DIXON, CA (MPG) - The cats are back! It may have been the first time in a decade for the All Breed Cat Show to be in Dixon, but that seemed to only bolster the interest and Madden Hall at the Dixon May Fair filled up with nearly 200 cats from dozens of breeders and plenty of spectators. This sets the stage for an annual event in January, according to organizers.

“It was a great success!” enthused Show Manager Heidi Murphy of the Poppy State Cat Club. “It started on time, ended on time and Solano Kitten Network was a huge help. I’m very lucky, in this first year back, to have such participation.” There were interesting vendors as well selling shampoos, sprays that help your pet calm, harnesses, unique cat toys and more.

There was a panel of six impressive judges who thoroughly looked over each cat, and who also seemed to enjoy sharing with spectators what they were looking for in the various breeds. They would narrow them down to the 10 best out of about 30 races, giving ribbons and awarding valuable “points” helping the entries toward what is considered championship.

What was amazing was the variety of breeds. Some cats had smushed noses, some had long ears; some looked like wild coons from a forest while others looked straight from Egypt. Some looked like puffballs of fur and some had no hair at all. Cats came from near and far; One entry was from Dixon and one had just flown in from Russia and many from all over the Northwest including Idaho, Arizona, and Texas.

“It was a very successful show. The [spectators] coming through the gate were absolutely wonderful,” said Check-In Agent Linda Aherns. “They seemed very interested in the cats and the breeds. I met so many people and spoke with the judges. Everybody had a good time.”

Children asked breeders questions about their cats as their families weaved down the isles while others watched the judging. They let them pet their fur friends and many visitors commented on how incredibly soft the fur was. None of the cats seem to mind except maybe one entered in the Household Pet category.

“The best part of this show was the rescue people,” said Aherns. “So many people came through the door and were going to make a donation to the rescue group. People care about cats and dogs. Trina Shaw is an amazing woman. Her team helped set up and tear down. They helped with the clerks and cleaned the cages. We donate back to the rescue so donated $300 to them. We are planning to be back at the Dixon fairgrounds on the third weekend in January next year.”