The cat world will spend the weekend looking for its top dog.
The Western Hemisphere's largest show for felines, the Cat Fanciers' Association International Cat Show, is scheduled in Atlanta on Saturday and Sunday. More than 750 cats representing all 41 recognized breeds are expected to compete for the title "Best in Show."
The reigning champ is a black Persian male named Santos, from France, and while there are favorites going in, there is always a sleeper or two, said CFA president and judge Pam DelaBar.
"I have seen cats come up and make the top five and nobody knew about them," she said.
Melissa Horn and her 11-year-old son Chandler, from Lancaster, Pa., are entering two cats in the show: Mezetique Fresco, an 8-month-old seal-point Siamese who last month won a CFA-Iams Cat Idol contest in New York, and Daz, his a lilac-point half brother. The Horns believe Fresco has a chance at the top prize.
"He is a friendly social guy," Mrs. Horn said in a telephone interview as Fresco climbed onto her shoulder, purring into the phone. "He will capture your heart."
Cats will compete in three categories: kitten (pedigrees 4 months to 8 months old), championship class (not spayed or neutered pedigree) and premiership (spayed or neutered pedigree). Many competitions include a class for household pets, but not the international show.
Last year, 75 cats from outside the United States were entered in the competition, including cats from Japan, the Philippines, Kuala Lumpur, Sweden and Finland, DelaBar said.
Life
Related Photos
-
Carolyn Kaster
Big cat show in Atlanta has 750 entries, 1 crown
- Life
-
-
Valley experts differ on ideas for job creation
SUNBURY — When President Barack Obama gives his jobs speech Thursday night before Congress and a nation facing a 9.1 unemployment rate, he should act to lower the minimum wage and taxes, target government investments wisely, spend on long-lasting projects, or cut spending, reduce regulations and trim the size of Washington, Valley experts suggested.
-
Carbs under control
Parents with a child who has Type 1 diabetes sometimes find it difficult to let go of the important responsibility to constantly check insulin levels. Just ask Doreen Giordani, of Sunbury.
-
After the pounds come off
Bariatric surgery offers those who are 100-plus-pounds overweight a viable option for reclaiming their lives, a physician at Geisinger Medical Center noted.
-
Accreditation awarded to hospital
Sunbury Community Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care and safety in hospitals.
-
16 years old and still growing
The more things change the more they stay the same. That's what Dr. Michael Ryan, director of pediatrics at Janet Weis Children's Hospital, in Danville, said, as he discussed the 16 year anniversary of the facility.
-
Americans turn to technology to control impulses
NEW YORK — Dan Nainan can't trust himself to work at his computer without clicking on distractions, so he uses an Internet-blocking program to shut down his Web access twice a day. "I'm sorry, but try as I might, I could never, ever do this on my own," said the New York City comedian who's struggling to finish a book. "I wish I could, but I just don't have the discipline."
-
Some babyproofing basics for the new year
Babies and toddlers are curious creatures. Something captures their attention — a stuffed animal, a shiny object or a noisy rattle — and they're going after it. Just make sure they aren't chasing a teddy bear on top of a dresser, the blade of a knife or a pill bottle.
-
Texts, Web really do allow Santa to be everywhere
PHILADELPHIA — He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, and he knows how many followers you have on Twitter.
-
In tough economy, Santas are suffering
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Craig McTavish — a.k.a. Santa — has the beard. He has the belly. He even has a few tricks up his sleeve, like pulling up to parties on his Harley-Davidson in full Kris Kringle garb. But there's one thing he doesn't have: work.
-
Soften the impact
The cold weather and snow are here, which means winter recreation enthusiasts should be armed with ways to protect themselves from traumatic head and brain injuries that are typical for the season.
- More Life Headlines
-
