Congratulations to all who have earned a Certificate of Excellence (COE) in the Cat Writers’ Association’s 2025 Communications Contest!
As a reminder, each Muse entry is reviewed by three professional CWA members and assigned points on ten criteria specifically designed for each category. The judges’ scores for each entry are then averaged. An average score of 90 or above qualifies that entry for a Certificate of Excellence. All the COE winners are automatically finalists for the Muse Medallion in that category, awarded at the CWA Awards Banquet held during the Annual Conference on October 25, 2025 in Indianapolis.
The COE winners are listed here alphabetically by last name for each category. Categories without any COE winners listed either did not receive entries, or there were none scoring the minimum points required to receive a COE.
Written Article: Health – Long
- Arna Cohen for “A Future for Felines with FIP” as published March 9, 2024 in Humane Pro
- Candilee Jackson for “Don’t Puff Around Puff” as published in the December, 2024 issue of Cat Talk magazine
- Nancy Kerr for “No milk for you!” as published in the August, 2024 issue of Cat Talk magazine
Written Article: Health – Short
- Bethany W. Adams for “Cat Vomit 101” published in the Fall, 2024 issue of Humane World for Animals
- Sally Bahner for “How Probiotics and Prebiotics Can Help Your Cat’s Digestion” published October 18, 2024 on Animal Wellness
- Candilee Jackson for “The Gnashing of Baby Kitten Teeth” published in the October, 2024 issue of Cat Talk magazine
- Bernadette Kazmarski for “Cat-Safe Spring and Everyday Cleaning” published in the Spring, 2024 edition of Pittsburgh Pet Connections Magazine
- Bernadette Kazmarski for “Feline Life Stages and Age Equivalents” published in the Summer, 2024 edition of Pittsburgh Pet Connections Magazine
- Nancy Kerr for “Perineal Urethrostomy” published in the June, 2024 edition of Cat Talk magazine
- Kim Campbell Thornton for “Breakthrough for Cats” published in the May 15, 2024 edition of Florida Weekly
- Kim Campbell Thornton for “Does Your Cat Hurt?” published in the April 25, 2024 edition of Florida Weekly
Written Article: General Cat Care and Wellbeing – Long
- Candilee Jackson for “Enrichment for Senior Cats” published in the April, 2024 issue of Cat Talk magazine
- JaneA Kelley for “Pet Insurance for Cats: Why It’s Important and What to Look For” published May 5, 2024 on Paws and Effect
- Nancy Kerr for “Fluffy Coats and How to Properly Care For Them” published in the December, 2024 issue of Cat Talk magazine
- Sierra Koester for “How to Choose a Vet for Your Cat” published April 22, 2024 on The Cat Blogosphere
- Claire Stares for “How to Support Your Cat Emotionally Over the Holidays” published 28 November, 2024 on Kinship
Written Article: General Cat Care and Wellbeing – Short
- Janet Buickrood Blue for “The Adventures of Periwinkle and Stinky: Part CCLXII – World Animal Enrichment Day” published November 12, 2024 on The Cat on My Head
- Mary Christine Kane for “How to Safely Enjoy Catventures” published October 26, 2024 on RuffStartRescue.org
- Arden Moore for “Learn prevention, first aid skills to keep pets from choking” published in the June, 2024 issue of The Coastal Star
- Jen Reeder for “Happy Check the Chip Day! This heartwarming reunion story is one more reason to celebrate” published August 15, 2024 on the American Animal Hospital Association website
Written Article: Feline Behavior/Training
There was no separation of “long” and “short” for this category, due to the number of entries received.
