AKC's Fifth Annual Meet the Breeds: What to Expect - Vetstreet

This weekend, New York City is all about pets, as more than 200 dog and cat breeds descend on the Javits Center for the fifth annual Meet the Breeds event hosted by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and The International Cat Association (TICA).

Attendees of the show will not only get to learn about their favorite breeds, they’ll also have the opportunity to witness a cat fashion show, watch U.S. Customs and Border Protection dogs in action, see dogs perform agility and meet Denali, a Spinone Italiano who provided comfort to victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Of course, the main attractions are the dogs and cats — and they put on quite a show. Many of the breeds have themed booths at the event to represent their unique traits and history.

Last year, the Newfoundlands wore raincoats aboard the S.S. Neverland to honor the breed’s love of water and its seafaring past, while the Cairn Terriers re-created a scene from The Wizard of Oz (which, of course, featured a Cairn in the role of Toto). Another highlight was the Mastiff booth, which was decorated like a medieval castle to represent the breed's guarding origins.

Vetstreet staff will be attending Meet the Breeds, so come back on Monday for our coverage of the event. In the meantime, check out our photo gallery of the 2011 Meet the Breeds cat fashion show and tell us which feline fashionista is your favorite.

Cat Chic

America's most fashionable felines worked the runway at the third annual AKC Meet the Breeds event at the Javits Center in New York City. The unusual (yet chic) event was sponsored by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and The International Cat Association (TICA) and featured cats of all sizes and breeds. The designer duds are creations of Carla Reiss from Meow Wear.

Edward Cullen

A Sphynx named Baldwinner struts the runway as Edward Cullen from the Twilight movie series. Baldwinner's wig is fashioned from a human-hair wig.

From the Land of Oz

This Munchkin cat is dressed as a member of the Lollipop Guild from The Wizard of Oz. Of course.

Pirate or Purr-rate?

This fuzzy pirate might not like the water much, but he sure is cute in this feathered hat.

From the Far East

A kitty pauses on the catwalk so the crowd can get a good look at the Asian-inspired attire.

Kitty in a Blue Dress

This diva poses for the cameras in a fancy blue dress and matching hat. Meow Wear designer Carla Reiss has been designing soft toys, doll costumes, pet apparel and commercial sewing patterns for more than 20 years.

A Formal Affair

One feline model showcases more formal kitty attire: a top hat adorned with sequins. Perfect for all of your cat's black-tie events.

Rock Star

Meet the Breeds features more than 50 breeds of cats and gives animal lovers the opportunity to interact with and learn about all kinds of breeds, like this well-dressed kitty.