Please Note: Entries for all categories must be postmarked by July 1, 2007, to qualify for the contest. Read complete Contest Rules and Download Entry Form.
Consult www.catwriters.org/contest for award updates.
AWARD #1: The ASPCA National Programs Office sponsors the ASPCA HUMANE AWARD, presented to the author or creator of the work that best illuminates an aspect of the ASPCA’s mission, such as pet overpopulation, humane education, shelter adoptions, or the prevention of cruelty. All media are eligible for this award, but preference will be given to a substantive entry that exhibits the highest level of professionalism in its execution. The award consists of a certificate and a $500 cash grant.
AWARD #2: The AKC COMPANION ANIMAL RECOVERY AWARD is given to the best single entry which informs and educates the general public about issues relating to lost cats, stray cats, behaviors of roaming and feral cats, and all forms of pet identification and recovery. The most appropriate topics are those which emphasize reuniting cats with their owners and responsibly preventing lost cats, such as by using identification and keeping pet cats indoors. Both nonfiction and fiction articles qualify, published in newspapers, magazines, newsletters or in professional online venues; plus brochures, books and radio/television broadcasts. The award consists of $1,000 and a commemorative item.
AWARD #3: The CORNELL FELINE HEALTH CENTER VETERINARY ISSUES AWARD is offered by Cornell University’s Feline Health Center to the highest-quality entry on the topic of technological advances, research, new medical developments or innovations in feline veterinary medicine. Qualifying entries include single newspaper, magazine or newsletter articles, columns or series of articles, single books or radio/television broadcasts, designed to educate the general cat-owning public about new developments. The award consists of $500.
AWARD #4: The FORT DODGE/ HEALTHY CATS FOR LIFE AWARD is for the best published work by a beginning cat writer or photographer. This award has very specific criteria: At the time of entry, the author (1) must not have published more than three short works on companion animal topics in professional markets, e.g. a market that pays $75 or more for each work, and no books; and (2) must have not yet had his/her work honored by a CWA Muse Medallion or special CWA Contest Award. The purpose of this award is to encourage qualifying writers and photographers to strive for the highest professional level of excellence and to provoke a significant change in the recipient’s cat-writing career. This is a “turning point” award. Qualifying work includes articles, columns, short stories, poems, photos or illustrations published in any medium, including print and electronic. (First books by new authors qualify for this award only if the author meets the other two criteria above.) The award consists of $500 and a commemorative item.
AWARD #5: THE FRISKIES® WRITER OF THE YEAR AWARD is presented by Nestlé Purina PetCare Company to the writer who has done the most to promote the welfare, health, and proper care of cats during the contest year. This award is for “a body of work” and can include different publications during the contest period. Single entries do not qualify; therefore, multiple books, newsletters, print articles, online articles, columns, stories and series in any pet or non-pet consumer publication qualify. The award honors writing excellence and the ability to communicate technical information in a clear and creative manner to better educate cat owners and help improve the lives of cats. A maximum of 10 articles or items published within the contest period may be submitted. Choose only your best work! A Baccarat cat figurine and $500 are awarded.
AWARD #6: The HARTZ EVERY DAY CHEWABLE VITAMIN AWARD, sponsored by Hartz Mountain Corporation, is given to the highest-quality entry on the topic of older cats. Topics can include but are not limited to adoption, health, innovative care, and senior-for-senior programs. Qualifying entries include single books, articles (print or online), brochures, newsletters, editorials, photographs, and commercial radio/TV tapes. This award consists of $1000 and a commemorative plaque.
AWARD #7: The HARTZ GLAMOUR-PUSS AWARD honors the best single entry on the topic of feline skin and coat care. Qualifying topics include, but are not limited to, coverage of home and professional grooming, parasite control, nail care, teeth and ear care, and feline skin/coat disorders. Written and pictorial works in all media are acceptable, including articles, books, and videotape broadcasts. Sponsored by Hartz Mountain Corporation, this award is $1000 and a commemorative plaque.
AWARD #8: The HARTZ MILK REPLACEMENT FOR KITTENS AWARD, sponsored by Hartz Mountain Corporation, is awarded the best single article (published in a newspaper, magazine, newsletter, or professional online venue), or single radio or television broadcast on the topic of rescuing kittens. Appropriate topics include “how to” articles, stories about feral kitten rescue, early spay and neuter, orphaned kittens, and kitten adoption. This award consists of $1000 and a commemorative plaque.
AWARD #9: The Humane Society of the United States presents the HSUS PETS FOR LIFE AWARD to the best single work of the year published in the mass media that highlights keeping cats in their homes for life. Topics include, but are not limited to, stories about owners and agency services to overcome obstacles such as behavior problems, family changes, housing challenges, health issues or other situations that might cause the cat to lose his home, and reporting on legislation or community projects to help abandoned cats. Highest consideration goes to in-depth reporting that appears in general interest publications or that reach non-cat-owning audiences. A labeled series of articles can be submitted as a single entry. Qualifying venues are newspapers, magazines, radio and television broadcasts, newsletters and online publications. The winner receives $500, with an additional $300 travel stipend to offset expenses if he/she attends the Awards Banquet.
AWARD #10: The IAMS Company offers the IAMS® RESPONSIBLE CAT OWNERSHIP AWARD for the best individual or series entry, in professional print or online venues, on the topic of pet owner responsibility. Qualifying entries include single articles, columns, short stories, books and brochures, or labeled series of articles. Entries are judged on clear writing and should educate readers while promoting positive approaches to responsible cat ownership. The award is $500 and a commemorative plaque.
