Don’t Like Cats? This Event’s Not for You

There it sits, tall and slender, watching you with those incredible, iridescent eyes, the tip of its tail gently twitching, supremely confident of its own superiority.

It’s amazing that something that small, somewhere around 15 pounds, could command such attention. Or is it?

Domestic cats have been worshiped as gods and reviled as witches’ familiars.

Comedian Steve Martin once accused his of embezzling his money and buying $2,000 worth of cat toys.

Adored or loathed, more than 200 kitties will be on display Sunday in Glendale as the American Cat Assn. puts on its Thanksgiving Cat Show.

According to association secretary Susie Paige, “each cat will be judged by six different judges” in six rings. The cat with the best total score will be judged Overall Best of Show.

Purebred cats, such as Persians or Abyssinians, are judged on how they conform to their breed’s standards. Purebreds that have been spayed or neutered have their own class. There is a division for household pets, such as mixed-breed cats, or purebreds without the papers to prove it.

If you’re looking for a furry companion, many of the breeders have kittens for sale. Paige said prices run from $75 to $500. If that doesn’t fit your budget, “Cats at the Studios,” a group of cat lovers who have been finding homes for the felines living at Universal Studios, may be able to place one with you.

The show runs from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the National Guard Armory, 22 E. Colorado St., Glendale. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for children under 12 and senior citizens, or bring your family--the whole gang can get in for $14.