Cat show!

All work and no play can drive a creator crazy. You've gotta get out of the house sometime. And what better place to go to on a rainy Saturday afternoon than the Portland International Cat Show?


Yes indeed. It was all I expected and more. For once I got to go to a convention and *not* be the person on the "inside."

The judging stations.

This kitten rocked my socks. What a cutie. I don't remember any breeds or terms. When other people were talking about "lilac points", "seal torbies" and "mackerels", I was cooing into the cages, singing, "Who's a pretty girl?" to unfixed toms.

"Help me!"

So as it turns out, I like cats - even show cats - but I don't much like show cat people. There was a certain element of insider nerdiness and condescension I've never seen in a room full of old ladies and lesbians. However, the awesomeness of the cat culture was definitely the real draw for me, and it certainly did not disappoint.


Take, for example, this plaque left at a table. Now sit there and tell me this isn't incredible.


Or this baffling display left without explanation.


Or the cat-tapestry. (I tried to work in a "catastrophe" pun somewhere in this post, and failed miserably. Sorry to all.)



This was just one of dozens of cat-themed garments I saw wandering around. I wonder what percentage of these breeders' wardrobes have some sort of cat graphic or theme. 60%?


Matt, of course, represented.


And there were plenty for sale as well - as long as you're comfy in an XXXL. Love that trompe-l'oeil overalls pocket!


No matter what kind of day you're having, be glad you aren't the 4th best kitten. At least little Smudge can't read.

In summation: Paws on the Sunny Side of the Street II? Not to be missed!