AWARD #11: Merial sponsors the MERIAL HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND AWARD, presented to the entry that best reflects and promotes the strengthening of the human-animal bond, highlighting the bond between a cat and its owner, as well as their relationship with their veterinarian as another direct caregiver. Entries will be judged for exceptional quality and on the ability to convey this concept and connect with the reader. Qualified entries include (but are not limited to) single articles, features, columns, short stories, books, poetry. A $1000 award and commemorative certificate are presented.
AWARD #12: The PETMATE SAFE CAT AWARD for the best entry on cat safety, is sponsored by Petmate Pet Products. The entry should take a positive approach to inform and educate the readership about feline safety issues, which include but are not limited to safe travel, safety in the home, pet identification, and medical and training preparedness. Special consideration will be given to single articles in non-cat-specific publications; however, written and pictorial works in all mediums will be accepted, such as on-line columns, newsletter articles, photographs, and radio/TV broadcasts. The winner will receive $500 and a commemorative item, plus an additional $250 travel stipend for expenses if he/she attends the Awards Banquet.
AWARD #13: The PRO PLAN® PEDIGREED CATS AWARD is presented to the writer or creator of the best entry of the year that focuses on cat breeds, pedigreed cats and professional breeder issues including (but not limited to) health, care, nutrition and showing cats. Qualifying entries include entire publications, such as breed or breed club newsletters, magazines or books, and individual columns, articles, stories, photographs or illustrations in any professional venue, featuring pure bred cats. The award, presented by Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, consists of $500 and a commemorative bowl.
AWARD #14: Nestlé Purina PetCare Company offers the PURINA® CAT CHOW® NUTRITION AWARD for the best column or article (print or professionally published online) or book entry on the subject of feline nutrition. Highest consideration goes to those works that are both skillfully written and technically accurate. The recipient cannot be an employee of or associated with a pet food company at the time that the entry is judged. The winner will receive $500 and a commemorative pewter bowl.
AWARD #15: Nestlé Purina PetCare Company offers the PURINA® ONE® HEALTH AWARD for the outstanding single article (print or professionally published online) reporting on feline health issues. Articles are judged on excellence of writing and technical accuracy; significance of the topic and public education impact on feline health are also considered. Prize of $500 and a commemorative pewter bowl are awarded.
AWARD #16: The PURINA® KITTEN CHOW® KITTEN AWARD of $500 and a commemorative pewter bowl are presented by the Nestlé Purina PetCare Company to the author of the outstanding entry on caring for kittens. Qualified entries include single books, articles, columns, short stories and labeled series articles in professional venues. Entries will be judged on writing excellence and content accuracy.
AWARD #17: The STICKY PAWS® TRAINING AWARD, sponsored by Fe-Lines Inc./Sticky Paws®, is for the best article or tape entry on training techniques. Entries should have a “how-to” focus. Appropriate entries are labeled series or single articles (print or professionally published online), columns, and television/radio broadcast tapes on topics such as (but not limited to) litter box training, proper scratching behavior, trick training, or training cats to stay off countertops, tables or other forbidden places. The award consists of $1000 and a commemorative certificate.
AWARD #18: The TIDY CATS® FELINE BEHAVIOR AWARD is presented by the Nestlé Purina PetCare Company for the best entry on the subject of feline behavior. Highest consideration goes to those works that are both skillfully written and technically accurate. Qualified entries include single books, articles, features or columns in any medium, and should educate readers while promoting a positive approach to understanding and dealing with feline behavior. The award consists of $500 and a commemorative pewter bowl.
AWARD #19: The new WORLD’S BEST CAT LITTER-ARY AWARD for the outstanding novel, short story, poem or radio/television dramatic script which portrays cats and cat ownership in a positive way. All fiction genres are eligible. Highest consideration goes to those entries that include cats as an intrinsic part of the plot. Works will be judged for the exceptional, individual quality (“voice” or “vision”) of the writer/creator. Eligible works may be published in print or electronic media; any scripts or videos must also provide proof of production. A $500 cash grant and a commemorative pewter bowl will be awarded. Sponsored by World’s Best Cat Litter®.
AWARD #20: The SHOJAI MENTOR AWARD, sponsored by past-president Amy D. Shojai, recognizes the CWA member who has offered guidance, encouraging counsel, support, or other help that has had a direct and positive influence on another’s writing/publishing success. Qualifying mentor experiences are limited to those occurring within the past three contest periods (approximately the last three years). The recipient shall exemplify the highest ideals of the CWA vision, that is, to promote communal support, networking, and mutual respect between colleagues. Only CWA members are eligible for this award. The honoree shall receive $500 and a commemorative award.
AWARD #21: The KUYKENDALL IMAGE AWARD is sponsored by CWA and is presented to the outstanding “image” entry featuring cats — whether photography, illustration or graphic art. This may be a single piece or series entry, including but not limited to photos/artwork published in a magazine, newspaper, newsletter, book, pamphlet, calendar, poster, greeting card or commercial on-line publication. The award consists of $250 and a commemorative item.
AWARD #22: The CWA PRESIDENT’S AWARD sponsored by the Cat Fanciers’ Association, is presented to the best entry among all Muse MedallionTM winners in the regular contest categories. This “Best of the Best” requires no additional copies be submitted of entries. Muse MedallionTM winners shall be automatically entered and considered for the honor. The prize is $250 and a commemorative award.