Felines reign at Mardis Gras Madness Cat Show

At this past weekend's Mardis Gras Madness Cat Show presented by Jazzy Cats, the moniker of "crazy cat person" was not an insult. In fact, for the hundreds of presenters across the country who converged @the Grounds in Roseville, the moniker was worn with great pride. For assistant show manager Shauntay Burris, the competition was merely one aspect of the three-day Mardis Gras Madness Cat Show. "Of course, it is fun winning and a lot of people here will show their cats for international competition," Burris said. "But just coming out this weekend and being with friends is a big part of the appeal. Being around people who have similar interests is always something special. This 'crazy catness' is not necessarily widespread, so when we are with our own, it's just sort of a vacation from the real world." With six rings of judging, presenters had an opportunity to place their cats in competitions ranging from pedigree to household cats. Unlike dog shows, Burris added, cat shows are less rigorous and far more inclusive toward all breeds. That was specifically the case for Robyn Paterson of Quality Bengal Kittens, which specializes in Solana Ranch and Wildnernesswell Bengal breeds. With the breed considered a "hybrid" of sorts, Paterson noted most governing bodies are reluctant to admit them in shows. But with Jazzy Cats' participation in The International Cat Association, Paterson said there is an acceptance of all breeds. This acceptance allows individuals to be exposed to cat shows and the inclusive world that cares so much for animals. "We really enjoy meeting people and promoting the cat fancy," Paterson said. "There are a lot of people who do not even know that cat shows are a thing. So the world of cat shows is just so wonderful thing to be a part of. Considering TICA (The International Cat Association) has been the Bengals' biggest supporter, I try to be an advocate for all cats." For Dodie Johnson of My Wish Persians and Exotics in Placerville, taking part in cat shows has its roots in animal outreach and rescue. As she transitioned to a breeder of Persians, Johnson saw an opportunity to properly care and curb genetic issues typically found in the breed. "I have always loved Persians ever since I was a little girl and my grandma had a 25-year-old Persian with blue eyes," Johnson said. "So I went from a rescue to a breeder because I wanted to make sure that these cats didn't have all these problems. A big part of this is just about the love of cats and making sure they are bred healthy."