By Stacy N. Hackett
Posted: August 5, 2008 2 a.m. EDT
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| Hobbs the cat was one of 10 winners of the ASPCA photo contest. |
Nearly 5,000 cat owners submitted photos of their feline friends to the ASPCA 3rd annual Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month “Candid Camera” photo contest last June. The ASPCA announced the 10 winners of the contest, each of which showed the unique traits that make shelter cats such good pets.
Special guest judge this year was Michael Feinstein, musical artist and cat lover. “How could anyone resist these adorable pictures?” Feinstein said. “I am honored to have been given a glimpse into their colorful lives through judging these photo entries. These cats clearly have loving homes and doting pet parents!”
Each of the 10 winning photographers received an ASPCA prize pack, with the winning photos posted on the ASPCA website. The captivating photo subjects, in no particular order, are:
- Cheeto, photographed by Amy Bosteder
- Casey, photographed by Ann M. Long
- Baby, photographed by Baoqing Yu
- Hobbs, photographed by Carol Algarin
- Tinkerbell, photographed by Emily Merrick
- Prego, photographed by Hannah Davies
- Simba, photographed by Nancy Babcock
- Vivaldi, photographed by Rina Deych
- Weeble, photographed by Shelly Wilkerson
- Jasmine, photographed by Stephanie Smith
Eight photogenic cats also were selected as honorable mentions. “These felines are true ambassadors and we hope the winning images inspire many more lasting bonds through pet adoption,” said Ed Sayres, ASPCA president and CEO. To view all the winning photos, visit the ASPCA website.