CatCon: A Meow-tastic Convention for Feline Lovers

Cats. They are some of the most majestic creatures ever to walk the earth. Cats make for some of the most amazing companions. They are some of the most unique and docile of creatures. Save for the wild big cats that you see at the zoos. Big cats serve as important ambassadors for their species, even down to the domesticated house cat. So, where does one go for what seems to be all things cats? Why CatCon, of course.

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What is CatCon?

CatCon is not just another event; it's a one-of-a-kind experience. As the world's largest cat-centric gathering, it's a unique fusion of symposium and expo. Over two days, it brings together feline enthusiasts from around the world, offering a space to learn, celebrate, and engage in a way that's truly unique to CatCon.

Since its inception in 2015, CatCon has been a beacon of hope for feline welfare. Through its parent company, Ticket Out, Inc., CatCon has facilitated over 1000 feline adoptions and donated over a quarter of a million dollars to various organizations, including Lil BUB’s Big FUND, the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, and North Shore Animal League America. Your participation in CatCon is not just a fun experience; it's a direct and significant contribution to these life-saving efforts, making you a part of something bigger.

Where is CatCon Located and Held?

CatCon is held in the picturesque city of Pasadena, California, at the renowned Pasadena Convention Center. Pasadena is famous for more than just its celebrities. It's the home of the annual Rose Bowl, a major College Football event held every year on New Year's Day. Add CatCon to your list of reasons to visit Pasadena and enjoy a memorable time in California.

What else is there to do in beautiful Pasadena? The city offers a plethora of activities, places to visit, and sights to see. The culinary delights alone are a compelling reason to go. The vibrant culture of Pasadena is an experience in itself. So, while you’re immersing yourself in all things feline-friendly, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the charming city of Pasadena.

Reasons Why You Should Go to CatCon

So why should any feline lover head on over to CatCon? I’d say just looking at the company’s core values should be a top reason. They aim to inform, entertain, and provide education. They are advocates for adoption versus buying from big-name stores, and they support all shelters the best that they can. Advocating for “Adopt, Don’t Shop” is huge in so many ways. This helps furry friends find forever homes and helps create space at shelters across the nation.

When you adopt a kitten or cat, you’re bringing a whole new level of love and companionship into your life. Adopting from a local shelter or even a shelter where travel is involved in getting your new furry companion to you means that not only are you helping to create space for other furry friends in need, but you are also helping our shelters with the costs that it takes for them to operate and run effectively.

When attending CatCon, you may find yourself adopting a new furry friend or two, which isn’t a bad thing. Those in charge of CatCon will house your new feline companion until you are finished with the convention. Unfortunately, if you already have a feline friend, you must leave them at home as they are not permitted to attend the convention with you. But you can absolutely bring home another brand-new feline friend, not just for you but for the feline in your life already. What’s better than having one feline friend? Multiple feline friends!

They have a different charity that they sponsor at the convention every year. For the 2024 CatCon convention, the sponsor has yet to be announced and will be announced at a later date, per the CatCon official website. Ticket sales are available now. There is not much time left before this year’s convention. The convention will start on August 3^rd and close out this year’s convention on the fourth of August. It’s sure to be a feline of a time.

Interested in all the things CatCon? Check out their social media pages, where you will be sure to find all the things you need, feline, and possibly more.

Changing the Way That People Look at Cat Lovers

Those in charge of CatCon are also making waves by getting rid of the “crazy cat lady” stereotype. There really is no such thing as a crazy cat lady. As someone who owns five feline friends of my own, I have been countlessly teased over the years that if anything happened to my husband, I’d have a house full of cats. But most people don’t realize that I also have canine companions and a human child, too. So, while yes, I would love to house more feline friends in my home, I have a pretty full house.

I have never understood why people think it is okay to use the term “crazy cat lady” just because someone would rather a feline or even a canine companion versus a person. There can be so many reasons why someone would rather have an animal companion than a human companion. Arguing isn’t even a reason because those furry feline friends can meow back and throw such a temper tantrum. Which is kind of comical to watch happen.

About the Author

Amanda Bentle is a mother with many talents under her belt. She is also a wife, co-worker, friend, daughter, and sister. Writing is something that has always come naturally to her. Amanda is able to share her love of many hobbies, as she is not a one-hobby kind of gal, with her husband and son. Not only is Amanda a master of many talents and hobbies, but one of the many things she loves as much as her little family are the cats and dogs that she has rescued and welcomed into her little family over the last seven to ten years.