A Day At The 2013 Garden State Cat Club Cat Show & Expo

This weekend I took my annual pilgrimage to the Garden State Cat Show & Expo in Somerset, New Jersey, presented by the Garden State Cat Club. The theme of this year’s show was New York, to celebrate the neighboring Empire State Cat Club’s 100th anniversary.

As usual, the show featured a "Meow Mall" packed with merch for cats and humans alike, informative seminars and presentations, a breed showcase, Kidz Corner, and feline agility ring. The highlight though, was getting to see all of the cats -- from the dozens of shelter kitties looking for their forever homes in the Adopt-A-Cat area, to out on the show floor, where you can watch the pampered pussycat's getting primped and preened before they enter the judging ring.

In addition to being a lot of fun, the annual event is a major fundraiser for the Garden State Cat Club. Proceeds from the show go to benefit New Jersey animal shelters, disaster relief efforts, and feline health studies. 


This sweet kitten was just one of the many cats available for adoption from Second Chance for Animals. Other shelters in the Adopt-A-Cat area hailed from Somerset, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Union, and Hudson counties.


In sticking with the "Empire State" theme, Tuesday & Lisa Cat Rescue turned their adoption area into a New York City sightseeing bus!


I'm always excited to hit the Meow Mall.


There was a wide variety of fortunate felines for sale.


Along with gorgeous foil-wrapped chocolate cats (for people!) from Galileo's Catnip Toys.


This kitty-shaped pasta was also for sale at the Galileo's booth. They sell really cool catnip, too!


Holly of Ceramic Tile Gone Wild makes some truly inspired kitty creations, like this beautifully painted cat side table.


There's no short supply of feline inspired fashions.


Enough said.


Just a rack of tiny crocheted cat hats, nbd.


I had the pleasure of finally meeting my Facebook friend, Racy Mooner! Racy is a beautiful 5-year-old Abyssinian who likes to do tricks, and is extremely friendly.


Here she is showing how she can roll over.


Her famous mom, Twyla Mooner, was there too!


Mer-kittens


I was also excited to finally meet my pal Heidi Shaulis! Heidi is a super talented artist, who makes paintings, prints and cards, often featuring black and tuxedo cats (she has a tuxedo cat of her own named Charlie!).


Meanwhile, in the feline agility ring...


I'm sad I didn't get to see this curious kitty perform! Her ribbon says, "Third Best Cat In Agility - National Award."


The judge's table is an important part of any cat show.


The longhair kitten category drew a big crowd.


The original grumpy cat.


Look at the tail on this kitty!


I always look forward to seeing my favorite IAMS ambassador kitty, Hope! This year in true diva form, she was being pushed around on a little cart with a fan blowing on her. Fans are allowed to pet Hope, and ask her owner questions. This Exotic Shorthair is also quite the actress. You might recognize her from the Toyota commercial she shot last year with Eli Manning!


Hope hard at work.


Time to rest up after a big weekend of excitement. See you again next year!

Previously:
Cats in Cars and Feline Agility: Garden State Cat Club Show & Expo 2012
A Day at the Garden State Cat Club 2011 Cat Show & Expo