Elvis to shake up the cat walk at the 2006 Westchester Cat Show

Elvis cat imitator appears this weekend in White Plains White Plains —“Elvis will be in the building” at the 31st Annual Westchester Cat Show, to be held at the County Center in White Plains, on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 18-19. Elvis, the cat, that is. This very large, very gorgeous Savannah will model a replica of the real Elvis’ signature white satin outfit, highlighting the first ever “Meow Wear” Feline Fashion Show. Designer Carla Reiss’ creations range from practical to extravagant and from lounge wear to evening wear, and it should be entertaining to see how her feline fashion models take to the cat walk. No cat calls from the audience, please. Patrons can even be the first in their neighborhood to own one of these cat couture creations. The cats will model at 1:30 p.m. each day. Another special guest at this year’s Westchester Cat Show will be the “2006 Cat of the Year.” In keeping with tradition, show organizers will once again crown a feline who has set itself apart from the pack. Matilda is that special cat. As the “first feline” of the historic and elegant Algonquin Hotel in New York City, she gives new meaning to the phrase “working girl.” Matilda is quite the hard-working cat, greeting guests in the hotel lobby 24/7. The latest in a line of resident greeter cats dating back to the 1930’s, she has held her post for the past nine years. Matilda has become a popular fixture in the lobby and her purr has charmed many of the hotel’s illustrious guests. But it is her altruistic side that has earned her the prestigious “Cat of the Year” title. Matilda has raised thousands of dollars for her less fortunate fellow felines by throwing herself birthday parties that benefit animal shelters and encourage pet adoptions. Befitting a cat of her stature, Matilda, and her entourage, will be arriving at the County Center by limousine around 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18. The “Cat of the Year Presentation” will be take place on the main stage at 3 p.m. on Saturday. The mainstay of the Westchester Cat Show is the competition, showcasing 250 championship cats throughout the weekend, all seeking to become the “Best of the Best”. Thirty breeds are set to go head-to-head, including Abyssinians, Bengals, Persians, Ragdolls, Hairless, and Savannahs. And, of course, everyone’s favorite Savannah, Spanky, will be a special guest. A new feature this year is the “Junior Exhibitor Competition”, where juniors are judged for their skill in handling a cat and their knowledge of breed standards, grooming techniques and show rules. Returning favorite features include the Meow Marketplace, Face Painting, Ask The Vet, Shelter Cat Birthday Bash, where children get to sing happy birthday and give toys and goodies to the shelter cats who are at the show seeking adoption, the popular Household Pet Competition (pre-registration required), and purebred cats and kittens available for sale. Guest speakers will talk about various topics, like Royal Canin’s nutrition programs, TTouch (a gentle, effective method of behavior training), and Pet Trusts (how to insure for your animals protection and caring after you are gone). The Westchester Cat Show is presented by the Non Profit Westchester Feline Club which donates proceeds from the show to local animal shelters and rescue groups. Tickets sold at the door: Adults $11, Seniors $9, Children (6-12), $5. The first 2,000 patrons entering the show each day will receive a FREE gift courtesy of Hartz Mountain. The County Center can be reached via the Westchester Bee Line Bus System and is within walking distance from Metro-North RR, White Plains Station. For driving directions, call the Westchester County Center at 914-995-4050. For all other information, call 914-739-5408 or e-mail l.masson@verizon.net. Also, visit the Westchester Cat Show at www.westchester-feline.org.