Purrfect Ten

The Saintly City Cat Show celebrates 40 years of friendly—and furry—competition.
British shorthair Tommy is ready for his close-up at the Saintly City Cat Show.

For 40 years, the Saintly City Cat Club has sponsored a cat lover’s paradise of sorts. The Saintly City Cat Show offers approximately 200 felines a shot at royalty and gives attendees and exhibitors the chance to celebrate their furry friends. Registered Cat Fancier’s Association cats and household cats alike compete at the two-day show that culminates with the crowning and caping of the household pet king and queen.

While spectators can expect a great time, show manager Linda Mae Baker says the cats have fun enjoying the spotlight, too. “A lot of the cats love to be shown. They come out and they prance on the table and they play with the toys,” she says. “They really enjoy it.”

The show typically hosts around 30 to 50 vendors each year, including vendors of cat toys, cat furniture and other pet-pampering items, as well as booths from animal shelters and other groups. Attendees can also expect some special activities this year in celebration of the cat show’s 40th anniversary.

Baker, who has organized the annual event for more than 30 years, says she’s gotten to know people from all over the country. “It’s neat; it’s kind of a close-knit bunch,” she says of the cat show community. She encourages families and people from all walks of life to join in on the fun.

Saintly City Cat Show
January 23 9 a.m.–5 p.m. & January 24 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tickets $4 for adults and $3 for seniors/children
RiverCentre Roy Wilkins Exhibition Hall