Pasadena, Calif. – The 2026 CatCon convention celebrated its 11th year this weekend, welcoming roughly 12,000 cat enthusiasts from all 50 states and 33 countries. The event, held at the Pasadena Convention Center, added a third massive hall – the same venue where “America’s Got Talent” is filmed – underscoring the convention’s rapid growth.
Record kitten adoptions highlight the weekend
While attendees enjoyed costumes, vendor booths and celebrity feline appearances, the most heart‑warming moment came at the Paw Promise Adoption Village. Sponsored by Nexgard® COMBO and the Pasadena Humane Society, the village saw a record 222 kittens find forever homes. Each adoption triggered a celebratory bell, prompting cheers from the crowd.
Convention highlights and vendor offerings
More than 200 vendors showcased a wide range of products, from luxury cat beds and AI‑powered litter boxes to cat health insurance and novelty cat apparel for people. One standout vendor, Meowpy, offered artificial Christmas trees with built‑in cat perches, a clever solution for owners who know their cats will inevitably climb the tree.
Churu, a popular cat treat brand, generously handed out free boxes of treats, while other giveaways included kitty litter, plush toys, cat food, pens, stickers and more. At $35 per ticket, organizers reported that the free merchandise alone far exceeded the cost of admission.
Organizers and leadership
CatCon’s founder, Susan Michals, a former television producer, explained that the convention was created to bring cat fans together and celebrate the human‑animal bond. “CatCon was created for cat fans the world over to come together and celebrate the human/animal bond, and this year did not disappoint!” she said.
By 2026, CatCon has attracted more than 125,000 attendees over its history, a testament to the growing popularity of pet‑centric pop‑culture events.
Celebrity cats and internet stars
The convention featured a lineup of internet‑famous felines, including One‑Eared Uno, Cat Named Calvin, Gareth Reynolds, Steven Ray Morris, Nathan the Cat Lady, and the duo Squirrel & Chipmunk. Calvin the Cat, a social‑media sensation from Austin, Texas, performed agility tricks that drew hundreds of thousands of online followers.
Calvin’s owner, Airel Hsieh, shared that she began working with the cat as a kitten. “He rides on my shoulder, in a stroller, and can sit and stand on command,” Hsieh said, noting the cat’s impressive training.
Local volunteers and community impact
Kevin McManus, a Pasadena Humane Society official, highlighted that the rescued kittens came from twelve surrounding service areas, many still feeling the effects of the Altadena fires two years earlier. McManus and his fifteen volunteers worked tirelessly over two days to match kittens with families, creating a joyous atmosphere as each bell rang.
One attendee, Melanie Staten, a public‑relations consultant, recounted that she intended to adopt from a Knoxville rescue but was overwhelmed by the sheer number of kittens available. “I was overpowered by cuteness,” she laughed.
Policy note: No pets allowed on‑site
True to tradition, CatCon maintains a strict “no cats allowed” policy for pets brought from home. Organizers explain that while attendees can wear cat costumes and discuss their pets, the venue’s environment works best when cats remain at home, avoiding potential conflicts among animals.
Overall, the convention’s blend of fan culture, vendor innovation and a record‑setting adoption effort made the 2026 CatCon a standout event for Pasadena and cat lovers nationwide.
Original reporting: Knox TN Today — read the source article.
