Calling all cat lovers: This Natick show promises fun 'fur' the whole family

Abby Patkin, MetroWest Daily News
·2 min read

NATICK — As countless internet users can attest, cats are good entertainment — especially if the cat in question is dressed as JFK, or khaki-clad insurance company mascot “Jake from State Farm.”

Those are just two of the costumes New England Meow Outfit Inc. (NEMO) has seen at its Cat and Owner Costume Contest, which will return later this month during the nonprofit cat club’s show at the Verve Hotel.

Marilyn Monroe and JFK were among the costumed pairs at a previous cat show.
Marilyn Monroe and JFK were among the costumed pairs at a previous cat show.

The show isn’t limited to pedigreed cats — those whose parents are the same breed and who are registered with a recognized cat association. Participants can also enter household pets for judging.

“We expect to have over 120 cats with at least 30 different pedigreed breeds represented, plus a class of household pets, companion cats who have unknown backgrounds,” explained co-show manager Iris Zinck.

Pedigreed cats are judged on traits including the shape of their head, the length of their tail and the qualities of their coat, while household pets are judged by looks, personality and grooming, according to a NEMO press release.

This Abyssinian cat donned khakis as "Jake from State Farm," from the insurance company's popular series of commercials.
This Abyssinian cat donned khakis as "Jake from State Farm," from the insurance company's popular series of commercials.

Zinck noted that this is the first cat show sponsored by the Cat Fanciers' Association — the world’s largest registry of pedigreed cats — held in Greater Boston in nearly a decade.

“I'm personally looking forward to showing my cats under the judges we have coming, who I believe to be some of our organization's finest,” she said in an email interview. “We have one judge coming all the way from Germany, another from Las Vegas, another from Texas.”

Where is the New England Meow Outfit cat show?

The Verve Hotel, 1360 Worcester St. (Route 9), Natick

When is the NEMO cat show?

Aug. 27-28, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day

Robin Hood and Maid Marian seemed to enjoy their costumes at a prior cat show. The deer from the king's forest appeared less enthused.
Robin Hood and Maid Marian seemed to enjoy their costumes at a prior cat show. The deer from the king's forest appeared less enthused.

How to enter your cat into NEMO cat show

Visit tiny.cc/NEMO22. Entries close at 8 p.m. Monday, or when the show hits 175 entries.

How much does it cost to attend the NEMO cat show?

Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for kids under age 12. Children younger than 5 years old get in for free.

This owner and their cat wore matching red, blue and white as Raggedy Ann and Andy during a previous year's costume contest.
This owner and their cat wore matching red, blue and white as Raggedy Ann and Andy during a previous year's costume contest.

NEMO event highlights

  • In honor of the club’s fish logo, NEMO will hide colorful fish around the show hall, and the first person to spot them all will win a $25 PetSmart gift card.

  • There will be a stuffed animal contest with prizes for children on Saturday around noon.

  • The Cat and Owner Costume Contest will be held around lunchtime on Sunday.

(P)etiquette

Zinck advised checking out NEMO’s list of cat show do's and don’ts before attending. Visitors are asked to avoid running or shouting in the show hall, and to wait for owners’ permission before touching any cats.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Natick cat show to feature costumes, household pet category