Average Joe Cat Show Welcomes Kitties of All Stripes

While pomp and circumstance may be a staple of dog shows, you won’t find any of it at the eighth annual Average Joe Cat Show. No paperwork is required to prove lineage; no pedigree standards, no Best in Breed awards. What you will find is a whole lot of cute house cats—some begrudgingly dressed in costume for the occasion—competing for titles such as Longest Whiskers, Loudest Purr, Biggest Feet, Most Talkative and Most Obnoxious. And just to confirm that all cats are above average, every contestant takes home a second-prize ribbon. Organized by Purrfect Pals, the no-kill shelter in Arlington, Washington, the show helps raise awareness and funds for felines in need of adoption. (Show entry fees are $25 for one cat, $40 for two cats and $50 for three cats.) Anyone can vote online for the People’s Choice winner ($1 donation required per vote), but this is one spectator sport that is most definitely best enjoyed up close and in fur-son. (Sorry!) 5/14. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $5. Shoreline Center, 18560 First Ave. NE; 360.652.9611; averagejoecatshow.org.