- Mikel Delgado for “Olfactory Enrichment for Cats: How to use Scent to Engage Your Cat” published in the Fall, 2024 issue of Modern Cat Magazine
- Lucy Drury for “AVOIDING the Kitten Fear Period” published in the August, 2024 issue of Cat Talk magazine
Written Article: Feline-Human Bond Stories – Long
- Kathy M. Finley for “Together Again for Christmas – Jenny and Ellen” published December 12, 2024 on The CWA Blog
- Mary Christine Kane for “I Was This ‘Unadoptable’ Cat’s Last Hope. I Never Expected What Would Happen When I Gave Him a Chance” published December 2, 2024 on HuffPost
- JaneA Kelley for “WTF Is Up With Autistic People and Cats?” published September 20, 2024 on Paws and Effect
Written Article: Feline-Human Bond Stories – Short
- Sally Bahner for “Shayba the Soldier Cat” published in the Winter, 2024 issue of Animal Wellness
- T.J. (Tammy) Banks for “Cats in the Garden” published in the April 27, 2024 issue of LaJoie
- T.J. (Tammy) Banks for “Talking With Magwich” published in the December 1, 2024 issue of LaJoie
- T.J. (Tammy) Banks for “Writing It Out” published January 18, 2024 on The CWA Blog
- Mikel Delgado for “Is Your Cat Bad? The Problem Is Likely Not With Fluffy – It Could Be You” published in the February 16, 2024 edition of the Los Angeles Times
- Christy Doherty for “The One and Only Miss Kitty” published December 26, 2024 on The CWA Blog
- Bernadette Kazmarski for “An Animal Is Not a Gift” published in the Winter, 2024 issue of Pittsburgh Pet Connections Magazine
Written Article: Feline Veterinary Medicine & Research
There was no separation of “long” and “short” for this category, due to the number of entries received.
- Mikel Delgado for “Cats and dogs both like to play fetch–it’s rooted in their hunting instincts” published September 4, 2024 in The Conversation
- Nancy Kerr for “Alternative Arthritis Treatments for Cats” published in the October, 2024 issue of Cat Talk magazine
Written Article: Entertainment – Long
- Jonathan Holden for “The True Story of Aunt Mabel’s Dead Cat” as published in June, 2024 by Festoon Publishing
Written Article: Entertainment – Short
- Kate Antoniades for “Feeling Down? Pet a Cat at One of These Purr-fectly Queer-Affirming Feline-Forward Coffee Shops in Michigan” published May 10, 2024 in Pride Source
- Janet Buickrood Blue for “The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky: Part CCXXII – National Answer Your Cat’s Question Day” published January 23, 2024 on The Cat on My Head blog
- Janet Buickrood Blue for “The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky: Part CCXXVI – Stinky’s Lack of a Plan” published March 5, 2024 on The Cat On My Head blog
- Janet Buickrood Blue for “The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky: Part CCXXXVI – Stinky’s Anxiety” published May 14, 2024 on The Cat on My Head blog
Written Article: Feline Rescue & Advocacy – Long
- Mary Christine Kane for “I Was This ‘Unadoptable’ Cat’s Last Hope. I Never Expected What Would Happen When I Gave Him a Chance” published December 2, 2024 on HuffPost
- JaneA Kelley for “Can We Please Stop Calling Them ‘Kill Shelters?'” published April 14, 2024 on the Paws and Effect blog
- Sierra Koester for “A Comprehensive Guide to Cat Fostering Preparation” published May 31, 2024 on The Cat Blogosphere blog
- Jen Reeder for “The Case for Adopting Seniors” published in the December 27, 2024 issue of Inside Your Cat’s Mind
Written Article: Feline Rescue & Advocacy – Short
- Christy Doherty for “A Purrfect Respite” published the May 2024 issue of 50 Plus Magazine
- Louise Holton for “Letter to the Editor: Vox” published January 26, 2024 on the Alley Cat Rescue blog
- Louise Holton for “Earth Day Focus: Cats Are Not the Problem!” published April 19, 2024 on the Alley Cat Rescue blog
- Louise Holton for “Rebuttal to NY Times Article ‘In Australia, Cats Are Just Catastrophic'” published April 22, 2024 on the Alley Cat Rescue blog
- Louise Holton for “State of Pet Homelessness” published July 26, 2024 on the Alley Cat Rescue website
- Arden Moore for “Community rallies to support man who helps community cats” published in the September 2024 issue of The Coastal Star
- Dusty Rainbolt for “Jeffy’s Daily Mews” published multiple dates on Facebook and Instagram
- Jen Reeder for “She gives these sweet special-needs cats a second chance” published April 5, 2024 in Woman’s World magazine
- Amy Shojai for “What is Surrender Prevention?” published April 16, 2024 on AmyShojai.com
Written Article: Feline Product Review
There was no separation of “long” and “short” for this category, due to the number of entries received.
