Cat show returns this weekend at DuPage fairgrounds

Feline fanciers from all over the country will bring their cats to be judged at the Lincoln State Cat Club's 61st benefit show, which will take place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 25-26, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds building one, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton.

Spectators are welcome. Admission is $11 for adults, $9 for seniors 60 and older and children ages 6-12, free for children 5 and younger; $1 off one admission with a donation of poultry-based canned cat food for rescues.

Visitors can expect to see as many as 225 pedigreed cats, representing up to 40 breeds, as well as household pets being judged in five rings daily, with ribbons and prizes awarded.

At the show, cats are "benched" in rows of cages as their owners await them to be called to a ring to be judged. Judges evaluate each cat on how it conforms to the standard of its breed.

Guest speakers will include animal behaviorist and author Steve Dale, who will speak at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Education Ring about how cats hide pain and what to do about it.

There will also be a stuffed animal contest for kids at noon both days, free coloring books for children, raffles, cats you can pet, and more.

A "Meow Mall" will feature vendors selling homemade cat toys and other products for pets and cat-related items such as jewelry and clothing.

Several rescues will be on-site with adoptable cats.

Spectators should leave their own cats at home, as only preregistered cats are permitted.

The show is sponsored by the Cat Fanciers' Association, the world's largest registry of pedigreed cats.

For details, visit lscc.ticketleap.com/cat-show-2023, or call (630) 668-6636 or (414) 704-9995.