Cat lovers congregate for Catstravaganza at Cal Expo. ‘Why would I want to see football?’
Excited squeals erupted from Quinne Schillace after spotting a clear tent Sunday with cats pawing at blankets and toys inside.
The 7-year-old and her mother, Heather, promptly got into line to experience “$5 for 5 minutes” with felines at Catstravaganza, a two-day weekend event at Cal Expo that featured cat judges, a catwalk and a variety of booths selling all types of feline-related products.
Quinne silently stretched her arms as wide as possible when asked how much she loved four-legged companions and hid her face in her mother’s waist. The 7-year-old girl is hoping to eventually have 10 cats.
“We’re just excited to be able to pet as many cats as possible today,” her mother said.
Catstravaganza, dubbed as an organization working to increase the visibility of all cats and promote proper education, hosts events in towns across America and in the United Kingdom. The parent company behind the event, Loving Cats Worldwide, has gained millions of views on social media platforms such as TikTok for publishing videos judging bengal, British shorthair and Persian breeds.
“We are here to increase the visibility of all cats and ... rescues,” said event founder and Loving Cats Worldwide CEO Steven Meserve.
Charlie Stadem and Gwen Leonardo bubbled with enthusiasm as they watched a judge smooth a kitty’s fur coat and explain its characteristics to spectators. Both 17-year-old girls have seen videos of feline judges — often petting spines and examining facial structures — and wanted to experience it first-hand.
“What’s the Super Bowl?” Gwen asked her friend rhetorically, referring to how Sunday was the biggest night for football as the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs squared off for the title in Las Vegas.
“Why would I want to see football, when I can see cats?” Charlie responded. The girls said they planned to roam around the event until its closing time, well into the big game.
Throngs of people congregated around felines ready to be judged and various items. Jon and Robyn Paterson, breeders of bengal cats, described the various qualities of the tiger-looking breed in hopes of helping attendees know if they should adopt one.
Perhaps the largest draw was the kitty catwalk, in which event founder Meserve talked about cats being walked through by a presenter.
Brooklynn Stornetta walked around the event with her mother, Danielle, and explained how her cat was a frisky one — it drinks from the bathtub and elsewhere in the bathroom instead of the freshwater the 7-year-old sets out for her each day. One time, the family’s furry friend broke a potted plant.
She had one response when asked how felines make her feel.
“Happy,” Brooklynn said.
