CatCon 2026 Returns to Pasadena with Expanded Feline Festival
The 11th annual CatCon, the world's largest cat culture event, takes place October 10-11 at the Pasadena Convention Center, featuring adoptions, art, and interactive experiences.
CatCon 2026 marks its 11th year as the world's largest cat and pop culture event. It takes place October 10-11 at the Pasadena Convention Center, open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST. The event aims to help more than 200 adoptable kittens find forever homes during its two-day run.
Special Exhibitions and Performances
The Nostalgic Cat Art Show returns, dedicated to the late Sid Krofft. It features a collection of cat-themed ephemera from the 1950s through the 2000s. Works by artists like @BunnyDee, @NikitaChanArt, and Laura Keenados will be for sale, with a portion of proceeds going to help cats in need. Separately, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater will perform a special show on Saturday, October 10th at 4pm.
Charity, Adoption, and Community Engagement
Charity is a core focus. The Australian Firefighters are returning to raise funds for cat charities. Their annual calendar has raised over $3.5 million for various causes. A panel moderated by Gareth Reynolds will occur on Sunday, October 11th at 3pm. On-site adoptions are centered at the Paw Promise Adoption Village, sponsored by Nexgard® Combo and hosted by Pasadena Humane Society.
Interactive Experiences and Vendor Highlights
Interactive fun includes the return of PrettyLitter Poops & Hoops after an eight-year hiatus. Visitors can shoot hoops with poop-shaped stuffies and take home free cat toys. The booth will offer limited-edition tote bags, mini lint rollers, and exclusive offers. Konami will host a Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 themed booth featuring a meet-and-greet with the cat influencer One Eared Uno. Exclusive Metal Gear cat merchandise will be available only at the OKS Gear Shop during the event.
Celebricat and creator meet-and-greets are scheduled throughout the weekend. The lineup includes @NathanTheCatLady, @One_Eared_Uno, @CatNamedCalvin, @Lily_Rose_Adventures, Steven Ray Morris, Dr. Matt McGlasson, Gareth Reynolds, Von Fluffernutter, and Don’t Stop Meowing.
Nathan Kehn’s Advocacy and Personal Touch
Nathan Kehn, known online as @nathanthecatlady, is a prominent figure at the event. He is a proud cat dad to five cats: Pickles, Ginger, Annie, Theodora, and a 10-week-old kitten named Puzzle. Kehn hosts a stage event and sells signature CatLady and CatDad robes at his booth. He has stated that his initial goal was to make cat people as trending as dog people. His next aim is to make it cool to give back and help less fortunate animals.
Veterinarian Dr. Karyn Kanowski, who shares her home with five cats and four dogs, will also be present. She graduated from The University of Queensland School of Veterinary Science in 2010 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology. Attendees can visit the Paw Promise Adoption Village sponsored by Nexgard® Combo and hosted by Pasadena Humane Society to meet over 200 adoptable kittens seeking forever homes.
