More than 850 cats representing 41 different breeds are expected to compete at the 19th Annual Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) International Cat Show Nov. 17-19 at the San Mateo County Expo Center. As the largest pedigreed cat show in the Western Hemisphere, this event attracts cats and competitors from around the world, vying for the title of “Best in Show.”
“The Cat Fanciers’ Association’s international cat show is the most prestigious competition in the pedigreed cat world,” says Allene Tartaglia, CFA executive director. “Spectators from across the globe come to see what it takes to be ‘top cat.’”
Cats compete in one of three categories: Kitten, Championship or Premiership, with judges evaluating them in 12 judging rings. While all competitors hope to earn the top honor — Best in Show — cats can earn awards as one of the top five highest scoring shorthair or longhair kittens, championship cats or premiership cats.
Returning this year is the feline agility course, a separate competition where cats race through an obstacle course, including jumps, tunnels and balance beams. Top cats can finish the course in as little as 30 seconds.
For more information on the CFA International Cat Show, visit the CFA website.