Listen up right meow: POP Cats, the first cat convention of its kind in Texas, is rolling into Austin for two days in August, celebrating felines with an immersive convention featuring art, entertainment, shopping, speakers and cats. So many cats.
The convention, which takes place on August 25 and 25 at the Palmer Events Center, was created by siblings Edgar Alexander and Johana Flores as a way to get cat lovers together to celebrate the adorable (ok, and sometimes moody, stand-offish and crafty) creatures. POP Cats debuted in Miami last year, and this year is offering a similar schedule of events, which also includes an adoption area from the Austin Humane Society. You can, of course, bring your own feline for playtime on a custom-designed playground, although there are some rules: cats must be up-to-date on all vaccinations (and owners must bring proof), only one cat per group is allowed, and they must be kept in a crate or on a harness. Dogs are not allowed.
“From the moment you arrive, Austinites warm your heart with genuine kindness," says Alexander. "The city’s creative spirit is evident in the beautiful public art around town, and being home to long-standing no-kill animal shelters is proof that its residents are also passionate about pets." Aw, shucks, you're too kind.
Early bird tickets are on sale for $15 until March 31 (children are only $7.50). Find out more about the convention here.