How many cat breeds can you name? Three? Maybe four? “Orange cat” doesn’t count, despite the internet’s insistence that all ginger-colored felines have a certain, well, ridiculousness.
If you see your lack of breed breadth as a problem in need of fixing, we’ve got a solution for you: the Cat Fanciers’ Association Gulf Shore Regional Cat Show, which is clawing its way into the the Hall of Industry at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday.
Featuring six judging rings and four different divisions of competition, the show promises the opportunity to gawk at over 40 different breeds of cat, who will be strutting their stuff in the hopes of impressing judges with their “health and appearance.” Per the CFA website, cats are assessed “according to a written standard for its breed,” which is “precise enough to allow judges to evaluate cats accurately, and flexible enough to leave room for differences in interpretation between judges of keen eye and good intention.”
Household cats, meaning mixed breeds, are allowed to compete as well, but if you’re interested in a comprehensive list of all the purebred varieties of furball that CFA recognizes, head here.
Perhaps more important than these fancy distinctions, though, is the fact that there’ll be a cat costume contest. We can only assume that cuteness is the primary criteria. Additionally, if you’re looking to bring home a new furry friend, the local rescue organization Community Cats of Central Arkansas will be on site with adoption-ready kitties.
The show runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. both days and tickets, ranging from $8-$12, are available here.
