Everything you need to know about the 2019 Cat Lovers Show Melbourne
Feline fanfare returns to Melbourne when the second annual Cat Lovers Show rolls into town — and it’s bigger and better this year.
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Australia’s ultimate feline festival is returning to Melbourne and cat lovers have a lot to be excited about, with this year’s event to be 70 per cent bigger than last year.
“Due to the overwhelming public response we received in our inaugural year, we are committed to presenting a larger and more exciting show this year,” said CEO and founder Jason Humphris.
“It will truly be the ultimate day out for any cat lover. The show offers a plethora of opportunities to meet, interact and learn about wonderful felines and what makes them tick,” he said.
Here’s our guide to everything you need to know about 2019 Cat Lovers Show Melbourne:
2019 CAT LOVERS SHOW MELBOURNE DATE AND TIMES
This year’s Cat Lovers Show runs from Saturday November 30, until Sunday, December 1, open from 9am to 5pm both days.
WHERE IS THE 2019 CAT LOVERS SHOW MELBOURNE?
The 2019 Cat Lovers Show returns to the Royal Exhibition Building (9 Nicholson Street, Carlton Gardens).
Located next to Melbourne Museum and easily accessible by car, bike, bus, train and tram, the venue is easy to reach.
However, it’s important to note that visitors can only access the Cat Lovers Show Meloburne via the Nicholson Street entry of the Royal Exhibition Building.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS OF 2019 CAT LOVERS SHOW MELBOURNE
This year’s Cat Lovers Show boasts a series of unique feature zones and attractions designed to educate, inspire and connect visitors with fellow cat lovers.
EXPERT CAT ADVICE:
The Royal Canin Stage will host Australia’s most renowned vets and animal experts, including Dr Chris Brown, Dr Katrina Warren, Kelly Gill, Rose Horton and new Bondi Vet, Dr Danni Dusek.
The experts will be on hand to offer free educational talks on cat health, understanding different breeds and advice when it comes to cat behaviour and training.
For appearance times, refer to the stage timetable.
CAT TRICKS:
Famed cat trainer Catmantoo and his equally famous superstar felines, Didja and newcomer Bindi, are set to make an appearance at Black Hawk Stage.
The world-record holding trio will present a new series of jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring skateboard tricks that can’t be missed.
The Black Hawk Stage will also play host to animal scientist, zoo keeper and veterinary nurse, Rose Horton in addition to Kelly Gill and TV star ginger cat “Tigger”, as they collectively educate, entertain and demystify cats, with talent Brodie Young on MC duties.
For appearance times, refer to the timetable.
KITTY COSPLAY:
The Kitty Cosplay CATwalk Fashion Purrade returns this year. taking place at 12.30pm daily on the Black Hawk Stage.
Visitors are encouraged to participate in the all-ages event, however they need to register their entries by Wednesday, November 20.
Finalists will be selected each day and the winning costume will be decided by the audience and stage MC Lisa Fremder.
Please note there are a limited number of spaces available.
DR CHRIS BROWN Q&A:
Celebrity vet Dr Chris Brown will offer an exclusive Q&A session at 12.30pm daily for 10 lucky feline fanatics, followed by a meet and greet.
To go into the running for the exclusive experience, you and a friend can submit your name and question via this form. Entries close 18 November.
TROUBLE AND TRIX SHOWCASE:
Education is an important feature at the 2019 Cat Lovers Show.
Visitors will get the rare chance to interact with more than 30 different Victorian breed groups, which also include rare, pedigree and companion breeds, as part of the hugely expanded Trouble & Trix Breed Showcase.
“Our team has worked closely with all the leading cat associations and is excited to announce that the Trouble and Trix Breed Showcase has tripled in size, the popular Pat-A-Cat zone has doubled in size and we will be presenting over three times as many cats at the 2019 Show,” Mr Humphris said.
PAT A CAT:
For those who simply appreciate the art of a cat snuggle, cuddle or pat, make a beeline to the Pat-A-Cat area on the Gallery Level.
Expected to be one of the most popular attractions, the petting zone has doubled in size this year.
Eight stations open from 10am until 4pm daily, with 24 visitors at a time given 10 minutes to meet, pat and cuddle the cats.
