International Cat Show coming to fairgrounds Sept. 20-21

COEUR d'ALENE — It doesn't get much fancier than this. 

From Persians and Maine Coons to ragdolls and Bengals, more than 120 fancy felines will be on the prowl for awards from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 20-21 during the inaugural International Cat Show at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, hosted by the Kootenai Katz Club.

"We have cats coming from all over the world," Kootenai Kats Club President Julie Laney said Thursday. "Everything from naked cats to longhairs. They are so different in their temperaments between the breeds."

The event will be a celebration of the 2024-25 show year with The International Cat Show and Banquet taking place that Saturday evening. This is the first time the show has taken place in North Idaho; many International Cat Association events happen in western Washington.

While dog shows include physical tests and other fluff, Laney said this event is all about showcasing those fine felines.

"It's not about the agility and walking through a course," she said. "It's more like a beauty pageant. You see the judges handling the cats and the cats scratching on the posts."

The newly formed Kootenai Kats Club, which produces shows, helps rescue animals and builds community around cat appreciation, is headquartered in Coeur d'Alene.

Vice President Marjorie LaMar said it's about time a cat show comes to North Idaho. She will be showing her Persian cat Huckleberry.

"She's blue and white, it's called 'low white,'" LaMar said. "She doesn't have the flashy blaze on top of her face. But she's got a body on her, so I'm hoping to win at least one ring."

Judges will evaluate beauty and temperament in classes including kittens, household pets and champions.

LaMar has competitively shown Persians since 2019, but her relationship with these flat-faced furry friends began when she was young.

“Growing up, I had a really hard life," she said. "Somebody, out of the kindness of their heart, gave me a beautiful white Persian."

She'd had cats before, but this Persian's purr-sonality was something she'd never experienced.

"She was more like having a puppy than having a cat," LaMar said. "She’d go everywhere with me. She understood everything I said. Then I got another one and the same thing happened. I will never own another kind of cat. It amazes me how sweet and beautiful they are."

Last year, LaMar had the second-best Persian internationally.

"His name is Lifetime Achievement International Winner Supreme Grand Champion LaMar’s Duke of My Wish," she said. "And lifetime achievement is the highest honor you can get."

Kids are encouraged to bring their favorite plush stuffed cats to the show to share with judges and win prizes. Youth are also invited to participate as stewards and help clean cages between showings.

Email LaMar at [email protected] for details.

The show will in the Jacklin Building. Admission will be $10 for adults, $8 for seniors/veterans/students, $25 for a family of four and free for kids under 5.

The Kootenai County Fairgrounds are at 4056 N. Government Way.

Info: [email protected] or facebook.com/kootenaikats

    Lifetime Achievement International Winner Supreme Grand Champion LaMar’s Duke of My Wish was named the second-best Persian internationally in 2024 when owned by Marjorie LaMar, vice president of the Kootenai Kats Club. The club is hosting the International Cat Show in Coeur d'Alene at the fairgrounds Sept. 20-21.
  

    Kootenai Kats Club Vice President Marjorie LaMar is pictured with one of her new baby Persians. Persians will be among the breeds to admire next weekend during the Interntaional Cat Show.