This is a paid piece from the Sioux Empire TNR Coalition.

Simplified: A new event is bringing CatCon vibes to Sioux Falls while also sharing information about adoptions, trap-neuter-return programs and other animal-friendly resources in our community. Here's what you need to know about the upcoming Sioux Purr Cats event on April 11 at the Sioux Falls Arena.

Why it matters

  • Sioux Purr Cats is an event put on by the Sioux Empire TNR Coalition. TNR is short for "trap-neuter-return," which is one of the most humane ways to control the feral cat population. The coalition formed in 2022 and has since neutered hundreds of cats in the community and helped at least another 500 cats get adopted.
  • The Sioux Purr Cats event will give folks a chance to meet adoptable cats, learn about rescues and volunteers in the community, support local vendors and even enter for a chance to win a Litter-Robot self-cleaning litter box.
  • Coalition board Vice President Mychelle Garrigan said she hopes the event can help educate the community and, ultimately, garner more support for the important work the TNR Coalition is doing to address cat overpopulation in the city.
"About 75 to 80% of kittens born outside die," Garrigan said. "It's not just a matter of reducing the numbers. It's reducing suffering."

Tell me more about the event

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 11 at the Sioux Falls Arena.

All of the cats featured at the event are available for adoption, but even if you're not looking to adopt a new pet, there will be opportunities to cuddle kitties.

  • There will also be a number of family-friendly, cat-themed activities, including guided crafts, face-painting, and even a chance to create cat-themed builds with Bricks and Minifigs.

In addition, attendees will get a chance to hear from a number of rescues – as well as pet rescues who help dogs, reptiles and other pets.

The event will also feature speakers including noted TNR advocate Sterling "Trapking" Davis and associate certified applied animal behaviorist Katenna Jones.

While there will be lots of adoptable cats present at the event, guests are asked to leave their personal four-legged friends at home.

How can I get tickets?

Tickets are based on a "pay what you can" model with a minimum $5 donation per person. They can be purchased at the door, or you can snag them ahead of time here.

  • Children under 7 are free with a paying adult.

Sioux Purr Cats is also looking for sponsors, volunteers and vendors who want to participate in the event. Learn more about that here.

How can I help Sioux Empire TNR Coalition?

The organization is 100% volunteer-run, which means they're always looking for more people to lend a hand. Garrigan said there are even volunteers who are allergic to cats who've helped with laundry or responding to email requests for TNR services.

Heading into "kitten season" the nonprofit is especially in need of additional supplies like food, towels and more. You can learn more here about how you can help.

"If there’s something you want to do, we have a position," Garrigan said.