This past weekend we attended the Average Joe Cat Show at the Shoreline Center here in WA, an annual event sponsored by Purrfect Pals. Unlike professional cat shows that highlight artificial, Victorian fantasies of a "pure breed" cat, the Average Joe Cat Show puts a spotlight on the average cat and emphasizes what's really important: our relationships with our furry friends. One of the participants pictured left, Trance is showing off her ribbons in her fancy show cage, including 1st Place for "Most Playful". In addition to the neighborhood kitties in the cat show, some of the Purrfect Pals shelter residents were on hand, some out to have fun in the show and all out to make new friends and perhaps find a new home.
In keeping with Purrfect Pals' recognition of the value of all cats and kittens to our lives, the Average Joe Cat Show is famous for awarding many first prizes in such categories as Loudest Meow, Biggest Feet, Most Toes, and Best Decorated Cage. And there are always second prizes for all! It sounds corny I know, but all our furry friends were winners at the show. We have attended the cat show in previous years, but it's always a lot of fun to see who's out and about. We've thought about taking our own cats to the show, but our kitties are not the type to go for a large crowd. Who knows - maybe next year.
For those who don't know, Purrfect Pals operates an adoption shelter in the Seattle area as well as a sanctuary offering care for hard to place cats, taking in feral cats as well as cats with long-term medical conditions such as FIV, Leukemia, or other illnesses. Purrfect Pals is a no-kill shelter, a policy I highly endorse, and makes every effort to place cats in suitable homes. If you are looking for a new friend, Purrfect Pals is a great location to find that special someone. If you aren't able to adopt a new friend right now, your support in the form of a donation for the kitties staying at the shelter would always be appreciated.
