Tiny apex predators with toe beans and sandpaper tongues, there is something about cats that we just can’t get enough of. More sparing with their love than our faithful canines, cats make us work for their devotion and Canberra Cat Fest is the perfect place for you to top up on cat treats, tips and tricks. Returning to Kingston’s Old Bus Depot, this Saturday 22 July, cat owners and feline lovers are in store for the purrfect day out.

The event is organised by the Canberra Street Cat Alliance (CSCA) as their biggest fundraiser for the year. The team hosted a survey after the success of last year’s event and asked what people would like to see done differently. Having listened, they are back, bigger and better.

“We’ve got a centre stage this year, we’ve got local organisations and vets, behaviour analysts giving cat educational talks, all sorts of fun things,” says CSCA president, Vanessa Parton.

Winners of endurance competitions will take home prizes, including the longest litter holder taking home a massive 40kg of kitty litter. Centre stage will also host a special cat show, with a renowned cat judge who will host a cat show featuring a number of CSCA kittens. Ribbons are in store for winners.

“They are from first to tenth place, they get a ribbon. When those kittens are adopted out ,those ribbons will go with them to their new home – you got a street muffin that won first prize,” smiles Ms Parton.

Adoption expressions of interest will be taken on the day with all cats returning with the organisation. Kittens will be able to be viewed in the Kitten Wonderland, while older cats will be housed in the Catty Shack. After more people than expected attended last year, organisers have decided that it is best for kittens to stay in the hands of carers this year.

The local market will showcase some of the best makers of the Canberra region, who will be selling their wares and goods, including many lovingly made cat treats. Local rescues and welfare organisations will be there to help with any questions you might have, and you can also meet local breeds and take little ones to the Kiddy Kat Zone.

“All the kids that come, they’re getting free face painting and they get little cat ears as well; we’ll have a stack of two-legged kiddy felines running around,” Ms Parton says.

More than just a new look, Kiddy Kat Zone hosts a new range of free games and activities such as Cats and Towers – think snakes and ladders, Catscotch, like hopscotch, lawn games, and a craft table where cat masks can be made.

The fun and games don’t stop there. Stray Cat Alley is back and improved, says the organiser. Test your skill for a fun prize in a game of Lucky Litter, Copy Cat, Cat Pin Bowling, Purr Purr Golf, Pill the Cat, and the brand-new Catastrophe, an electric buzz-wire game.

“This year is a little bit different; as part of their ticket they get five of those games, you get to choose prizes as well,” she says.

There will be an adult zone, too, with a scratchie tree full of prizes, a macrame class to make your own cat toy, cat bingo, and a game or two to enjoy.

Along with snacks for cats, the team have organised a great range of human options, too. Ms Parton says they have catered for different requirements and diets with tasty desserts, mains, and drinks available. Some grown-ups can grab a special range of drinks from Black Cat Cocktails – one Crazy Cat Lady, please.

Not only are you allowed to bring your feline friends, but there is also a competition for the best-dressed cat. Best-dressed prizes are ready to be awarded to best-dressed humans, too; come dressed as your favourite feline character.

Organisers encourage owners to ensure a busy event is the appropriate place for their pet; the name scaredy cat doesn’t come from nowhere and they don’t want any pets distressed. A condition of entry is that cats are securely contained in an appropriate harness or carrier, entry is at the owner’s risk, and CSCA is not liable for any accidents or injuries.

The funds raised will be going towards the organisation’s Streets to Sheets Foster Care program; working exclusively with street cats, the program has a goal of seeing every cat in a loving and warm home.

“We don’t get the nice little ‘Oh, my cats had kittens’. We go out and actively trap off the streets, so we are saving these cats from a life on the streets,” says Ms Parton. “Once we trap them, they get vet work, they are temperament tested and placed with a foster carer until such time that they rehabilitated and ready for adoption.”

With vet bills totalling more than $200,000 last year, the self-funded organisation relies on fundraisers and donations to continue their work.

“We are hoping to pop some money away for our adoption centre as well. We do desperately need an adoption centre; we are hoping that we raise enough money to be able to put some away for that five-year goal.”

Come with your family and friends, feline and human, to Canberra Cat Fest at Old Bus Depot, Kingston on Saturday 22 July 9am-4pm; catfest.org.au

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