PETSTOCK ASSIST ADOPTION ZONE AND STAGE:
Every cat deserves a loving, well-suited family and the PETstock Assist Adoption Zone provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the process of cat adoption. Expanding on last year, there will be over 25 different rescue groups interlinked across two zones on the ground and gallery levels.
As well as educating visitors about adopting a cat, the PETstock Assist Adoption Stage will feature interactive presentations, with popular presenter Lara Shannon slated as the MC.
For information about session times, check out the stage timetable.
PURRFECT MATCH:
If you’re keen to get a cat, but are stuck on which breed, this unique informational display is a must-visit. Purrfect Match teaches visitors about more than 50 rare, common and exotic cat breeds, including behavioural traits, indoor/outdoor suitability, energy levels, weight, maintenance, medical predispositions, coat length and colours.
CATIOS:
Controlled outdoor living is an increasingly popular option for cat owners. Otherwise know as catios (cat patios), they allow cats to appreciate the outdoors while being protected.
This year will see Melbourne’s leading catio manufacturers showing at the Cat Lovers Show, inspiring visitors.
ASK A BREEDER:
A new addition at this year’s show, Ask A Breeder connects cat lovers with experts. Visitors can hear from registered breeders and experts on specific breeds of cat, with animal rescue advocate Alex Hecker hosting the stage. Check out the stage timetable.
ASK AN EXPERT
Got a cat-related question and need some advice? Cat Lovers Show Melbourne visitors can book a free 10-minute consultation at the Ask An Expert Zone, where qualified vets, groomers and behaviourists will be on hand from 9am-5pm daily to answer your questions.
KITTY-KIDS ZONE:
The Cat Lovers Show Melbourne is a family-friendly event.
Kids will love the Get Catty! Kitty-Kids Zone, which is open 9am-5pm daily.
Kids can enjoy the free feline face painting, take a snap while striking a pose on the photo wall and enjoy a a variety of cat-themed arts and crafts.
PAWS AND PROSECCO PARLOURS:
Enjoy a glass of bubbly while being pampered by top nail technicians, including Clara H Nails, who is the go-to nail artist for Serena Williams and Katy Perry.
FOOD AND DRINK AT THE 2019 CAT LOVERS SHOW MELBOURNE
An array of food and beverages will be available at this year’s Cat Lovers Show Melbourne, including more cafes and a new outdoor food truck area.
Among the confirmed vans will be the main cafe, Prosecco Van, The Lucky Cat, 400 Gradi, Wrap Roll It Vietnamese, 196 Below, Twisted Fisherman, St Gerry’s and Pasta Face.
HOW TO GET TO THE 2019 CAT LOVERS SHOW MELBOURNE
The Royal Exhibition Building is easily accessible by public transport or car.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
- Tram route 86 or route 96, getting off at the corner of Nicholson and Gertrude Streets.
- Free City Circle Tram, getting off at Victoria Parade
- Take the City Loop, getting off at Parliament train station
- Bus routes 250, 251 and 402, getting off at Rathdowne Street.
- For regional visitors, check the V/Line timetable for relevant train services.
- For additional services, check out PTV’s Journey Planner
PARKING
For those planning to drive, the event has car park access, which is located under the neighbouring Melbourne Museum.
The weekend rate will apply, which is a flat rate of $18 daily and is reduced if you’re a member of the Melbourne Museum.
There’s additional car parks nearby, such as the Wilson Car Park on 90 Victoria Parade, which has a weekend flat rate of $5 daily.
Wilson Parking on 410 Albert Street has a weekend flat rate of $9 daily.
Wilson Parking on 222 Russell Street has a weekend flat rate of $12 daily.
Securing Parking on 59 Londsale Street will offer Cat Lovers Show customers a discounted $10 weekend rate. Pre-booking is now available.
Additional carparking facilities in the area:
- Secure Parking – Australian Catholic University (ACU), 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy
- Secure Parking – 59 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
- JM Carparks – 148 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
- Wilson Parking – 150 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
- Wilson Parking – 222 Russell St, Melbourne
- Secure Parking – Southern Cross Tower, 121 Exhibition St, Melbourne
- Eastern Precinct Car Park – 379 Cardigan St, Carlton
- Greenco Parking – 23 Victoria St, Melbourne
- CBDpark – 58 Franklin St, Melbourne
There’s also an ample amount of bike racks on site in addition to disabled parking available on P2 in the undercover Melbourne Museum car park, with wheelchair access to the venue.