Hanging out with cat people in Santa Monica

Cat shows are far more populist events than dog shows, says The Awl's Natasha Vargas-Cooper at the top of a piece looking in on the Cat Fanciers' Association All Breed Cat Show at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium this past weekend. "This year’s show, which drew thousands of feline contestants, was Tiki-themed. Many owners wore shorts....The best cat of the day was naked. Tinkerbell is a Sphynx breed; she has no coat. She looked like a wrinkly eggplant with eyes. To the touch she felt like a microwaved peach."

47 years ago at the Santa Monica Civic: Teenager Teri Garr go-go dances at the T.A.M.I Show, starring James Brown, the Rolling Stones, the Beach Boys and the Supremes.