Paws up, cat lovers! The third annual CatCon, created by Susan Michals, takes place this weekend, August 12-13 in Pasadena, California. The convention ups its game this year with a bigger venue (Pasadena Convention Center) and more cat-tastic reasons than ever to hightail it to the biggest feline pop-culture convergence on the planet. It’s nearly impossible to choose the highest of the highlights, but we’ll give it a shot — here are eight.
1. Furever Home Adoption Lounge
Adopt a cat at CatCon this year!
CatCon is teaming up with presenting sponsor, Rachael Ray™ Nutrish®, to match cats and kittens with loving families. The Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA will facilitate the on-site adoptions.
2. 150 Exciting Exhibitors
CatCon carefully curates exhibitors who offer an array of clothing and art to make your cat lady (or cat man) heart sing. You’ll also find unique goodies to bring home to your kitties.
3. Chances to Give Back
Each year, CatCon gives back to organizations that help our feline friends. This year’s official charity beneficiary is The Ian Somerhalder Foundation, which will receive $2 from each ticket sale. Additionally, a portion of all meet-and-greet ticket purchases will go to worthy, cat-related causes.
4. Free Meet-and-Greets
The general admission ticket price includes more than a few free opportunities to get up close and personal with your favorite cat-loving celebrities. Some of the stars include Kitten Lady, Moshow the cat rapper, Chris Poole of Cole and Marmalade, Aaron Benitez of Aaron’s Animals and the one-and-only Julie Newmar — a.k.a. Cat Woman!
5. Cat Celebrities
Enjoy a meet-and-greet with cat-lebrities like Lil BUB.
In addition to meeting human celebrities, you’ll have a chance to see — and even meet — some of your favorite felines. Can you believe that Lil BUB, Nala, White Coffee Cat, Luna Rose, Oskar the Blind Cat, Pudge and more will all be under the same roof? Even though celebri-cats will be a part of the CatCon experience, the event asks that you leave your own cat at home.
6. Activities Galore
There are tons of giveaways at CatCon this year.
You’ll find booths with games, giveaways, temporary cattoos, cat-eye makeup and even a meme photo booth. You won’t be bored.
7. CatCon VideoFest
The third annual festival will feature a selection of the cutest, funniest and sweetest cat videos. These videos were hand-picked from public submissions and are sure to keep you laughing — and maybe even crying.
8. CatConAwards
The inaugural CatCon Awards, presented by the maker of Frontline Gold, promises to be fun and heartfelt. Guests will witness awards presented to cats and their people in five categories including “Freshest Loaf” and “Most Vocal,” as well as a special “Advocate of the Year” accolade delivered to Kitten Lady (featured in Catster magazine!).
This year’s CatCon will feature Cats of Instagram.
The awards show is hosted by Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica, Lucifer) and features Moshow the Cat Rapper, Cats of Instagram, Luna Rose, Aaron Benitez and Phil (Aaron’s Animals), Addison Riecke (The Thundermans) and Lizzy Greene (Nicky, Ricky, Dicky, and Dawn), with a special appearance by Ian Somerhalder (The Vampire Diaries, LOST)!
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit catcon.com and eventbrite.com.
