The most recent show, held earlier this month, may just be the most successful to date, drawing an estimated 1,200 spectators over two days.
"Every year, I'm very nervous before the show, wondering whether people will come," Sullwold said. "Then the day after the show, I'm so excited about the turnout that I start making plans for next year. I feel that we're offering something meaningful to the community. People who come get some education what to do with their cats."
Of course, there are the presenters who just want to show off their fluffy felines. More than 50 exhibitors presented their cats to the judges. What's a cat show without a "Best in Show" cat?
But there were other aspects to the cat-a-palooza.
There were several vendors on hand, trying to hawk all their latest pet products and foods.
Renowned pet psychic Catherine Ferguson of Jersey City was there, offering guidance and advice to cat owners, by actually speaking to the cats and relaying how the cats felt and thought through her special, mystical gift.
There was a special presentation on cat grooming from respected groomer Gayle Byers that particularly intrigued Sullwold.
"It looked like a Persian cat that was difficult to groom," Sullwold said. "But Gayle woman wet the cat down, and 45 minutes later, the cat was absolutely beautiful. It was amazing."
Wondercats
The show is held with the approval of the American Association of Cat Enthusiasts and is the largest show that the AACE puts on each year.
The theme for this year's show was "Wonderland Meets Neverland," putting together two popular fairy tales, "Alice in Wonderland," and "Peter Pan," into the same show.
One of the biggest aspects to the show is the possibility for cat adoption, thanks to the efforts of two groups: the Liberty Humane Society of Jersey City, whose effort there is spearheaded by Weehawken resident Joan Doljan, and TLC Rescue of Bergen County, headed by Lisa Corcoran.
The two adoption agencies set up displays in order to have cats adopted.
"People always want little kittens to bring home," said Doljan, who used to own a pet store in Weehawken. "The adult cats don't even get a second chance. They get cast aside. They usually end up getting euthanized. But this was a marvelous success, because we had 14 adult cats adopted. It was incredible. They took our adult cats home."
Doljan said the show was "superb."
"It shows that breeders and rescue people can work together," she said. "Sometimes, they don't exactly get along. But I think we both reach a level that the life of the cat is more important."
Doljan said that she likes the setting of the smaller cat show.
"It's more intimate than Madison Square Garden," Doljan said. "The people who are interested get a chance to talk with the presenters and talk about their cats. Many people can't afford to either go to New York or show there. This is more affordable for everyone, and it really makes more sense."
What makes Doljan happier is that one of the cats that were adopted last year, named Kiko and owned by Alisa Bobinski, was the recipient of the Best Long Hair Household Pet award.
Doljan thanked Isa Santiago, her former store manager and current owner of Just For Pets in Weehawken, for her help in the adoption process. Doljan's Liberty Humane Society will continue their adoption process, both for dogs and cats, this weekend and next at the new Pet Smart location in Secaucus.
Cat races?
This year, the Cheshire Cat Club chose to honor the memory of long time household pet administrator Edward Riskey, who passed away a few weeks prior to the show.
"We made a donation in his memory to the Liberty Humane Society, and we hope to do that every year," Sullwold said.
Sullwold is already hard at work trying to come up with interesting ideas and themes for next year's show.
"I think we're going to have cat races, if that's possible," Sullwold said. "We're going to have to work on things a little more for that. But it was a great success. In terms of community, we're able to help the local animal shelters and rescue groups while still being able to show our pets. It's a great time."
Lucille Kaiser, who is the director of social services for the township of North Bergen, was on hand representing Mayor Nicholas Sacco. She presented two trophies to one rescued and one pedigree cat.
"It was a nice gesture by the town to come and make the presentation," Sullwold said.
SIDEBAR
Here's a list of the show winners:
· Best Long Hair Kitten: Mannahatta'a Skrimshaw, owner Mary Ellen Rogan; breeders Carla Maria and Gregory Sullwold
Best Short Hair Kitten: Jorene Helidac, Irene Brounstein, breeder-owner
Best Long Hair Champion: KittyCharm Infatuation of Sybil, owners Sylvia Bruckman and Linda Sauerzopf; Breeder: June-Darlene Feger
Best Short Hair Champion: Jorene Harmonyl, breeder-owner Irene Brounstein
Best Long Hair Alter: T Renn's Czarina Toten4Trouble, owner Sharyn Laterza-Pinto; breeder Pat Renninger
Best Long Hair Household Pet: Kiki, owner Alisa Bobinski; adopted last year at the show
Best Short Hair Household Pet: Chleo, owner Barbara Fellbaum
Best Household Pet Kitten: Niko, owners Courtney and Lois Classon
Spectators' Choice: Mannahatta's Skrimshaw, owner Mary Ellen Rogan; breeders Carla Maria and Gregory Sullwold
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