Cat lovers from across the Midwest are purring into southeast Iowa today for the annual Feline Festival in Burlington. Fest director Barb Adrian says she’s expecting some 300 cats to be entered in the various competitions. Adrian says one twist this pussy-cat pageant offers is that it’s for “household” cats — those that aren’t purebred “show cats.” She says everyone can be proud of their pets at this event — not just those who can afford specialty animals.Categories include best cat eyes, “what a face,” all one color, best stripes, kittens, older kitties and best fluffy tail. Adrian says the Feline Festival in Burlington is believed to be the largest cat show in the nation that’s exclusively for household cats. Some people would use the word “mutt” for a dog that isn’t purebred. Adrian says there’s a corresponding word for cats.A mogley kitty is one that’s not from a purebred blood line but that’s “wonderful none the less.” The event opens at 9 AM at Burlington’s Wickliffe Inn. For dog lovers, today’s also the opening of the A-K-C Dog Show at the North Iowa Fairgrounds in Mason City, and next weekend, it’s the Heart of Iowa Kennel Club Dog Show in Marshalltown.
