NOVI — The Ocicat, is coming back home to Michigan and will be one of the 41 pedigreed breeds recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association competing at the third annual World Championship Cat Show Saturday and Sunday at the Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River.
Tickets — available at the door — are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, $3 for children ages 4 to 12 and free for ages 3 and under. A coupon for $2 off adult admission is available at http://cfablog.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Discount_Coupon_v2.jpg.
Showtimes are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
The competition is sponsored by the CFA, Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Litter, Royal Canin and Sturdi Products.
Ocicats will be among the 1,000 pedigreed cats vying for the title of Best in Show.
A true Michigan cat, the first Ocicat was born in Berkley. It is a cross between a Siamese, Abyssinian and American Shorthair. The breed is very social which loves to play and interact with their owners.
An athletic breed of cat, the Ocicat can be trained to walk on a leash, play fetch or run a feline agility course. It can be found in 12 colors in spotted and classic patterns.
The show is the largest pedigreed cat show in the Western Hemisphere and draws cat fanciers from North America, Europe, Japan and China to compete to earn a place in cat show history. Two shows with 500 cats per show will take place simultaneously in a total of 18 judging rings.
Judges will evaluate the feline contestants in Kitten, Championship and Premiership (altered cats) categories. The event will culminate on Sunday afternoon as one cat is awarded the top honor of Best in Show.
Visitors will be able shop the Meow Mall with vendors offering items such as cat toys, grooming tools, mouse pads, cat trees and jewelry; take guided tours through the show hall; and attend educational seminars on a variety of topics, including “Featuring the Made in Michigan Cat – the History of the Ocicat Breed” “Origins of the Domestic Cat and History of Breeds,” and “Do You Have A Star at Home – Showing YOUR Household Pet.”
Activities for the whole family will be available. Syndicated cartoon character Garfield, CFA’s official spokescat, will be on hand throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday to meet and greet visitors. Visitors can take a camera and have their picture taken with Garfield.
Spectators can watch Feline Agility where the cats will have the opportunity to demonstrate their athletic prowess as they attempt to run a time-scored agility course. Spectators can see the cats weaving through poles and jumping through hoops. The cat with the fastest time will be honored on Sunday just before Best in Show is presented.
The 2013 CFA/Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Litter World Championship Cat Show features displays from the show’s largest sponsors which include Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Litter, the official litter for the show, Royal Canin and Sturdi Products.