Crowd of fur-vent feline fanciers gets eyeful at annual charity show
Cat people, even a few people who would like to believe they are cats, strutted through the George R. Brown Convention Center in faux ears, detachable tails and cat-themed clothing worthy of a feline’s curious stare.
The Houston Cat Club hosted its 65th annual charity show on Saturday featuring regional and national breed judging, an agility contest, pet supply sales and for the first time, a “Meet the Breed” booth where guests could learn about the origins and unique traits of more than 40 show breeds.
“This is my happy place,” said Sarah Bailey, 12. “So long as there are cats all around me, I’m good.”
Within a few minutes of arriving with her mother, Susan, Sarah purchased four books in a series on a cat with anxiety.
She cooed at an American shorthair kitten as her tied-on cat tail swished behind her.
All around, Siamese cat yowls, phone camera clicks and gasps at adorableness traveled through the air. Yet the volume in the center’s Hall A was kept to a low hush all morning in an effort to keep from spooking any particularly wound-up cats, said show manager and cat club president Becky Galloway.
A fourth-generation Texan, Galloway has been breeding and showing cats since 1983. What started as a side hobby turned into a full blown commitment as her Maine coon cats started reaping awards coast to coast.
She spent nearly every weekend of 2016 through April 30 traveling to shows, spending on first-class airfare, hotel rooms for herself and her felines, registration fees and equipment. One of the most notable perks of it all has been connecting with fellow breeders and competitors who become close friends.
“It’s a hobby with a social aspect,” she said.
Her pride and joy is named
“This is my happy place. So long as there are cats all around me, I’m good.” Sarah Bailey, 12
Crockett. Weighing in at 20 pounds and born on Texas Independence Day, the red-tabby- and white colored Maine coon was ranked 20th best cat in the nation in 2016 and best of his breed.
On Saturday, Crockett took to the sidelines as his nephew Roland claimed the spotlight. A 4-monthold kitten weighing 8 pounds, Roland won best in breed twice at his first show that morning.
After lunch, it was time for the final round of kitten judging. Galloway held her breath, glancing over at the judge while also texting fellow show staff instructions on how to handle the line forming outside for entry.
The judge, Don Williams, former president of the national Cat Fanciers’ Association, scooped Roland out of his cage, stretching him out to full length.
“Gorgeous condition,” Williams concluded.
Roland placed 10th among the 46 kittens. A good run for his first time, Galloway said.
Just a few feet away, another first timer was giving it his all for a literal run.
Riverspots Jungle Boogaloo, a 4-month-old Ocicat, leaped over wooden stairs, twisted and turned through poles and scampered through plastic neon green tunnels at the agility course.
A crowd whispered cheers as the kitten did his best to reach the horsehair toy his owner dangled before him. He halted at the four-bar hurdle. The audience grew silent. During his first three tries, Boogaloo had failed to jump over, opting to run around it instead.
One tentative paw reached out at the top bar, followed by another. The next moment, his whole body flew over and across. The crowd erupted into soft claps.
At the opposite end of the hall, another celebration took place.
Noel, a calico kitten, was about to go home with her new forever mother.
Proceeds of the two-day cat show go to local animal welfare groups, with some offering adoptions on site. Nancy Kline, a foster mom for Homeless and Orphaned Pets Endeavor, burst into tears of joy as she greeted Baytown resident Tina Burton.
When Burton first laid eyes on Noel, she knew the kitten would be the best fit for her family after they lost their 7-year-old cat in Hurricane Harvey.
“I just want to say thank you,” a tearful Kline said to Burton. “She’s such a good kitty, you’re going to love her.”
“Thank you, I knew I had to have her,” replied an equally tearful Burton.
While Burton finished filling out the necessary paperwork, Kline scooped Noel out of her cage.
“You be good, OK?” she whispered to the kitten.
Snuggled in her foster mom’s arms for the last time, Noel rubbed her head against Kline’s cheek.