Cats Are Crashing the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Since 1877, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has been the premier conformation show for canines worldwide. This year, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will feature more than just a new breed, but rather an entirely new species — cats.

The American Kennel Club announced that cats will join dogs on February 11th for a showcase to educate the public about pet ownership called Meet & Compete.

“We’re looking forward to bringing attendees a fabulous lineup of dog and cat breeds to meet while learning about responsible pet ownership and what breed is right for them,” AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo said in a press release.

Excited to announce that cats will be back at this year's @akcdoglovers Meet the Breeds. #WKCDogShow pic.twitter.com/lI7slCuWeI

— Westminster Kennel Club (@WKCDOGS) January 30, 2017

While the cats were historically part of a separate event at Westminster, this is the first time that the showcase will feature both species together. And apparently, officials with Westminster Kennel Club believe that safety will not be an issue because the species will be kept apart.

“And these are show cats, so they’re very well-behaved, well-trained,” director of communications Gail Miller Bisher told NPR’s All Things Considered. “And show dogs, who are also well-behaved, well-trained and under control at all times.”

While the showcase is likely safe, people on social media were not thrilled that cats and dogs will share the stage together at Westminster.

internet: the westminster kennel club dog show will feature cats

me: pic.twitter.com/HLmBoFFCDL

— Alex Lawson (@AlexxLawson) January 31, 2017

https://twitter.com/ThatsSoHoagie/status/826586626583384064

It truly is end times:

"This year’s official [Westminster] program will also feature — gasp! — cats…" https://t.co/Kc2CIypmec pic.twitter.com/FCTgL6teDD

— Drew Conway (@drewconway) January 31, 2017

Crazy. The 2017 Westminster Dog Show will include cats for first time in 140 years. Will they use the same restrooms?

— Air Nashville (@airnashville) February 2, 2017

Cats at the Westminster Dog Show?! What could possibly go wrong? pic.twitter.com/vBA8plEcfL

— Ivan Cabrera (@IvanCBSMiami) February 1, 2017

Generally speaking, most cats and dogs do not get along together because of a natural conflict. However, with the right training, that behavior can be altered.

Let’s hope that this year’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is free from any interspecies brawls.