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Cat Fancy

Cat Fancy was a North American monthly magazine dedicated to cats, their owners, and breeders, published from 1965 to 2015. It featured articles on feline health, behavior, nutrition, breed profiles, grooming, and owner stories, along with product reviews and polls, aiming to promote responsible cat ownership. Each issue typically highlighted a specific cat breed on the cover and included a poster inside. The magazine was originally published by Fancy Publications, a subsidiary of BowTie Inc., based in Irvine, California, with a circulation of about 155,000 as of 2013. In 2014, I-5 Publishing announced its cancellation, with the final print issue in February 2015; content transitioned to the digital platform Catster, which became a bimonthly magazine and was later acquired by Belvoir Media Group in 2017. Cat Fancy was the world's longest-running cat-specific publication, influencing cat culture and education for over five decades.

Overview

Publication History

Cat Fancy was founded in 1965 by Leslie Slawson Smith and his wife Elizabeth as a monthly print magazine dedicated to cats, owners, and breeders. The inaugural issue featured a breed-specific cover and poster, a format that became a hallmark of the publication from its start. By the March/April 1968 issue, publication shifted to Pet Magazine Inc. in , with Smith continuing as editor. The magazine maintained its monthly schedule under this arrangement, focusing on cat care, breeds, and fancy activities. In subsequent years, came under the umbrella of Fancy Publications, which later rebranded as BowTie Inc. and became a key player in pet media. This period saw steady growth, with the magazine establishing itself as a leading resource for cat enthusiasts. Ownership changed in 2013 when BowTie Inc. sold , along with other titles, to I-5 Publishing LLC, a formed by industry veterans David Fry and Mark Harris. I-5 continued operations from , retaining most of the staff and integrating digital elements. The magazine ran for 50 years, producing over 600 monthly issues until its final print edition in February 2015. In 2015, was succeeded by the bi-monthly Catster magazine and website. As of 2025, Catster remains active with bi-monthly print editions and online resources.

Scope and Audience

Cat Fancy positioned itself as North America's leading feline publication, dedicated to the care, welfare, and adoration of all , from purebreds to mixed breeds and . Self-described as a for "anyone who fancies the ," it emphasized responsible ownership by serving as an authoritative resource for cat owners and aspiring owners, offering practical guidance on , , , and welfare. The core mission focused on fostering appreciation for felines through informative content that blended expert veterinary advice with celebratory stories of cat companionship, appealing to a wide spectrum of enthusiasts. The primary audience consisted of cat owners, breeders, and hobbyists, ranging from novice pet parents seeking basic care tips to experienced participants in cat shows and breeding circles. With a circulation peaking around 320,000 copies in the 1990s and stabilizing near 250,000 in later years, it reached primarily U.S. and Canadian subscribers while achieving broader international distribution via newsstands. This demographic included everyday cat lovers as well as dedicated fanciers interested in breed-specific details, such as recurring spotlights on varieties like the or . The editorial tone was consistently informative, practical, and uplifting, designed to educate while building a among readers passionate about culture and responsible . By prioritizing accessible advice over esoteric topics, the magazine cultivated an inclusive environment that encouraged both personal anecdotes from owners and professional insights from veterinarians and breeders.

Magazine Content

Core Features

Cat Fancy magazine's core features revolved around recurring columns that provided practical, expert-driven advice to cat owners. These included dedicated sections on and veterinary , such as recommendations for balanced diets and preventive measures against common ailments, often authored by certified veterinarians. Grooming tips focused on maintaining and routines, while columns addressed issues like scratching, , and , drawing from animal behaviorists' insights. Lifestyle pieces explored the emotional bonds between cats and humans, featuring stories of companionship and daily coexistence, alongside training tips tailored for indoor cats, such as training and play-based enrichment to prevent boredom. Visual elements were central to the magazine's appeal, with high-quality photography showcasing cats in various settings. Breed-specific spreads highlighted the aesthetic traits of featured felines through professional shoots, while reader-submitted images added a personal touch, often selected for their charm and creativity. Practical guides formed another staple, offering seasonal or life-stage-specific advice. Annual topics covered kitten care essentials like vaccination schedules and early socialization, senior cat health management including mobility aids and dietary adjustments, and holiday safety protocols to protect cats from decorations and toxic plants. Reader engagement was fostered through interactive elements that built . Contests for the best photos, such as the annual "Cutest " competition, encouraged submissions and awarded prizes like subscriptions or gift baskets, with winners featured in print. The letters to the editor section, titled "Purrs & Hisses," responded to queries on topics ranging from behavioral challenges to product recommendations, creating a among subscribers. Breed profiles were integrated into issues to provide concise overviews of characteristics and care needs.

