Kitty Academy
Step into the world of cats with Kitty Academy—a space designed to spark curiosity and inspire young minds. Kids can explore how cats think, learn about different breeds, and discover what it takes to care for their feline friends. With interactive displays and bite-sized lessons, it’s the purr-fect mix of fun and education.
| Time | Leader | Session |
|---|---|---|
| 10.30-11.15 | Veronica Knight | How to Safely Carry and Play with Your Cat |
| 11.30-12.15 | Feline Sublime | Arts & Crafts: Cat Mask Making |
| 12.30-1.15 | Veronica Knight | Feline Structure Explained |
| 1.30-2.15 | TICA Junior Exhibitors | Meet the Junior Stars of Cat Shows |
| 2.30-3.15 | Feline Sublime | Arts & Crafts: Partake in the Collaborative Cat Mural |
| 4.00-4.45 | Craig Dryden | Become a Cat Judge |
TICA Juniors
Discover the future leaders of the feline world with The International Cat Association’s Junior Exhibitor Program. Do you want to find a fun hobby for your child where they can develop leadership and presentation skills? The Junior Exhibitor Program helps build confidence and self esteem while making new friends within the feline community. To find out more about TICA Juniors you can email them on ewjuniorexhibitors@gmail.com.
Veronica Knight
Veronica will be hosting sessions in Kitty Academy. She entered the Cat Fancy in 2003 with her first cat, a Devon Rex, and later went to work with the Cape Town Cat Fancy and joined the Western Cape Cat Club Committee. Veronica successfully showed Devon Rex and Singapura cats at regional and national levels over her years. Qualifying as a SACC All-Breeds Judge in 2016, appointed the chairperson of the SACC Cape Panel of Cat Judges and held these positions up until she emigrated to the UK in 2019. Veronica was invited as to guest judge in 2020 for GCCF until 2022. She became an Approved Speciality Judge in 2022 for TICA. She has since judged in the UK and Europe (including Austria, Holland, Denmark, France and Malta). In April 2024 she became a Provisional All Breed Judge for TICA, a working member for Mad about the Curl (Cat Club) and involved in the UK junior exhibitor’s programme.
Craig Dryden
Craig has been part of the cat fancy since childhood, attending his first show at just 10 years old. Over the years, his interest grew into a deep commitment to the welfare and development of pedigree cats. He began breeding Siamese and Oriental Shorthairs in 2000, focusing on health, temperament, and breed integrity. In 2008, Craig qualified as a GCCF judge and now officiates across Sections 1, 2, 3, and 6. His judging is informed by decades of hands-on experience and a genuine respect for the breeds and their standards. Known for his thoughtful approach and attention to detail, Craig continues to be an active and respected figure in the cat show community.
