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Cat lovers convention coming to Akaroa

Monday 1 April 2013, 3:17AM

By enthuse

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Design for Black Cat Cruises cruise ship
Design for Black Cat Cruises cruise ship Credit: Black Cat Cruises
Black Cat customer services staff member Jodie Oliver gets up close and personal with a black cat
Black Cat customer services staff member Jodie Oliver gets up close and personal with a black cat Credit: Black Cat Cruises

CANTERBURY

Cat Lovers from around the world will descend on Akaroa in April next year to attend the International Cat Lovers Convention sponsored by leading New Zealand tourism operator Black Cat Cruises.

Close to 500 cat lovers are also expected to bring with them cats of all shapes and sizes. The four day convention features a range of seminars and key note speeches from leading world authorities on nutritional and training advice through to cat yoga and cat physio.  

“This is a serious business for people who love cats,” Black Cat Cruises Managing Director Paul Bingham said. “Delegates are from around the world - from the Friskies & Cat Fanciers' Association in the US to the Best on Show folks in the UK. The convention is about all things cats related, so was natural fit for sponsorship by Black Cat Cruises.”

Last year’s convention was in Reno Nevada, injecting thousands of dollars into the local community. It was predominately attended by females and Bingham said Black Cat Cruises was intending hosting delegates on a small cruise ship it is chartering for the 2013 and 2014 winters.

“During the Rugby World Cup we started to think about chartering a small cruise ship to use as accommodation in Akaroa. We now have the perfect ship lined up and it will be painted in black in time for this winter. It will work really well to look after the Cat Lovers Convention delegates and their cats next year as accommodation was a challenge when pitching for the event.”

Bingham said they will shortly be printing a catalogue calling for delegate registrations in various categories. “We expect lots of interest in the catwalk competition. It really will be a unique convention and will be a great boost for the town and region.” 

“Cat lovers are extremely dedicated to their hobby with many spending quite some time travelling to various cat shows and conventions throughout the world. To have their major annual convention in not only New Zealand, but in Akaroa, is a fantastic opportunity. 


The convention will be held between April 1 and 4 next year.