Journal & Topics Media Group

First ‘Meow Meetup’ Makes Way To Rosemont


Lauren with Cole and Marmalade, popular cats on the Internet.

An estimated 3,000 cat enthusiasts are expected to attend the first-ever Meow Meetup at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont July 21-22.

The pet project of Catnip Times owner Lauren Mieli, the event will join the plethora of cat gatherings around the country.

“It was time,” said Miele, a cat mom to Romeo, Rocket and Jady. “I wanted to do it right. The convention center is in a great location. Cat lovers can fly in, stay at a hotel and experience the venue. We’re hoping to fill up Hall D and quite a few ballrooms on the first floor.”

Pet owners can attend a number of cat-related activities such as a panel focusing on “Creating Kitty Kind Communities.”

Kitty Yoga sessions for adults will be directed by a certified yoga instructor and a cat cafe will be set up. Both have limited seating sessions. An adoption lounge will introduce Almost Home Foundation cats looking for forever homes, while the International Cat Association will present cat agility competitions.

A Feline Film Festival is planned and Instagram celebrities will make special appearances. Chris Poole, cat dad of Cole and Marmalade, will host the film fest featuring cat videos.

Children under 17 are not allowed in the cat areas without an adult. Attendees will not be able to bring their own cats to the event.

Here’s the schedule of events:

10 to 11 a.m. – Steve Dale Keynote in the Auditorium, “Why Cats are the Rodney Dangerfield of Pets”. Steve Dale, certified animal behavior consultant, has reached more pet owners over the past few decades than any other pet journalist in America. He is the host of two nationally syndicated radio shows.

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Dr. Melissa Bain, Debunking “Revenge” Kitty Behavior.

1 to 2 p.m. – Dr. Melissa Bain, “The Importance and Benefits of Catifying Your Home.” Learn real-world strategies for bringing a cat’s indoor environment to life.

2:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Panel, “Creating Kitty Kind Communities: Responding to Animal Abuse.”

Hear from the people on the front lines of fighting animal abuse.

Sunday

10 a.m. – Becky Robinson, Founder, Alley Cat Allies (alleycat.org)

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m .– Dr. Currigan & Dr. Thompson, “Kitty Fitness: Health & Weight Strategies to Start Today.”

1:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Dr. Currigan & Dr. Thompson, “Bad Kitty or Sick Kitty? Medical Issues That Could Masquerade as Behavioral Issues.”

3 to 4 p.m. – Dr. Currigan & Dr. Thompson, “The Other Family Doctor: Finding Your Purrfect Partner in Pet Care.”

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