The Cat Fancier's Association International Cat Show & Expo (photo by Cat Fancier's Association)
Travel

Everything You Need to Know About the International Cat Show in Cleveland

Thousands of cat lovers gather at the I-X Center Oct.11 and 12 for a weekend of pet-centric entertainment, animal adoptions and even a visit from Pudge the Cat.

Cleveland has long been known for rock ’n’ roll, sports pride and Lake Erie sunsets, but this fall, it’s all about cats. The Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA) International Cat Show & Expo returns to the I-X Center on Oct. 11 and 12, transforming the venue into a feline wonderland.

More than 15,000 cat lovers are expected to attend the two-day event, which features everything from pedigreed champions strutting across the show ring to more than 100 adoptable rescue cats looking for forever homes. The expo unites a dozen Cleveland-area rescue groups under one roof, showcasing the city’s collaborative spirit in helping pets find families.

While the stars of the show are undoubtedly the cats — with breeds ranging from Maine Coons to Sphynx — the weekend also packs in a lineup of entertainment. Visitors can catch viral personalities like Nathan the CatLady and Sterling “TrapKing” Davis, as well as cat-centric comedian Drennon Davis and even a Saturday concert by children’s rock group KooKoo. Feline behavior experts Steve Dale and Colorado’s “Crazy Cat Vet,” Dr. Petra Černá, will also share advice on how to better understand (and spoil) your cat.

Local TikTok sensation Lambo Licia, who has gained more than 2 million followers for her cat-themed antics, rounds out the roster.

Visitors to this year’s expo can meet the kitty who has been taking the Ohio social media world by storm: Pudge the Locker Room Cat from Bowling Green. This feline has garnered much attention for his presence in college sports, and now you can enjoy meeting him face to face.

Whether you’re looking to adopt, learn or just bask in the adorable cats, the CFA International Cat Show & Expo promises a weekend that’s sure to be the cat’s meow.

For more information about the CFA International Cat Show & Expo, visit cfa.org/catexpo.

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