This former homeless cat has turned into a lap-of-luxury cat, and he doesn't mind a bit. Credit: Cathy Salustri

This former homeless cat has turned into a lap-of-luxury cat, and he doesn’t mind a bit. Credit: Cathy Salustri
It may seem like cats get the short end of the rescue stick in Tampa Bay, and while that's not exactly true — area rescues like Friends of Strays, Pet Pal Animal Shelter, and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay work around the clock to find homes and love for homeless kitties — it can feel a little dog-centric around here. 

But now cat lovers have a fest all their own: St. Francis Society Animal Rescue has organized Kitty Con: A Fan Convention for People Crazy About Cats. The all-day event features, of course, adoptable cats in the adoption ballroom, but they'll also have guest speakers. Laura Lassiter (aka the Animal Communicator), Chris Poole (Cole and Marmalade) and Cameron Moore (Million Cat Shelter Project) will all speak. For cat lovers, this Tampa cat conference looks to be the event of the season.

“Since there are so few events to benefit cat rescue, St. Francis Society, the largest all volunteer animal rescue in the area, is proud to take the lead in producing KittyCon Tampa Bay,” said Kathy Walvoord, President and Cat Care Coordinator of St. Francis Society Animal Rescue. “The proceeds will allow us to continue the lifesaving work we do for the neonatals, the sick, injured and homeless cats in the community.” 

Other events include an auction, a kitty cosplay contest, Meow Ween costume contest, product giveaways, information panels and the Vegan Cat Cafe.

There's also a VIP ticket available that gets you access to the Black Cat Hospitality Room, where — among other things — you can indulge your hedonistic side (in true cat fashion) with food and drink from local restaurants.

Kitty Con | Holiday Inn Westshore, 700 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa | Oct. 27, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | $20; $25, door. $100 VIP | kittycontampabay.org

This article appears in Aug 23-30, 2018.

Cathy's portfolio includes pieces for Visit Florida, USA Today and regional and local press. In 2016, UPF published Backroads of Paradise, her travel narrative about retracing the WPA-era Florida driving...