A competing cat at the Food and Water Bowl XXIIII Cat Show in Del Mar. Photo by Chris Stone
Labeled the biggest cat show in the western United States, the two-day Food and Water Bowl XXIV Cat Show got under way Saturday with 42 breeds at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
With up to 450 cats from throughout the country, competing in eight rings, the show features judging, an agility ring, an education ring, rescue cat adoptions, a stuffed animal contest and Meow Mall with a variety of vendors in the Exhibition Hall.
The show continues from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday with cats with short hair, long hair and almost no hair. In addition, there are cats with folded ears, no tail and fluffy Persians
A household pet competition for spayed or neutered nonpedigree family cats also is offered.
While pet owners filled rows with cat carriers and grooming supplies, spectators said they were looking over breeds for a good family match or watching because of a love of felines.
In the education ring, experts explore the history of several rare breeds, breed personality traits; and techniques and grooming tips for both long-haired and short-haired cats.
Admission for adults is $9; seniors, military and children pay $7; and children under 6 are free. Fairgrounds parking is $10. A $2 discount coupon is available at sandiegocat.org.
A Burmese cat sat in the education corner of the show. Photo by Chris Stone
An Oriental Shorthair eyes attendees at the cat show. Photo by Chris Stone
A sphynx cat watched attendees at the cat show. Photo by Chris Stone
Grooming items are set up for pre-judging touch-ups. Photo by Chris Stone
Attendees sat in on educational sessions that featured a variety of breeds. Photo by Chris Stone
Judge Gary Powell examines a Tonkinese cat. Photo by Chris Stone
A couple gets a photo taken with a cat. Photo by Chris Stone
Cat T-shirts, purses and jewelry were among the items for sale. Photo by Chris Stone
Ribbons await winners in the cat show. Photo by Chris Stone
Cats snuggle between judging. Photo by Chris Stone
A judge trainee examines a Tonkinese cat. Photo by Chris Stone
Ribbons await winners in the cat show. Photo by Chris Stone
Judge David Mare examines a Persian cat at the Food and Water Bowl XXIIII Cat Show. Photo by Chris Stone
A cat dressed at Mr. Spock from “Star Trek” caught people’s attention. Photo by Chris Stone
Jeff Hempe holds his 5-year-old, 26-pound Brown Tabby and white Maine Coon cat, named Syracoon Aslan the Lionhearted. Photo by Chris Stone
Jeff Hempe holds his 5-year-old, 26-pound Brown Tabby and white Maine Coon cat. Photo by Chris Stone
Cornish Rex cats look out at passers-by at the Food and Water Bowl XXIIII Cat Show. Photo by Chris Stone
A Siamese cat watches from a cozy sling in its cage. Photo by Chris Stone
A cat eyes passers-by at the Food and Water Bowl XXIIII at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Photo by Chris Stone
A Persian cat named Oak Village Marilyn Monroe rests after being groomed. Photo by Chris Stone
Some cats get the royal treatment, such as a fluffy bed. Photo by Chris Stone
Judge Vicki Nye examines the face of a cat during judging. Photo by Chris Stone
Colorful feathers were among the cat accessories sold at the cat show. Photo by Chris Stone
Sid and Chris Ferguson of Vista closely watch the competition. Photo by Chris Stone
An American Curl cat digs its claws into a scratching post. Photo by Chris Stone
Cat agility was demonstrated at the Food and Water Bowl XXIIII Cat Show. Photo by Chris Stone
A Maine Coon cat is petted by Judge Vicki Nye at the weekend cat show. Photo by Chris Stone
File photo by Chris Stone
A competing cat at the Food and Water Bowl XXIIII Cat Show in Del Mar. Photo by Chris Stone
Cat ear head accessories were among the items sold at the cat show at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Photo by Chris Stone
Judge Brian Moser judges a cat in one of eight rings. Photo by Chris Stone
Cat climbers and tunnels are some of the cat accessories shown at the show in Del Mar. Photo by Chris Stone
A Japanese Bobtail tries to get some rest. Photo by Chris Stone
