Cat fanciers shoutout: Big show coming to Coralville Marriott for first time Saturday

CORALVILLE - Cat lovers rejoice - a plethora of felines will be squaring off at the Coralville Marriott this Saturday.

For the very first time, the Midwest Region of the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) is hosting their annual awards cat show in Coralville. The All Breed Cat Show takes place Saturday at the Marriott Conference Center. This is the first time a cat show has been held in Coralville.

More than 150 cats from around the country will be competing for top prizes. A large variety of breeds are expected, 'from the massive Maine Coon to the more petite Cornish Rex, from the fluffy Persian to the hairless Sphynx,” according to a news release.

A special feature of the show is the Agility Competition, where cats compete against the clock through an elaborate maze of obstacle, including stairs, hurdles, tunnels and weave poles. Demonstrations prior to the main agility event will be held each hour.

The one-day, six-ring show runs Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are available at the door. Adults are $5, seniors $4, children 12 and under $3 and children under 3 are free. The maximum per family is $15.

The show is sponsored by the members of the Midwest Region and celebrates the 2016-2017 accomplishments of the cats, kittens, breeders, owners and exhibitors of the region. Local exhibitors are among the top winners. In the evening the past year's winners will be honored at a special awards banquet.

'Coralville was chosen for the show because of its central location,” show manager Mary Auth said. 'Normally we choose a city where there is an active CFA cat club, but decided this year to treat the people of Coralville and Iowa City to a show - especially since there has never been a show in this area.”

A vendor shopping mall will also be featured. Pet foods, cat-related clothing, cat toys, and all sorts of feline-related gifts and furniture will be available for sale.