Cat festival connects people to furry friends

Timmy, a cat with cerebral hypoplasia, is seen at the Edmonton International Cat Festival on May 31, 2026. (Miriam Valdes-Carletti/CTV News Edmonton)

Sunday wrapped up Edmonton’s International Cat Festival that sees prospective pet owners connect with cats.

The near month-long event also hosted various cat-themed activities from workshops to cat yoga.

The Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS), was at the festival’s finale spreading awareness about their work.

“SCARS is here at this cat festival to showcase some of the kittens and animals that we have in our care, to explain to people just what we do, and to explain to people where some of the money and the funds that were being raised, they go towards,” said foster home supervisor Laurie Gauvin.

SCARS had several kittens up for adoption, one of which has a neurological condition called cerebral hypoplasia.

“We were told it may never be adopted,” said Gauvin.

But one woman, whose cat recently died, was ready to scoop up the tiny orange kitten and take him home.

“I’m an advocate for cats with cerebral hypoplasia,” said volunteer Cheryl Moisey. “They’re hard to adopt ... (but) they are the easiest cat in the world to take care of.”

This is Moisey’s fourth cat with the condition.

“They’re the most beautiful things in the world ... he’s my little guy.”

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Miriam Valdes-Carletti