Carnival comes to Sacramento this weekend when local animal shelter pets compete against the pros in the Jazzy Cats “Mardi Gras Madness” cat show. The sanctioned competition is put on by The International Cat Association (TICA), the world’s largest genetic registry of pedigreed cats.
Felines from all over the west will vie for points and prestige at the show, held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Clarion Inn next to Arden Fair Mall.
In addition to the professionals, thirteen cats and kittens from the City of Folsom Animal Services and Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode (AO) will compete and will be up for adoption at the event.
TICA shows are divided into categories for pedigreed and household pet (HHP) animals; shelter cats and kittens are entered in the HHP classes. The other HHP competitors are professional show cats; they are just not registered as being pedigreed.
TICA has thousands of members in clubs all over Latin America, North America, Asia, and Europe. The organization is very supportive of shelter animals and has rescue groups at most of their shows.
AO volunteer Jeanne Jackson is hoping to find a home for one of the competitors, a three-legged cat named Skippy that Jackson has been fostering.
AO rescued the 2 year old black and white cat from an overcrowded shelter where she would likely have been euthanized. The cat had severe radial nerve damage from being hit by a car and was in tremendous pain.
After AO veterinarian Dr. Shirley Harman amputated the leg, Skippy was on the road to a pain-free and normal life.
Jackson says Skippy is affectionate and very active, never letting the lack of one leg slow her down. She gets along with other cats and children but would be best in a home without dogs.
“TICA shows are fun and upbeat and a perfect place for animal lovers” according to Jackson. She notes that “the people are so empathetic and caring; they embrace special cats like Skippy.”
“At Jazzy Cats shows, shelter cats and kittens get as much attention as the gorgeous purebred animals” says Jackson.
The Mardi Gras themed show hall will be festooned with carnival decor of gold, green and purple, and visitors can take part in a raffle.
- Jazzy Cats Mardi Gras Madness Cat Show
- Clarion Inn (formerly Red Lion)
- 1401 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA 95825
- Fri Jan 4 - 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sat Jan 5 - 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Sun Jan 6 - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Admission: Adults $7; seniors and kids 6-12: $6; under 6: free
- Click here for a $2 off coupon
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