Special Sections and Issues

Cat Fancy distinguished itself through a range of special sections and issues that provided themed, in-depth explorations beyond its core monthly format, appealing to dedicated cat owners and . Breed spotlights formed a cornerstone of these specials, with nearly every issue centering on one specific cat . The cover featured striking photography of the , accompanied by comprehensive profiles covering its origins, physical traits, , and grooming needs, often drawing from expert and veterinarians. A signature element was the fold-out inside, offering a large, colorful or photo for readers to frame or display, fostering a collectible aspect that encouraged subscriptions. These spotlights rotated monthly, encompassing purebred varieties like the or as well as occasional nods to mixed-breed and cats to broaden appeal. Special editions expanded on seasonal and practical themes, including issues tailored to festive cat care. For instance, editions addressed Christmas-specific topics, such as safe decorations to prevent accidents, ideas for companions, and managing stress for indoor . During the , publisher Fancy Publications produced a dedicated series of special issues focused on targeted pet themes, such as , , and veterinary advancements, which were distributed as standalone or enhanced supplements to the main magazine. Reader engagement was further enhanced through practical resources tied to special editions. Over time, the magazine's specials evolved in the to prioritize wellness-oriented content, incorporating holistic approaches like natural remedies and preventive health strategies amid rising interest in alternative care. This shift aligned with the 2009 launch of the Natural Cat , which complemented by delving deeper into organic nutrition and herbal therapies.

Editorial Staff

Founders and Editors

Leslie Slawson Smith founded in 1965 as a dedicated publication for cat enthusiasts, serving as its initial editor and publisher while establishing the magazine's passionate, owner-focused tone through coverage of cat care, breeding, and welfare topics. Smith, operating from Studio City, , launched the bimonthly title to provide a platform for cat lovers, emphasizing practical advice on spaying, , and indoor living that resonated with its target audience. Smith continued as editor through the early , during which time the magazine transitioned from his independent operation to publication under Pet Magazine Inc. in starting in 1968, marking a shift toward more structured in-house editorial management while retaining his oversight. This period solidified Cat Fancy's reputation as a key resource for breed enthusiasts, with early issues featuring detailed profiles on pedigreed cats that influenced reader engagement with shows and standards. Susan Logan joined as in December 2003 and led the magazine through its modernization efforts until its print cessation in December 2014, expanding digital integration and maintaining high journalistic standards amid industry changes. Under her direction, received multiple accolades, including the 2010 Cat Writers' Association Muse Medallion for Monthly Magazine, recognizing her contributions to feline health advocacy and educational content. Debbie Phillips-Donaldson served as an influential editor during the 1990s and into the 2000s, prioritizing circulation growth and content quality to sustain the magazine's appeal to over 300,000 subscribers at its peak. In her role, she oversaw editorial policies that enhanced reader trust, such as workplace pet initiatives and rigorous fact-checking, helping navigate competitive pressures in the pet media landscape.

Contributors and Experts

Cat Fancy magazine benefited from a diverse array of freelance writers and specialists who enriched its pages with expert insights on cat care, , and health. Notable among the freelance contributors was Audrey Pavia, a prolific writer who specialized in and topics, providing practical advice drawn from her extensive experience with animals. Similarly, Susan Easterly, an award-winning author, contributed articles on pet care, leveraging her background in nutrition and wellness to guide readers on responsible . Veterinarians played a key role in delivering authoritative health content, with Dr. Arnold Plotnick serving as a regular contributor through columns on feline medical issues, informed by his practice at Manhattan Cat Specialists. Breeders also shared specialized knowledge on show cats, offering insights into breed standards, grooming for competitions, and the nuances of pedigree breeding, reflecting the magazine's early emphasis on the cat fancy community. Many contributors received recognition from the Cat Writers' Association for their work, including awards for articles on feline that highlighted dietary best practices and health benefits. In later years, under the editorial oversight of Susan , the magazine incorporated voices from holistic experts, such as Dr. Shawn Messonnier, who wrote on integrative veterinary approaches like natural remedies and alternative therapies, helping to bridge conventional care with emerging themes. This diversity ensured comprehensive coverage tailored to evolving reader interests in holistic .

Related Publications

Natural Cat

Natural Cat was launched in the summer of 2009 by Fancy Publications, the company behind , as a magazine emphasizing alternative approaches to feline health and wellness. This new title emerged amid a surge in interest for natural pet care options, with the U.S. natural pet health products market forecasted to reach $112 million in sales by 2009, reflecting a 149% growth from earlier years. The publication centered on holistic topics, including organic nutrition, herbal remedies, acupuncture to alleviate conditions in aging or ailing cats, and strategies for toxin-free living spaces. It highlighted the benefits of lifestyles for felines and featured reviews of products alongside promotions of holistic veterinary expertise. Content aimed to address the increasing for non-conventional pet care, driven by broader trends in and sustainable human health practices that extended to animal companions. Sharing some editorial resources with , Natural Cat adopted a comparable visual aesthetic but maintained a distinctly focused scope on alternative wellness. The magazine operated as a short-lived venture, with issues appearing in formats such as flip supplements to the parent title, and it concluded around 2015 in conjunction with the discontinuation of after nearly 50 years.

