BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – If you want to do something fun this weekend – but want to stay inside because of the cold weather – there might be a fun event with fluffy friends for you.
The Vermont Cat Show in Burlington is happening on Saturday and Sunday starting at 10:30 a.m.
The Double Tree Hotel on Williston Road is normally filled with just people, but this weekend feline lovers got a wonderful surprise.
“I love cats, I have a cat, I just really wanted to see different kinds of them, and they make me so happy,” Burlington resident Lillian Spalla said.
“I have never been to a show like this before and so it’s definitely interesting seeing them all around here and seeing all the awards,” Burlington resident Logan White said.
Fancy Felines hosted the show, featuring 45 different breeds of cats and kittens. Tracy Roberts drove from new Hampshire to soak up the animal love.
“Chip and I’ve been doing pretty well. We have gone all through the country. Chip is one of the top cats at the moment,” New Hampshire resident Tracy Roberts said.
Some came from neighboring states — and others journeyed internationally.
“I’m here with another girl from France, a friend of mine, and it’s a tradition for us to travel here for this show to reunite with this friend from here,” visitor from France Olivier Grin said.
Some say their cat emotionally supports them.
“It’s important for people to have a companion whether it’s a dog or a cat, but it’s so nice to have something to care for other than yourself. And she just hangs out on my lap. It’s just so therapeutic to have her hanging out with me and she’s just such a sweetheart,” New Hampshire resident Bonnie Campbell said.
Judges determine the winners by the qualities of their breed and personalities. Those looking to take a new friend home had the option to adopt. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $7 for 5 – 15-year-olds and seniors, and kids under 5 are free. Organizers say hundreds of visitors came out to the cat show and there are 149 participants.