Linda Hoang says it is “puuur-ty unbelievable.” The founder of the Edmonton Cat Festival, celebrated annually since 2014, is leading a virtual weekend for this year’s celebration, May 28 and 29.
“There have been some challenges since moving online,” says Hoang. “We lost a bit of the buzz and excitement of seeing 500 cat-loving people in one room, but with online we can include more guests and cats all over the world. Some of them are celebrity-like. It truly is amazing.”
While every cat owner needs a workshop on how to take cute pictures for their cats, Hoang and her team understand that people are also eager to learn more about cat behaviour research, food science and rescue.
“We’ll have animal behaviourists answering questions. A certified feline groomer sharing experience. A chef will teach us how to make nutritious homemade cat food. And we’ll be meeting a local cat who spent seven weeks lost in Jasper National Park — but eventually was reunited with its parents.”
A true cat lover cares about not one cat but all. All proceeds from the virtual festival goes to local cat rescues. Since 2014, the festival has raised $126,000 .
Grab the cat lover closest to you and share an “amoewzing” weekend together at the Edmonton Cat Festival. And don’t forget to check out the cute cat-themed merchandise at the virtual vendor marketplace.