- Janet Buickrood Blue for “Best Cat Toy for All Ages” published June 7, 2024 on The Cat On My Head blog
Written Article: General – Long
- JaneA Kelley for “Debunking Viral BS: Do 90 Percent of Owners Leave Their Pets at Euthanasia?” published June 16, 2024 on the Paws and Effect blog
- Sierra Koester for “A Complete Guide to Feline Pregnancy” published August 7, 2024 on The Cat Blogosphere blog
- Kate Preston for “Good Things Come to Those Who Wait” published in the April 2024 issue of Cat Talk magazine
Written Article: General – Short
- Deborah Barnes for “Peach Fuzz–2024 Pantone Color of the Year and Why It’s Connected to Cats and Your Health” published January 8, 2024 on the Zee & Zoey’s Cat Connection blog
- Marjorie Dawson for “How Do I Rescue an Old Cat Photo?” published 1 February, 2024 on the Dash Kitten blog
- Christy Doherty for “Furnishings Fit for Aristocats” published in the February/March 2024 issue of 50 Plus Magazine
- Kathy Finley for “Adding a Pet to Your Family – Read This First” published April 2, 2024 on LearnHowToTalkToAnimals.com
- Candilee Jackson for “No Kitten: Cats Are Part of the Military” published in the April, 2024 issue of Cat Talk magazine
- Teresa Keiger for “Who’s That Kitten?” published in the April, 2024 issue of Cat Talk magazine
- Amy Shojai for “How Cats See: Do Cats See in Color?” published December 4, 2024 on Amy Shojai.com
- Gregory Simpson for “Men, Cats, and Bastet” published in the November/December 2024 issue of the MENSA Bulletin
- Kim Campbell Thornton for “Household pets are popular participants at cat shows” published February 15, 2024 in Florida Weekly.
Poetry
- T.J. (Tammy) Banks for “Ladybug” published in the August 25, 2024 issue of LaJoie
- T.J. (Tammy) Banks for “Solstice, Light and Dark” published in the November 18, 2024 issue of LaJoie
Short Story or Flash Fiction
- Marjorie Dawson for “Harvey’s View From the Bridge” published April 11, 2024 in Purrseverence: Inspiring Stories of Cat Resilience and Hope
- Debbie De Louise for “Cat Genie” published June 13, 2024 in A Mixed Bag of Cat Tails published by Solstice Publishing
- Debbie De Louise for “Catnapped for Christmas” published June 13, 2024 in A Mixed Bag of Cat Tails published by Solstice Publishing
- Emily Hall for “Through My Cat’s Eyes” published August 22, 2024 on The CWA Blog
Podcast or Audio Broadcast
- Isabel Alvarez Arata for “PAWS & PLAY: All Things Litter Boxes, Cats & Kids” cast January 2, 2024 on the Covered in Pet Hair show on Pet Life Radio
- Isabel Alvarez Arata for “Hip To Be Snipped!” cast December 10, 2024 on the Covered in Pet Hair show on Pet Life Radio
- Arden Moore for “Give Them Ten” cast July 9, 2024 on the Oh Behave show on Pet Life Radio
- Arden Moore for “Cat Nutrition Tips from Mary Helen” cast August 22, 2024 on the Oh Behave show on Pet Life Radio
- Arden Moore for “Dr. Mikel Delgado on Cat Behavior” cast November 11, 2024 on the Oh Behave show on Pet Life Radio
Audiobook
- Amy Shojai for Play or Pay released December 4, 2024 by Furry Muse Publications
Periodical / National Circulation Publication
- Louise Holton for Alley Cat Rescue Winter Newsletter published December 6, 2024 by Alley Cat Rescue
- Teresa Keiger for Cat Talk Magazine, published throughout 2024 by the Cat Fanciers’ Association
Book: Fiction – Mystery
