Feline enthusiasts from around the country united at CatCon2023, a wacky and wonderful weekend celebrating all things cat. From informative panels about cat genetics to adventuring with your cat, CatCon showcased all the cat world has to offer. Seriously, there was even a whimsical cat-themed marionette show and never-ending aisles of handmade cat merch.
Cat parents clearly loved what they saw. Over 11,000 people visited the sold-out convention this weekend, says Susan Michals, CatCon’s founder, making it the most-attended in the con’s 8-year history.
“[It’s] an in-real-life dog park for cat people,” she says.
I joined the cat-loving masses in Pasadena, CA, for a furr-tastic time this past weekend. Here’s a roundup of what I learned and what’s new in the cat world.
Cosplay Is All The Rage
Cat loving met cosplay this weekend, with incredible costumes ranging from a simple yet stylish pair of cat ears to an intricate fursuit or cat-toy-themed outfit. Michals says the lean-in toward cosplay was intentional to keep attendees engaged and motivated throughout the convention.
Some of my favorite costumes this weekend included the following:
Being Proactive About Your Cat’s Health Betters Your Bond
One of the most well-attended panels of the weekend focused on catching cat illnesses early and how to have a better vet-cat relationship, helmed by Joe Owens, DVM, the medical director of Animal Focus Vet.
“Your cat isn’t going to talk to me, but you are,” he says, emphasizing how important it is to read your cat’s body language and take them to the vet. Additionally, he detailed the common cat illnesses pet parents should be on the lookout for, including the following.
Leaving the audience optimistic, Dr. Owens wrapped up his talk with actionable ways cat parents can strengthen their bond with their kitties and stay on top of their well-being:
- Stay consistent with visits
- Schedule bi-annual physicals with labs
- Brush your cat’s teeth at home or get a professional clean
- Understand your cat’s lifestyle and age-related changes
- Monitor water intake and urine colors
- Check poop consistency
- Be open to dietary adjustments (how many treats, prescription diets)
Treating Your Cat’s Osteoarthritis Just Got Easier
Feline OA, or cat arthritis, is a common concern among pet parents as their kitty ages. The chronic condition, often associated with dogs, leaves cats in constant pain, limping, and unable to jump, play, or go in the litter box.
“40% of cats have symptoms of feline OA,” says Joyce Login, DVM, a Zoetis Petcare Brand Communications specialist. She hosted a panel at CatCon about the treatment and management of feline osteoarthritis.
Dr. Login says there has never been an FDA-approved treatment for feline OA – until now. Solensia, a once-a-month injectable treatment years in the making, is a huge step forward for cats with OA. While nothing can cure osteoarthritis, Dr. Login explains this injection controls the pain and helps cats return to normal. How does it work? She says Solensia mirrors your cat’s naturally made antibodies to help reduce pain signals.
Identifying Your Cat Is More Complex Than You Think
While dogs are classified by breed, cats are often identified by their unique colors and patterns. Vickie Fisher, an advocate with EveryCat Health Foundation, gave a crash course in cat color and breeds. Most importantly, she revealed that all cats are Tabbies, noting that Tabbies are not a breed but a pattern.
Don’t believe her? If you have a cat, look at their forehead. There should be an M shape (however faintly) emblazoned there – a Tabby signature. Lastly, she reveals that all cats are black or red (or a dilution of those colors).
“Each cat is a total cute work of art,” Fisher says, leaving the audience curious and ready to examine their feline closely.
CatCon Honorable Meow-tions
Karma is a Cat Art Show
While Taylor Swift was enchanting fans at the nearby So-Fi Stadium in LA, CatCon featured a few furr-tastic paintings for sale as part of the “Karma is a Cat Art Show,” from a cat dressed in a fur coat and sparkly dress singing to a pink portrait of Taylor Swift with a cat on her head.
Bob Baker Marionettes
CatCon started off with a bang thanks to the famous Bob Baker Marionettes, a time-honored LA tradition. From an adorable white cat chasing yarn to a stunning yellow cat belting out Barbara Streisand’s “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” the puppeteers delivered an unforgettable kitty-themed show.
Celebri-cats
Influencers aren’t just humans – they’re cats too! Long lines wrapped around the building to meet and greet these famous felines, including Chase and co. from @DontStopMeowing, Uno the One-Eared Cat, Adventure Cat Leo, Spongecake, and Bowie the Siberian.
Cutting-edge cat products
There wasn’t a spot at CatCon where you couldn’t interact with an innovative new cat product. My favorites included a brand-new self-cleaning litterbox from PetSafe, a Roomba-like vacuum made for cat hair and litter from Roborock, and the rollout of a feline-themed AI, Cat-GPT, a new texting platform that uses AI to allow you to text with a cat.
Adoption village
One of the highlights from CatCon was the adorable Adoption Village, courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society. During the event, over 160 kitties found their fur-ever homes.
Takeaway
When all is said and done, I would definitely return with my fellow cat lovers to CatCon! There was truly something for everyone, from a casual cat parent looking for toys and food to a cat enthusiast ready to show up and show out. Children are also welcome!
Though my cat Stacie missed me during CatCon, I don’t think she’s complaining! I purchased so many treats and toys that any jealousy of other cats disappeared when I got home. So, if you’re looking to share your love of cats with other feline fanatics, be on the lookout for info about CatCon2024!