There’s an F4 event blowing into town, and with it, a new addition to the show bench. The hallmarks of a Seacoast Cat show – fun, affordable and family-oriented – will be present as well as a first in New England: we will have Bengal cats present.
The Bengal, a strikingly marked cat, was recently accepted by the Cat Fanciers’ Association Board for presentation at local shows. Seacoast Cat Club, an affiliate club of CFA, will host among its entries examples of this newly-accepted breed.
So make your way to Everett Arena (15 Loudon Road) this weekend for the annual Seacoast Cat Show. The show is Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Admission is $6 for adults, and $4 for seniors and children 4-12.
Throughout the weekend we will have an ongoing cat agility competition. With the encouragement of their owners, cats willingly navigate various obstacles, such as jumps and tunnels, and weave through poles. It sounds implausible, but with the right training, cats can do this!
The club is continuing with the favorite “Pet Me Cats” area. There are no “Do Not Touch” signs on these cages. People are encouraged to come and pet and enjoy these well-socialized cats.
In addition to the actual judging, there will be vendors, a kids’ table, free face painting, a raffle, a chance to vote for your favorite cat to win Spectators’ Choice and a breed presentation on Sunday.
The breed presentation, scheduled for Sunday at noon, will be an open forum where spectators are encouraged to ask questions and learn about the personalities of the breeds presented. Unlike the judging rings where spectators watch, the breed presentation encourages people to ask the judge whatever questions might be on their minds.
Before the breed presentation, youngsters may choose to participate in the stuffed animal contest. This will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday in one of the judging rings. Though kids may bring their own stuffed animals, there will be various stuffed animals available for kids to choose from “to show.”
There will be a concession stand for snacks and lunch, as well as the Paws Awhile Cafe where your lunch can be eaten in a quiet area before returning to the show.
Seacoast is offering $1 off admission if you bring cat food to be donated to the Manchester Animal Shelter, or a food donation for the New Hampshire Food Bank. You can also find a $1 off coupon on our website. There is just one discount per person.
For more information, visit seacoastcatclub.org.
Marilyn Conde