January 20, 2005
BY MARY LENDZION
COMMUNITY STAFFER
A cat show, as presented by the Midwest Persian
Tabby Fanciers, is more than colorful collars, fluffy fur and cats on their
best behavior.
It's also a chance to help local animals in
need.
This year's show -- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
and Sunday at Ford Community and Performing Arts Center in Dearborn -- will
benefit the Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter and the Michigan Animal
Rescue League in Pontiac.
"People will be able to see the judging of
pedigreed and household pet cats and kittens," said Judy McDaniels of
Waterford, one of the show managers and vice president of Midwest Persian Tabby
Fanciers. "They also will be able to buy cat-related items from pet
vendors and talk with the owners and breeders of the cats."
The pedigreed cats are judged according to
written standards. The household cats, however, are judged on how well they
behave -- and whether they decide to give a judge a little bite. It's a benched
show, which means all the cats are in attendance all day, both days.
"To have that many cats in one room is not
as hectic as you would think," said McDaniels. "The cats don't
antagonize and meow at each other, and people always say how surprised they are
at how quiet the show is."
Midwest Persian Tabby Fanciers holds the cat
show every year and donates the proceeds to Michigan and Ohio veterinarian
programs, the Detroit Zoo big cat exhibit, local shelters and other groups.
"We are a group affiliated with the Cat
Fanciers Association dedicated to humane treatment of cats and all animals, and
our goals are to help animals that need help," said McDaniels. "We're
not in it just to show cats."
The Ford Community and Performing Arts Center is
at 15801 Michigan Ave. Admission costs $6, $5 for seniors and $4 for children.
Admission is free for children younger than 5. Parking is free.
For more information about the cat show or the
metro Detroit-based Midwest Persian Tabby Fanciers call 248-681-4863, 9 a.m. to
9 p.m. daily.
Contact MARY LENDZION at
248-351-3290 or lendzion@freepress.com.