600 Felines Will Compete at International Cat Shows

INCATS it’s called, standing for International Cat Shows, and it returns this weekend to the Anaheim Convention Center.

It’s billed as “the largest and most prestigious cat competition in the country,” and maybe it is. Whatever, about 600 felines--household pets and 40 breeds of purebred prize winners--are competing in a 16-ring program, and if last year’s turnout is an indication, more than 25,000 ailurophiles are expected to attend.

Along with the main competitions for “top cat” (finals Sunday afternoon) and the usual grooming demonstrations, cat-product exhibits and breed-information center, a “Supercat” competition will be held today, noon to 2 p.m., sponsored by Hills Pet Products for the benefit of Actors and Others for Animals. The competition is open only to formerly homeless cats, adopted and/or rescued, and includes whimsical categories of competition (i.e. cat/owner look-alikes), celebrity judges, prizes and ribbons.

On Sunday, also from noon until 2 p.m., Whiskas puts on a “Household Cat of the Year” contest with winners receiving an all-expenses-paid trip to New York for a final competition in Madison Square Garden. (Winner of that show gets to fly to London for the “Supreme Cat Show.”)

The center is at 800 W. Katella Ave. in Anaheim. Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. today and Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors 65 and older and children under 12. Call (818) 896-3875 for further information.