‘The pandemic gained’t cease this paw-ty’: Edmonton Cat Fest begins digital feline occasion

EDMONTON – An online festival raises funds to help local cat rescue organizations and to celebrate everything related to cats.

Edmonton International Cat Fest – Alberta’s largest feast for cats, cat culture and cat people – began on Saturday and continues on Sunday with online programming from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days.

30 different interactive online activities, speakers and educational events are planned for the two days. Some of the events include virtual cat yoga, cat food making, local rescue boards, and live kitten cameras.

To attend the cat festivals, visit the Edmonton International Cat Fest page.

Tickets are based on a pay-what-you-can model where every donation of $ 20 or more gives you access to both days of the online program.

The festival has some on-demand programs that people can enjoy for three weeks, and it has Alberta’s first and only online market for cat-themed cat products.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to three local cat rescue organizations, including Little Cats Lost, SCARS (Second Chance Animal Rescue), and the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society.

As of 2014, the Cat Festival has raised $ 117,000 to help cat rescue organizations.

“The pandemic is not going to stop that paw,” said Linda Hoang, founder of the cat festival, in an email statement.

“Over the past 14 months, cats have proven to be a source of happiness and comfort for many,” she added. “We hope that our virtual weekend event gives cat lovers a short paw and brings some paws into their day.”

On this occasion, Mayor Don Iveson proclaimed May 29, 2021 “Cat’s Day” in the city of Edmonton.

“38 percent of Canadian households have at least one feline family member, and Edmonton has more than 33,000 licensed cats registered,” the statement said.

“Cats are great companions to many and have had a positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of their humans over the past 14 months.”

In an interview with CTV News Edmonton, Hoang said this is the second time the festival has been held online.

“We used to have thousands of people packed into one room,” she said. “But this year we’re spread out from all over the world.

“With the virtual cat festival we hope that the year was a bit of a downer and rather negative. With this virtual cat festival weekend we will hopefully give people a positive break. “