On Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 9 and 10, the Cattyshack Cat Club, affiliated with The International Cat Association (TICA), hosted an all-breed championship cat show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Held at the Riverview Park Activities Center, located at 100 Riverview Park Drive in North Augusta, S.C., the competition showcased 125 cats from around the world with over 70 breeds present.
“We have shows across the country. For the last two years in a row, this show has been voted twice as the best show in the Southeast,” said Cattyshack President Steve Dubay. “It’s our 29th year and we have people here from all across the United States.”
The event also featured a cat adoption station for local cats in need of a forever home, and vendors selling cat toys, food, treats, collars and furniture.
Aligned with the well known not-for-profit worldwide organization, also known as TICA, which maintains the largest genetic registry of pedigreed and household pet cats of unknown ancestry, a portion of the show’s funds went towards local efforts for protecting animals.
“We use the money we get from registry and entry to pay the judges and the rest go towards the local no-kill shelters,” said Dubay.
With the competition offering no monetary prizes, Jennie Hodges, competitor and head of advertising for Cattyshack, said many entered for the excitement of being around other cat lovers.
“It’s about getting around other people who are like minded and like cats,” she said. “It’s not about getting money. We get a ribbon or a title, for some breeders that’s important because it helps sell them, but most of us just like to compare them and see how well they do.”
Hodges also said the event allowed for attendees to become more exposed to and educated about different cats.
“People know about the really popular ones like the hairless Sphynx, the Maine Coons, the Persians and the Siamese, but they don’t know about some of these other ones,” she said. “Just like me. I’ve never heard of some of these … and we talk about some of the characteristics that make them different.”
However, in addition to the unusual kitty facts, Hodges said the most important thing onlookers can learn is the importance of spaying or neutering their pet if they are not a breeder.
“It’s awful that there are so many out there that are homeless or often get hit by cars. I don’t know why people don’t think it’s important to spay and neuter them, but it is,” she said. “It’s one less cat out there to get killed on the street and suffer.”
Handing out fliers and displaying trifold boards of information, visitors can see and learn about a variety of species that are not often seen outside of online photos.
“I’ve never been to a cat show, I’ve seen dog shows on television … but I saw the cat show sign and I thought, ‘what in the world is that?’’ said attendee Victoria Pudish. “I think it’s amazing. My daughters love cats and so I’m just really thrilled. I saw some leopard looking ones that I’ve seen on Instagram, but never in real life … I couldn’t believe it. I was so floored that we have one here.”
With judges traveling from England, California and New York, cat participants were judged based on different breed standards, such as bone structure, coat and temperament.
For local owner and contestant, Barbara McWright, competition preparation entailed car riding and plenty of grooming, especially for longhaired breeds, such as her 8-month Ragdoll kitty.
“You groom them a lot – comb,brush and bathe before the show,” she said. “But, especially if they’re new, you have to take them out places. I took [mine] to Petco in a stroller and be around a place where he can hear different noises and see people, rather than just walking into a show hall for the first time when they’ve lived a quiet life at home … I really think, if I had not taken him out at all, this would’ve been a lot more scary.”
Involved with cat competitions since the 1970s, McWright said her favorite part was taking time to appreciate her pet as well as others.
“I just want him to get the appreciation he deserves, because he’s a good looking Ragdoll,” she said. “I love just the fun and camaraderie, and everybody liking their cats and seeing how well everybody treats them too.”
As judges gave out titles and ribbons, owners beamed with pride for their furry friend, and many visitors seemed to be awed with the many different cat breeds who sported long ears, leopard spots and unbelievably fluffy fur.
With all the feline friendlies in the air, Dubay is hoping for another successful year of being voted the best show in the southeast.
