Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) Cat Show

Cats on the Catwalk…
Pedigreed and pampered and loving every minute!

By Rosemary Garrity

If you’re looking for some great family entertainment, plan a trip to Monroeville.  The Western Pennsylvania Cat Fanciers will be sponsoring a Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) cat show in Pittsburgh on Saturday, March 17 and 18, at the Pittsburgh Expo Mart in Monroeville.  According to Marilyn McBane, publicity director for the event, “It’s a wonderful family experience and a great thing for families to do together.”  Approximately, 2,000 people are expected to attend between Saturday, March 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The CFA is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1906, and it is dedicated to the preservation of the pedigreed cat and to enhancing the well being of all cats.  In 1906, the group hosted two shows, and this year about four hundred shows will be held worldwide. For this year’s show at the Expo Mart, cats from all over the country will try to earn the Top Cat title. 

About 400 purebred and household cats are expected to compete.  Among the many breeds that will be represented are: Persian, Burmese, and Japanese Bobtail.  This event is very competitive.  The cat show actually has several separate concurrently running shows.  Each show has a separate judge and each cat is evaluated by several judges.  The judges are individuals who meet stringent qualification criteria and have completed extensive training. There are very specific written standards for each category. The judges are well aware of the carefully regulated process. After a very well designed review, finals are held and awards are presented.  It is an exciting moment when the winners are announced!  Owners whose cats wins the “Best Cat” award are understandably proud.

For locals who may be interested in this competition, pets can be entered for a $25 entry fee.  The cat may not be declawed and must not have any contagious diseases or have fleas, fungus or ear mites.  All entries will be carefully screened and may be removed if deemed necessary.

The public is invited to attend this fun-filled event, even if they do not have cats entered in the show.  There are many other attractions to entertain all members of the family.  For example, children may enjoy getting a closer look at the cats as their owners ready them to compete.  Many cat related items that may not be available elsewhere are for sale.  Co-chairs of this cat show are Hope Gonano and Scott McBane.  They have also contacted some local veterinarians to be available to answer questions from visitors.  Several experts from Bradford Hills Veterinary Hospital, Northview Animal Hospital and Wexford Veterinary Hospital will be scheduled to respond to spectator queries on both days.  Visitors can also bid on a variety of great auction items that include gift certificates from local restaurants, passes to some cultural events and many other exciting donations.  In addition to learning a lot about cats and enjoying a wonderful cat show, visitors can be assured that they are supporting a great organization.  For more information about the event, call 412-734-9419.

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