DIXON, CA (MPG) - Did I hear a “meow” from that suitcase? Ditch the ‘cat lady’ image of an older, white-haired woman feeding a dozen kitties from her back porch and replace it with a jet setter with stylish coiffure and pretty dress rolling a beautiful case of two felines through the airport.

While tradition may reign in the feline competition world, the clientele is showing up suave"'and attracting new competitors, too. You can see for yourself at the upcoming All Breed Cat Show, Jan. 22, at the Dixon May Fair starting at 9 am. It is the first time in about a dozen years that they’ve held one in Dixon but with success, they hope to bring it to Dixon annually as they are affiliated with the Cat Fanciers Association which has the largest registry of cats in the world.

“Like any show we produce, people that breed and exhibit become this family. We know each other and we’re very social and it’s a chance to get together,” said Linda Aherns who breeds oriental shorthairs and has been involved with cat shows for 30 years. “To have our cats judged to make sure that we are breeding to the standards, also gives us a chance to meet people who are interested in the breed,” she added.

Ahearns reports she’s enjoyed being involved but is in “pre-retirement” with her cats now and is happy to make room for the ‘fresh energy’ that comes with Heidi Murphy, an energetic blonde who flies around the country to 30 different shows a year with her Persian pets. The women are working together to bring felines from near and far to the event and have a goal of 225 cats in various breeds. The deadline for entries is one week before the show.

To enter one cat, the fee is $100 but it is less if you enter more than one. There are 42 breeds eligible to compete in the Championship, Premiership, Kitten and Veteran Classes.

There is even a category for the “Household Pet.” You can show your wonderful kitty if it is spayed or neutered and not declawed. Your cat can compete with other household pets and earn ribbons, rosettes, and titles awarded by the judges.

It can be a busy environment with exhibitors preoccupied with listening for their cat’s number to be called to a ring, grooming their cat, or taking an opportunity to speak with other exhibitors. Nonetheless, the majority of cat owners will be delighted to speak with folks and answer questions about their breeds.

For example, did you know that the Bengal breed has a short hair coat with a pattern similar to a leopard, and his personality is curious and athletic but a Ragamuffin is docile and quiet? It is also fluffy and loves people.

“There are reasons for breeds. People like the way a cat looks, and a breed has a personality. For example, the Cheshire cat in Alice in Wonderland is a cat that just lays around,” said Ahearns. “When people are looking for a pedigreed cat, they are looking for a lot of different things and if they’re matched up right"'breeder and buyer"'that’s wonderful.”

But even if you’re not into a specific breed, there will be Solano Kitten Network Rescue organization on site if one is interested in adopting a kitten.

For more information, contact Linda Aherns via email at [email protected].