Cat Fanciers annual show Nov. 15-16
Feline lovers can get their fill next weekend at the Platinum Coast Cat Fanciers’ annual show.
The “Fall Fun in the Sun” CFA Allbreed Championship and Household Pet Cat Show will take place Nov. 15-16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Araba Temple in Fort Myers. This is the show’s 21st year.
“Last year, we had about 160 entries that were judged in eight rings,” Charlene Campbell, treasurer of the Platinum Coast Cat Fanciers, said. “We’re kind of expecting about the same amount (this year).”
The show will feature 25 different breeds of pedigree cats. Eight judging rings total – four on Saturday and four on Sunday – will evaluate the entries, with eight judges picking their top 10 cats. There will also be a household pet competition, resulting in the crowning of a king and a queen.
“That (the household pet competition) anybody can enter,” she said.
The pedigree competitors are fighting for national and regional points that they can accumulate throughout the year. The categories are kitten, championship and premiership, which are fixed cats.
“They’re judged by the same judges in all eight rings,” Campbell said, adding that they judges are professionals. “They in from all over the United States because they have to be well trained.”
Along with points, ribbons and trophies are also awarded to the winners.
New to the show this year is the feline agility competition.
“It’s just like the dogs, but on a smaller scale,” she said, explaining that the competition involves an obstacle course of ramps and tunnels in an enclosure. “They don’t have to show a cat to enter.”
Attendees are welcome to enter their household cat in that alone.
“The feline agility is going to be a lot of fun and cute to watch,” Campbell said.
Representatives from at least a dozen animal shelters in the Southwest Florida tri-county area will be on site with cats and kittens available for adoption. Organizers try to invite as many as possible.
“We adopt out right about 50 cats to new homes (each year),” she said.
There will also be vendors, show photographers and two artists doing pet portraits.
“There’s vendors with all kinds of cat toys and supplies,” Campbell said.
Raffles are held daily, with prizes to include baskets, floral center pieces and pet items.
“We’ll have some wonderful prizes,” she said.
The Araba Shiners will be serving up food for purchase.
Organizers are expecting a turnout of approximately 2,000 people over the two days.
“It makes for a nice, wholesome family event,” Campbell said. “It’s just going to be fun-filled.”
Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12. Children under 5 are free.
“The family four-pack is four tickets for $20,” she said.
Those looking to add a four-legged furry friend to their family can use the show for research.
“We encourage people to come out and see what kind would fit best in their family,” Campbell said. “Take a look at all of those kitties and learn about the breed standards – ask questions.”
The deadline to enter a cat in the show or competitions is Saturday.
For more information on the “Fun In The Sun” cat show, on how to enter a cat in the show or for the entry fees, contact Charlene Campbell at (239) 810-3424 or email jcampb4244@aol.com.
The Araba Temple is at 2010 Hanson St. in Fort Myers.