Hundreds of adoptable felines are getting ready to go to the cat party of the year. Strolling through the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA’s Neely Cat Center, I spotted a litter of two-month-old tabbies showing off their pouncing skills, a 3-year-old Siamese mix fastidiously grooming herself to the nines, and a snoozing senior getting in a long cat nap before this weekend’s big event.
While the cats preen and play, our staff and volunteers are preparing for a monumental two-day adoption bonanza at CatCon, the annual convention where pop culture and cat culture converge. This year, we’ll be bringing hundreds of adoptable kittens and a handful of adult cats who hope to find new homes at the event. Our feline friends will take up residence in the CatCon Adoption Village, in partnership with World’s Best Cat Litter and 9Lives cat food.
The adoption village is one of the busiest areas of the convention, and for good reason. KITTENS! This year, we will have hundreds of adoptable kittens of all colors, ages, and sizes. Playful kittens, sleepy kittens, mischievous kittens and lovable kittens. The best part is that we are reducing the adoption fee for all the cats to just $20 for one and $30 for two.
Last year, kittens flew off the shelves (not literally, of course, but figuratively). We could not keep up with the demand for these tiny furballs. So, this year, we are bringing even more kittens! Our goal is to find new homes for up to 400 kittens in two days.
Outside of the Adoption Village is a world of celebrity cats, feline cosplay and over 175 exhibitors with amazing merchandise for cats and cat people. Lil’ Bub will be at CatCon along with many of his famous friends like Morris, Pudge the Cat, Marlin Ragdoll, and Klaus of Oskar & Klaus fame.
One of my favorite things about CatCon is the cat-centric attire. Attendees get into the feline spirit by donning their favorite cat t-shirts, paw print dresses and cat ears. Some enthusiastic visitors really step up their game with a full-on cat suit replete with face makeup, tails and whiskers.
The exhibitors have all your cat needs covered. Items range from fancy litterboxes, scratching posts, and cat toys to tons of cat-themed goodies for humans like cat art, clothing, and stationary. Some memorable purchases from last year include a purr-maid stuffed animal for my son, a cat chalet cardboard scratching post and some very potent catnip.
CatCon truly is a cat lover’s paradise. A one stop shop for all things cats—cat and pop culture, cat supplies and cat merch, as well as a myriad of adoptable cats themselves.
If you are thinking of adopting a cat this year at the show, here are a few things to remember:
- The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA is the official adoption group providing all the cats and kittens.
- The adoption fee will be reduced to $20 for one cat or two for $30 at CatCon and at the shelter.
- All adoptions include the spay/neuter surgery, microchip and age-appropriate vaccines.
- Cats and kittens will be ready to take home the same day.
- For the safety of your new pet as well as other guests, you will not be permitted to walk the floor with your new cat. Adopters can pick their cats up as they leave CatCon.
- Prepare your home with a litterbox, food and water, scratching post, toys and a bed.
- If you need help with your new cat, give the Pasadena Humane free behavior helpline a call at 626.792.7151 ext. 155.
I hope to see you at CatCon this year. I’ll be the one in the blue Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA shirt wearing cat ears!
CatCon will be held on Saturday, August 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center. Tickets are available at catconworldwide.com.