Broader Fancy Publications

Cat Fancy occupied a central role within the Fancy Publications portfolio, a collection of specialized magazines catering to pet enthusiasts. The publisher launched sister titles such as Dog Fancy in 1970, which mirrored Cat Fancy's format but focused on dogs, breeds, health, and ownership, continuing until its print discontinuation in 2015. In the 1980s, Fancy Publications expanded with Bird Talk for avian care, followed in the 1990s by additional pet-specific outlets including Ferrets Magazine in 1997 targeting small mammal owners, creating a diverse lineup that complemented Cat Fancy's feline emphasis. Shared operations under Fancy Publications, later rebranded as BowTie Inc. and acquired by I-5 Publishing in 2013, enabled unified management across titles. This structure supported cross-promotions, such as bundled subscriptions and shared advertising for pet products like and , enhancing overall . Distribution networks were centralized, allowing Cat Fancy to leverage the portfolio's combined circulation for greater visibility among multi-pet households. Interconnections extended to content and events, with magazines frequently covering joint pet expos and shows to foster among readers. For instance, coverage of national pet events highlighted products and trends applicable across , reinforcing the portfolio's cohesive brand. The saw portfolio evolution through themed special series, such as annual breed guides and holiday issues, which diversified revenue streams. Following the shift, I-5 Publishing transitioned all print titles to digital platforms, including Catster and Dogster, while Natural Cat briefly extended Cat Fancy's focus on as a .

Decline and Legacy

Closure and Digital Transition

In December 2014, I-5 Publishing announced the cessation of Cat Fancy's monthly print edition after nearly 50 years of publication, with the final issue released in February 2015. The decision was driven by declining print subscriptions, which had stagnated at over 194,000 copies annually, amid broader challenges in the print media industry. Several factors contributed to the closure, including the rise of platforms that captured a significant share of pet-related content consumption—with cat videos and images reportedly accounting for a notable portion of at the time—and shifts in the pet industry that reduced traditional . Changing reader habits toward online, interactive content further eroded the magazine's print audience, as younger demographics favored casual, social media-driven cat culture over the breed-focused, educational format of . Following the closure, I-5 Publishing facilitated a transition by merging Cat Fancy with the acquired digital platform Catster, rebranding the combined entity under the Catster name in 2015. This shift incorporated Cat Fancy's extensive archives into Catster's website and , where they were updated with elements such as videos, interactive features, and to appeal to modern audiences. The platform emphasized real-time updates and broader accessibility, marking a pivot from static print to dynamic digital publishing. The immediate aftermath included tributes in the final February 2015 issue, which featured reflections on the magazine's legacy and contributions from longtime staff and writers, evoking a sense of closure among readers. Subscribers were converted to digital access on Catster, with options for the new bi-monthly Catster print edition that alternated with Dogster and targeted expanded distribution through retailers like and . Legacy elements, such as awards for exemplary cat care and content, continued in digital formats on the platform.

Cultural Impact

Cat Fancy played a pivotal role in the cat fancy subculture by popularizing awareness of various cat breeds through detailed profiles and photography, which educated both novice owners and breeders on breed characteristics and care requirements. The magazine's emphasis on pedigreed cats from its in helped elevate standards and participation in cat shows, serving as a key resource that influenced judging criteria and exhibition practices across . Additionally, it promoted responsible ownership by evolving its content to include advice, ethical guidelines, and stories, particularly in the when it broadened coverage to mixed-breed cats and rescue efforts. The publication garnered significant acclaim for its contributions to feline journalism, winning multiple awards from the Cat Writers' Association, including 14 Certificates of Excellence and three Muse Medallions in 2010 for overall excellence in categories such as health articles and editorial content. These recognitions underscored its role in advancing high-quality, informative writing on cat care and culture, setting benchmarks for pet media. In its broader legacy, Cat Fancy inspired digital platforms like Catster, with which it merged in , transitioning its print expertise into an online hub that continues to disseminate breed information, care tips, and community stories to a global audience. In 2023, Catster was acquired by Pangolia Pte Ltd, and its print edition ceased publication, shifting fully to digital formats. This shift contributed to mainstreaming cat culture by bridging traditional breeding enthusiasts with casual pet owners, aligning with the rise of internet-driven cat popularity and influencing media portrayals of cats in and entertainment. Cat Fancy fostered community building among enthusiasts by supporting cat clubs, promoting show events, and featuring reader-submitted stories that connected owners nationwide. Its archived issues, now preserved through organizations like the Cat Fanciers' Association Foundation and accessible via , remain a vital resource for researching cat history, breed evolution, and historical care practices.

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