Achi news desk-
Edmonton’s purrfect cat-lovers’ poop festival returns for another year of supporting felines in need.
The Edmonton International Cat Festival, believed to be Alberta’s largest cat festival and the longest running in Canada, will hold its 10th anniversary celebration Saturday at downtown MacEwan University.
Festival organizer Amanda McCloy said thousands of people were expected to attend this year’s event.
“It’s for anyone who loves cats and would love to get out and be around other people who love cats,” she said.
“When we started, we had a few hundred people coming out. This year, we expect to have over 3,000 people.”
Since 2014, the festival has raised $146,000 to help stray cats find forever fur homes and control the feral cat population.
This year’s proceeds will go to Community Cats Edmonton, Enoch Animal Services and Greater Edmonton Animal Rescue Society (GEARS).
McCloy said the festival is important because there aren’t many social events specifically for feline friends.
“There are lots of social activities you can do if you love dogs – but as cat people, we only had cat videos and no community to participate in,” she said.
“So (our) cat festival was the first in Canada and the longest.”
One of the main sponsors of the event is Cheery Cat Co., a specialty cat store that opened in Edmonton in 2023, which provided funds for famous cats to come to town.
Owner Angela Wong said her company also partners with Community Cats Edmonton to provide homes for stray cats.
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“Since opening in August, we’ve adopted 43 kittens,” she said.
“It’s something we’re very proud of and we’re happy to partner with cat fest this year to continue to increase that adoption rate.”
Along with various events from feline first aid to crafting with cat hair, McCloy said attendees will also get to meet several cats who are famous on social media: One Eared Uno, BenBen and Great Grams of Gary.
The three famous cats have amassed a huge online following.
James Eastham, social media manager for Gary’s Great Grams and Gary’s owner, said he and his cat who live in Canmore have been attending the festival for five years.
He said it was a grand celebration of the cat community in Alberta.
“It’s always nice to meet other cat lovers and meet some curious fans, and it’s great that it’s giving back to the community as well,” Eastham said.
Eastham said his partner adopted Gary from the Calgary Humane Society five years ago. Much like his partner’s dog at the time, Gary is also missing his left hip.
It was fate, he said.
Since then, Eastham has taught Gary to walk with a harness, allowing him to hike, pedal and even ski across Alberta and British Columbia.
“We’ve been quite a few places together,” Eastham said.
McCloy said she is looking forward to what she calls an “amazing” event.
Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. The event takes place between 10am and 5pm
& copy 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
