There Will Be Cats At The Westminster Dog Show

It's not good writing to be hyperbolic, but I strongly believe that there is nothing better than dogs — not chocolate, not true love (unless with a dog), not even little babies. Nothing, that is, except cats. And in good news for both cat and dog lovers, The New York Times reports that the Westminster Kennel Dog Show announced on January 30 the addition of three new dog breeds to the competition and a program for cats. If you had to wipe a tear from your eye upon reading those words, don't be embarrassed. It's perfectly natural to get emotional that cats are finally getting the just due they deserve. No doubt, cats are man's — and woman's — best friend too.

The dog show will take place in New York City's Madison Square Garden and run February 11, 12, and 14. The NYT estimates there will be more than 2,800 dogs competing in agility, obedience, and individual breed competitions. But you know what the best part is? Cats. Am I right, or am I right?

According to Gail Miller Bisher, the spokesperson for the 140-year-old competition, there has been a "meet-the-breeds" portion of the event held separately in the past, but this will be the first time cats AKA man and woman's other best friends, are part of the official program.

This cat information is quite stimulating, as cats often are, but we really can't forget the other adorable news about the show which is the three new breeds getting added to the competition — the American Hairless Terrier (oooh), the Sloughi (ahhh), and the Pumi (ohhhhh). They aren't cats, but they are still something I'd be down to grant an affectionate head pat.

The American Hairless Terrier is described by Bisher as "curious and active," which if you're a fan of the terrier genre of dog is something with which you are very familiar. It's also hypoallergenic which is those of us with allergies to pet dander can really get behind. However, I'd like to point out there are also hypoallergenic cats. They look a little scary, but maybe that's your thing. I don't know.

Meanwhile, the Sloughi was bred in North Africa as a hunting dog and is described as "aloof". I don't mean to take away from this fascinating breed, but if you're going to get an aloof hunter, might as well get something that hunts the vermin wreaking havoc in your apartment and doesn't require that much food — as opposed to something who will want to take down every squirrel it sees on a walk.

The final breed, the Pumi, is an ancient Hungarian herding dog which Bisher describes as, "very interested in pleasing their owner and a quick learner." You know what other animals have ancient roots? That's right, cats. Felines were all over Egypt, not as workers, but as sacred agents of the divine.

Kudos to the Westminster Kennel Dog Show for instituting the very real truth that the only thing on an equal playing field as a dog is a cat.