All things cat

Animal voice - I was in cat heaven. A visual smorgasbord of all things cat met my eyes wherever I looked. Cats of all descriptions filled a large room at the Dartmouth Sportsplex when I attended the annual Bluenose Cat Club cat show last Saturday.

In the vendors' and display areas I was treated to tables full of cat toys and cat furniture, as well as cat-themed jewellery and accessories. There was even a special incubator holding a tiny kitten to highlight the work done by The Pick of the Litter Society that cares for orphan kittens.

The Bide Awhile shelter had a table set up, and the SPCA had pamphlets available. There was a fascinating exhibit about Chibley, the sea-going cat who lives on a sailing ship.

There were displays of pet food and treats of all kinds, and raffle tickets for sale on great cat prizes, as well as a place where I could order a specialized license plate of my own design. At one table I saw beautiful pet portraits painted by a New Brunswick lady, while at another I learned about the Breakwater Cats, a feral cat group in Point Pleasant Park.

Cats were everywhere in their decorated cages, waiting to be judged in one of five rings. Among them I saw Bengals, Persians Birmans, Abyssinians, Exotics, American Shorthairs, Maine Coon cats, and even a Highland Fold cat with its quaint folded-down ears. There were about 90 cats in the hall, including the ever popular non-pedigree household cat. Breeders and exhibitors were quite happy to discuss the merits of their respective breeds. The place was filled with people and the excitement and enthusiasm were contagious.

After watching the judging, visiting each display, buying treats and toys for my cats, looking at all the cats there, and meeting and chatting with many people who share my love of cats, I reluctantly left the show.

Clutching my newly purchased cat goods as I headed to my car, I was already eagerly looking forward to the next cat show.

llane@ns.sympatico.ca

Lesley Lane volunteers her time with animals and is writing this column to help connect great pets with loving owners.