just happened to be walking by when this lady was trying out a tiny hat she had just purchased for her beautiful Burmese
Usually, the show cats in competition are "look, but don't touch," which made it nice that Iams was also on hand with their "Ambassador Cats." The program encourages spectators to pet the cats and ask questions of their handlers, and I was fortunate enough to get up close and personal with a stellar Birman named Almost Heaven, along with an amazing Exotic named Hope.
Iams Ambassador Cat, Almost Heaven
Ambassador Cat Hope (rightfully) had a sign atop her super-deluxe stroller that read, "I am the Queen."
After checking out the cats, I browsed the "Meow Mall" for the latest feline-themed products, made for both humans and kitties.
I think this saying needs to be reversed..
For the discriminating feline. Chanip No9 by Galileo's Organic Catnip Toys
Cat Tree heaven
All the feathers and sparkly things your cat could ever want!
In the market for cat socks? You're in luck!
Cute kitty purses
As if you needed a sign to tell you..
All and all I had a great time at the expo, met a lot of really cool people (and cats!), and even brought a few sparkly toys home for Charlie and Priscilla! I also want to mention I purchased a Rescue Chocolate bar from Jersey Cats in Mission Feral Fig, and it was TOTALLY AWESOME. I profiled Rescue Chocolate back in April, and I must say if you ever encounter one of their candy bars in your travels, they're a must buy for any chocolate connoisseur!
5 comments:
OMC! This was pawsome! Have a happy Monday!
Cat heaven!!
looks like a great time! That is wonderful that you were able to attend.
Loved the kitty items!
I love going to cat shows, so many pretty kitties, but the owners are always so proud - love it! This looks a great one.
The photo of the cat face furniture was my vendor booth at the show! You can find that furniture on my website at www.happypetpaws.com
That cat show was a wonderful event and we will be back at the 2012 show! Thanks for including the photo.
Julie
Happy Pet Paws
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