Announcing the winners of the third annual Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month Photo Contest!
In honor of Adopt-A-Shelter Cat Month this June, we asked you to catch your cat in the act—of being a cat! You know…yawning in the dog’s face, watching the faucet drip, chasing dust bunnies…whatever she does when she thinks no one’s looking. Our inbox was flooded with thousands of entries, leaving our judge, legendary musical artist Michael Feinstein, with the difficult task of selecting the best of the best. We are proud to salute the winners here.
Winners:
Thinking Inside the Box
Cheeto
Photographed by Amy Bosteder
“In this photo, Cheeto is in one of his favorite sleeping spots—a little cupboard I have in our kitchen. I don't keep anything on the bottom, and it is the perfect catnapping spot. The sun shines in through the patio door, and it's so comfortable for him.”
Contest Judge Michael Feinstein says: “How could anyone resist this adorable picture? Is anything cuter than a kitty sleeping?!”
Who’s the Boss?
Casey
Photographed by Ann M. Long
“Casey passed away earlier this year at the age of 14. This picture is of her and Gracie, one of my foster dogs who wanted to play with her. Casey loved dogs, but had to put them in their place first! She had been around dogs since she was little, so I'm not quite sure that she actually knew that she was a cat. I swear, the only thing that she couldn't do was bark.”
Contest Judge Michael Feinstein says: “This picture of Casey and Gracie is so lovely. To see these two wonderful souls who obviously love each other—what a lesson for us all!”
By the Yawn’s Early Light
Baby
Photographed by Baoqing Yu
“When the weather is good, Baby loves to hang out on our fence-enclosed balcony and to watch the activities outside.”
Contest Judge Michael Feinstein says: “As Baby awakes from a long winter nap…too cute!”
Wet Behind the Ears
Hobbs
Photographed by Carol Algarin
“As you can see from the picture, my four-year-old Turkish Van mix LOVES water!! He will jump into the shower with you! He also fetches, actually comes when called and carries around a favorite stuffed animal.”
Contest Judge Michael Feinstein says: “Who says cats hate water? Hobbs is obviously the exception that proves the rule!”
Just Ducky
Tinker
Photographed by Emily Merrick
“One day, I caught Tinkerbell, AKA Tinker, snoozing on my bed and snuggling one of my daughter's toys. He is very attached to my girls, ages 3 and 5, and follows them throughout the house.”
Contest Judge Michael Feinstein says: “It’s not every cat who sleeps with his own stuffed toy! Sounds like Tinker has a wonderful and loving home.”
Prego
Prego
Photographed by Hannah Davies
“One of Prego’s favorite things is to playfight with my other cat. When they start running, my other cat will dart full-speed ahead, then turn just in time to avoid hitting the couch, but Prego just keeps going. She never learns. Luckily she has never been hurt by this. She also likes to sit like a human! I walked into the room and there she was like this, so I grabbed my camera and snapped this picture.”
Contest Judge Michael Feinstein says: “Prego reminds me of one of my cats—Miss Kayley—who is the queen of the manor…and the light of my life!”
iCat
Simba
Photographed by Nancy Babcock
“When my computer is up and running, the top of it is warm—a perfect place to warm a cat’s underside. Simba hooks his front paws into the handle so he can’t fall off, and then proceeds with his nap, making working on the computer somewhat challenging for me...but who can disturb such a perfect picture of peace and contentment?”
Contest Judge Michael Feinstein says: “How can anyone resist a cat who is computer-literate? Can I have Simba’s email address?! Just too cute.”
Guitar Hero
Vivaldi
Photographed by Rina Deych
“One day, my son and I were in the kitchen, and we heard a guitar being plucked. I ran to my bedroom to find Vivaldi living up to his musical name!”
Contest Judge Michael Feinstein says: “How could I possibly not pick Vivaldi? A musical cat after my own heart!”
You’ve Got a Friend
Weeble
Photographed by Shelly Wilkerson
“Weeble was brought in as a stray to the animal hospital I was working at after being hit by a car. I immediately fell in love with his bubbly personality and beautiful orange coat. His front left leg was crushed from the accident and therefore, had to be removed. His recovery went well and he was soon at my house settling in. Now he’s always by my side, whether I am sitting on the couch or working on the computer. He loves to soak up the sun on the balcony, lay on my head when I go to sleep, and plop down on my books when I'm reading.”
Contest Judge Michael Feinstein says: “Weeble’s eyes look straight into my soul—and after reading his story, it’s no wonder. What a special soul.”
On Top of the World
Jasmine
Photographed by Stephanie Smith
“Jasmine loves being in high places, like the top of her climb, or on top of the bookshelf. And she often takes off running for some reason we mere humans simply cannot understand.”
Contest Judge Michael Feinstein says: “Jasmine looks just a little dangerous in this exotic photo—but when you read her story, you know it’s all just for the camera. ‘I’m ready for my close-up now, Mr. DeMille…’”
Honorable Mentions:
Photographed by Andi Foley
Photographed by Beth Bolles
Photographed by Bryan Tankersley
Photographed by Kacie Maxwell
Photographed by Karen Siatras and Jose Nunez
Photographed by Kim McCullough
Photographed by Mike Reid
Photographed by Rob Boucher