TICA brings the Capital Cat Classic to Waldorf
The International Cat Association (TICA) brought the Capital Cat Classic to Waldorf for the first time and feline lovers from all over flocked to the event.
The Capital Cat Classic was held on April 2 and April 3 at the Capital Clubhouse in Waldorf featuring experienced guest judges who chose their favorite cats in each competition. Visitors saw more than 100 cats from various breeds, including cats from the Tri-County Animal Shelter, and heard the judges describe the breeds’ colors and characteristics, while each cat competed for awards and received recognition of their breed.
“This is the first time ever that TICA has done a cat show in Waldorf. We’ve done one in La Plata in 2005 and a fantastic opportunity presented itself to have it at the Capital Clubhouse,” said Anthony Hutcherson, author of TICA World of Cats: “All Kinds of Purrfect” coloring book.
The Capital Cat Classic had 104 exhibitors and 130 cats shown some from all over the world, including Hutcherson’s Bengal cat, which according to TICA is currently the No. 7 cat in the world. Sponsors for Capital Cat Club’s TICA show include Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Products and ViaGen Pets, a global leader in animal genetic preservation and cloning services.
On the side lines of the competition, visitors saw lots
of cat toys, cat trees and cat related gifts, so that each cat didn’t leave with an empty paw. Every person who came to the Capital Classic with a can of food to donate to the Southern Maryland Food Bank received a discount off of their entry fee. Also, $1 for every adult who came to the cat show went to support the 99Lives Feline Genome Project.
“Dr. Leslie Lyons, [cat geneticist in partnership with the 99Lives Feline Genome Project], used one of my Bengal cats to determine the recessive gene for glitter frequently seen in Bengals but originating from a ‘street cat’ in New Delhi, India. The value isn’t a new gene that makes a cat shine, the value is pointing out a trait on cats that live in the streets that no one thinks are special. That gene will create another fantastic conversation about the beauty of cats and how each is lovely and a truly shining example of ‘special’ learned from the collaboration of science and appreciation,” Hutcherson said.
The International Cat Association (TICA) administers the rules for the licensing and management of hundreds of cat shows in 104 countries and work together to promote the preservation of pedigreed cats and the health and welfare of all domestic cats through education, responsible cat ownership and proper care to the owners of millions of cats worldwide.
“With TICA, the lives of cats can be saved. TICA and our clubs are passionate about supporting shelters and rescues to promote the individual uniqueness and beauty of every cat. By partnering with the Tri-County Animal Shelter, TICA can reach other breed enthusiasts who desire information and research about environmental enrichment for the daily lives of our cats,” said Roeann Fulkerson, TICA director of marketing and business development.
Kim Stephens, Tri-County Animal Shelter supervisor, and the animal shelter staff were excited to see some of the shelter’s adoptable cats win a few of the cat competitions and were honored to be able to partner with an organization such as TICA, which also promotes rescue, neuter/spay for pets and placement in forever homes.
Rick Hoskinson, TICA judge at the Capital Cat Classic, said a female cat can give birth to more than three litters of kittens in one lifetime and that can contribute to the cat overpopulation right now in local shelters.
In addition to helping control the overpopulation of cats in shelters, TICA wants to continue to raise funds to identify inherited disease and genes that cause health problems for both cats and humans. According to TICA, some cat species are immune to retroviruses and lenti viruses such as HIV. TICA feels it is important to understand why cats are immune to those viruses and pass on that immunity generation after generation. At the Capital Cat Classic, cat owners were able to learn more about cat health issues through a basic feline genetic seminar at noon on Saturday and Sunday, presented by veterinarian Heather E. Lorimer.
“Cats in general are also prone to kidney disease. We know this because, a lot of people’s pets died of kidney disease and there has been some types of kidney disease with a genetic component, so we’re contributing and trying to find out the genes that cause that. So far we’ve found at least one of the genes that causes kidney disease in felines and we can test the cats to see if they have that one type of gene,” said Lorimer, professor of genetics at Youngstown State University in Ohio and chair of the TICA Genetics Committee.
According to TICA, a cat show models a unique connection and relationship between cats and people that few people had any knowledge could exist and with the funds raised at the Capital Cat Classic, TICA will continue to support research to save the lives of furry, feline pets.