Now is the PURRFECT time to check out the fabulous multitude of cats competing for prizes on The Cat Fanciers’ Association Virtual Cat Competition web site, according to a press release from The Cat Fanciers’ Association.

What is a VCC?

VCC was conceived to help promote the enormous variety of pedigreed cats to the public via the Internet since in-person cat shows have been cancelled because of COVID. One recent VCC event drew 796 entries from all over the world.

Most VCCs also raise funds for cat-related causes. Spectators can vote for their favorite cats and prizes go to the most popular cats. Money raised supports organizations like local shelters, a charity that helps provide assistance to cats affected by wildfires and other natural disasters, and a research project devoted to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Sphynx (hairless) cats.

Showcasing their poise and talent

These events aren’t just parades of pedigreed cats. According to the release, they feature “fun” classes, providing cat owners an opportunity to showcase their feline travel buddies, agility antics, costume contests, and just plain kitty weirdness.

Some competitions have featured celebrity guest judges, such as Steve Dale (certified animal behaviorist and radio/TV personality of www.stevedalepetworld.com), Kate Benjamin (cat style expert, designer and blogger of www.hauspanther.com) and Trisha Seifried (a professional animal trainer and talent agent of www.catbosstv.com) presenting their top picks on video.

International Top Cat Challenge

The virtual excitement culminates in December with CFA’s International Top Cat Challenge, a massive event featuring 20 conformation judging rings and an exciting array of fun classes.

The “CITCC” is the brainchild of breeder-exhibitor Lorna Dawn Friemoth, whose intention was to attract people who have never heard of cat shows or pedigreed cats and enable them to easily explore all the breeds CFA recognizes.

The event also celebrates mixed-breed cats, who can compete in the Household Pet classes.

Iris Zinck, chair of CFA’s Virtual Cat Competition Committee, expects the enthusiasm to continue far beyond December.

“The cat fancy has never before been so accessible to so many people,” she says in the press release. “This isn’t just a placeholder for regular shows, it’s something new that offers the online public a whole different way to share their love of cats!”