From stray to superstar: The Surrey cat show where ANY feline can be Britain’s next top moggy!
Move over Crufts, there’s a new competition in town, and this one says every cat, from pampered pedigree to rescued stray, deserves its moment in the spotlight.
At the Felinology International Cat Show, taking place on March 7 and 8 at Leatherhead Leisure Centre in Surrey, household moggies will strut their stuff alongside championship show cats, and yes, even a former stray could claw their way to international glory.
The inclusive event is the brainchild of Jo Bell, 54, from Crystal Palace, south London, who has been showing cats since she was just 14 years old. But Felinology is very much a family affair. Jo co-founded the organisation with her sister Emily, who works tirelessly behind the scenes to make the events happen.
“I do the front end and the public-facing bits,” Jo explains. “But I couldn’t do it without Emily. She runs the back end and keeps everything moving. We are a great team.”
Under the umbrella of The International Cat Association, TICA, household pets compete in the same friendly arena as polished pedigrees. Cats with disabilities are welcomed with open arms, and a much-loved moggy who racks up enough points can even progress to compete on an international stage.
This year’s feline celebrity in the making is a blind Ragdoll who is already turning heads for her confidence and charm, proof, says Jo, that beauty and brilliance come in all forms.
Unlike traditional shows, judging is done publicly, with owners staying by their pets’ sides throughout. Toys are brought out, stress is minimised and welfare comes first, a philosophy that has attracted sponsorship from calming brand Pet Remedy.
“It’s about celebrating cats exactly as they are,” says Jo. “The cat world can feel very English-centric and, frankly, a bit exclusive. I want to open it up to everyone across the UK, different backgrounds, different communities, different types of cats. This is for every person and every cat.”
The show is as much about education as it is rosettes. For children aged five to 18, TICA runs a special programme designed to nurture empathy and teach responsible cat care.
Over the two-day event, a dedicated Animal Academy gives young visitors the chance to learn about feline behaviour, welfare and enrichment in a hands-on, engaging way.
“We’re shaping the next generation of cat guardians,” Jo explains. “If we can inspire kindness, knowledge and confidence in children now, that has a ripple effect for years to come.”
Felinology also raises funds for small rescues, ensuring that the feel-good factor extends far beyond the show hall.
Recently, the organisation launched its “Love The Skin You’re In” initiative, a striking educational photo series created with fashion photographer Brenda Mitchel, pairing cats of all shapes, sizes and abilities with a diverse range of people. The project was set in motion by Jackie Parslow of Hairlesswhiskers Sphynx, whose wonderful kittens helped bring the powerful concept to life.
Jo’s mission is inspired by her late mum, who lived with dementia, and she saw first-hand the transformative power of feline companionship.
“Even on the hardest days, the cats gave her a reason to get out of bed,” she says. “They brought comfort, routine and connection when so much else felt uncertain.”
She added: “Felinology is a place where you can talk about cats for two days straight without anyone thinking you’re strange. What could possibly be better than that?”
Find out more at: https://www.felinology.co.uk
Find out more about Pet Remedy at: www.petremedy.co.uk