The cats were back – this time, for a surprise visit.

For the first time, the Kansa Cat Club presented its annual feline show in Lawrence Saturday, bringing back the caboodle of kitties that typically visit the county only once a year, in June.

The Kansa Cat Club usually presents its annual show in Leavenworth, but Murlene Priest, president of the Kansas City Midwest Cat Club, said problems with the venue led them to the shelter at the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds on Saturday.

“They had their show all set up, but now they needed a new hall,” Priest said.

The June show, put on by the Kansas City club, is typically the only annual cat show at the fairgrounds.

Now, Priest said, the Kansa show could make return trips for years to come.

“I’ve spoken to the county,” Priest said. “They can have it here if they choose to.”

This show featured about 100 cats belonging to 49 exhibitors, many of whom were happy to be back in Lawrence for another big show and competition.

“Yeah, it’s a fun show. We enjoy this,” said Jim Nelson, who was back with his wife, Phyllis, and their collection of American tabby cats. “The competition is key.”

Competition has been kind to the Nelsons since June. They’ve been to about 10 shows this year, they said, and even won Top Cat of The Year at an event in Pennsylvania this summer.

The winner wasn’t the stalwart PT Cruiser – a husky silver and black tabby who Phyllis Nelson says is still growing – but rather Cruiser’s brother Joey, a sleek mirror image of his bigger bro.

The Minneapolis couple have taken the felines across the country this summer – everywhere from Canada to Kentucky and back.

Priest said the time on the road was good for bonding between man and beast.

“You travel all around, yeah, they are pretty much a part of your life,” she explained.

And even though there is a financial consideration to the relationship – the cats are expensive, and so is travel – Priest said the animals were one thing first and foremost: a family member, a pet.