Winter Fun Awaits At ‘The Saintly City Cat Show’ This Weekend

When winter in Minnesota really digs in, and the temperatures make you question every life choice that involves leaving the house, it helps to have something delightful waiting for you to get out and take on the chilly temps.

If you are a cat lover or even just someone who enjoys watching adorable animals living their absolute best lives, this event might be exactly the excuse you need to bundle up and head to the cities.

THE SAINTLY CITY CAT CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP CAT SHOW

'The Saintly City Cat Club Annual Championship Cat Show' is returning this weekend, Saturday, January 24th, and Sunday, January 25th. More than 200 cats will gather in the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in downtown Saint Paul. Yes, more than 200 cats. From fluffy to sleek, fancy to delightfully ordinary, this show is a full weekend celebration of all things feline.

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26 DIFFERENT BREEDS COMPETING FOR 'BEST CAT.'

Cats from across the United States and Canada will be competing for the title of Best Cat, with judges evaluating up to 26 different breeds. You will see familiar favorites like Persians, Maine Coons, and Birmans, along with breeds that stop people in their tracks, such as Bengals, Cornish Rex, and the always conversation-starting Sphynx. Even if you think you know cats, you will probably meet at least one breed you have never seen in person before.

CATEGORIES AND CLASSES

The competition is divided into four classes, including kittens, championship cats, premiership cats that are spayed or neutered, and household pets. That last category is often a crowd favorite because it proves that you do not need a pedigree to be royal.

On Sunday afternoon, one lucky household pet will be crowned King and another Queen in a ceremony that includes capes, crowns, and a member of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival Royalty doing the honors. Adorable.

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SERIOUS COMPETITION FOR CATS AND THEIR OWNERS

Finalists earn points through the Cat Fanciers Association, the largest cat registry in the world. Those points count toward grand titles and even national recognition. While it is incredibly fun to watch, this is also a serious competition for these cats and their owners.

THE SAINT PAUL WINTER CARNIVAL

The show itself is held in conjunction with the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, which makes the whole experience feel extra festive. You can step out of the cold, wander through rows of beautifully groomed cats, chat with breeders and cat experts, and soak up the warmth both literal and emotional. Can you imagine the purring of 200 cats all under one roof?

HISTORY OF THE SAINTLY CITY CAT CLUB

The Saintly City Cat Club has been around since 1974 and is a nonprofit organization focused on feline health, welfare, and public education. Their love for cats is obvious in every detail of the event, from the care given to each competitor to the welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

DETAILS OF THE EVENT THIS WEEKEND, JANUARY 24TH AND 25TH

The show runs from 9 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon on Saturday and from 9 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon on Sunday. Admission is ten dollars for adults and seven dollars for children under ten and seniors over sixty-five, making it not only a fun event, but an affordable one as well! Tickets will be available at the door.

Parking is available in the RiverCentre Parking Ramp on Kellogg Boulevard, which offers skyway access to the Roy Wilkins Exhibition Hall. The ramp now uses license plate reader technology, making parking easier and quicker, which is especially nice when it is cold enough that you want to get inside fast.

LOOKING FOR THE PURRR-FECT WEEKEND?

If you are looking for something warm, joyful, and just a little bit magical to do in the depths of winter, this cat show checks every box. Grab a coat, bring your fellow cat people, and go spend a few hours surrounded by whiskers, paws, and pure happiness.