- Mollie Hunt for Ghost Cat at the Mystery Hotel published independently on May 30, 2024
Book: Fiction – General
- T.J. (Tammy) Banks for Moonlight & Grace published April 20, 2024 on Booklocker.com
- Kris Bock for Pride and Prejudice at the Cat Café published March 28, 2024 by Pig River Press
Book: Nonfiction – Health, Behavior, Wellness
- Mikel Delgado for Play With Your Cat! published March 5, 2024 by Tarcher/Perigree
- Mollie Hunt for Creating Comfort for Your Senior Cat: Stories, Poems, and Illustrations of Cats in Their Golden Years published independently on December 30, 2024
- Jessica Mockett for Purrfecting Your Bond published July 30, 2024 by Renewal Press
Book: Nonfiction – General
- Arden Moore for How to Speak Cat Wall Calendar published August 6, 2024 by Workman Publishing
Book: Children’s Picture Book
- Amy Laird for Buddy Learns to Foster: A Letting Go Story published August 1, 2024 via The Meow Mob.
- Jessica Mockett for Purrrfect Bonds Children’s Coloring Book published September 14, 2024 by Renewal Press
- Allia Zobel Nolan for Why Can’t My Brother Be More Like a Cat? published November 24, 2024 by AlliaWrites
Video, Film, or Television Production: Educational/Informative
- Rachel Geller for “Your Cat & Your New Baby With Dr. Rachel” on the Rachel Geller YouTube channel
- Petra Luna for “Adopt or Shop: A Guide to Choosing the Right Cat for You” on the CatCrazy Inc. YouTube channel
- Petra Luna for “A Safe and Happy Fourth for Your Cat: Essential Tips” on the CatCrazy Inc. YouTube channel
- Petra Luna for “Why Do Black Cats Stay in Shelters Longer?” on the CatCrazy Inc. YouTube channel
- Arden Moore for “Meet the Founders of the Bad Cat Café” on the Four Legged Life YouTube channel
- Arden Moore for “The Blind Cat Sanctuary” on the Four Legged Life YouTube channel
Video, Film, or Television Production: Entertainment
- Arden Moore for “Pet Safety Cat Casey Interviews Dr. Ken Lambrecht” on the Four Legged Life YouTube channel
- Arden Moore for “Interview With Cat Dad Abram Engle” on the Four Legged Life YouTube channel
Blog/Website: Educational/Informative
- Joey Lusvardi for Class Act Cats
Column/Series
- Arden Moore for Paws Up Pets published in The Coastal Star
Photography: Single Image
- Katelyn Bab for “Bruce in Bed” published August 8, 2024 on KateBabPhotography.com
- Katelyn Bab for “Lazy Hazy Mako” published August 8, 2024 on KateBabPhotography.com
- Deborah Barnes for “Rolz Senior Cat Nap” published May 5, 2024 on Zee & Zoey’s Cat Connection
- Deborah Barnes for “Mia and Rolz, the Photobomb Cat” published November 3, 2024 on Zee & Zoey’s Cat Connection
- Janet Buickrood Blue for “Yoga Master Sawyer” published January 26, 2024 on The Cat on My Head blog
- Marjorie Dawson for “The Brave Tabby Looks Out” published November 19, 2024 on DashKitten.com
- Marjorie Dawson for “A Tree Climbing Tabby (Toulouse)” published November 21, 2024 on DashKitten.com
- Janiss Garza for “Cat Friends” published June 27, 2024 by FitCat Enterprises, Inc. on SparkleCat.com
- Ramona Marek for “Because He’s Handsome” published January 16, 2024 on Facebook
- Ramona Marek for “No Doesn’t Apply If You Can’t See Stealthy Jungle Cat” published April 23, 2024 on Facebook
- Ramona Marek for “Spring Into Action” published August 27, 2024 on Facebook
Photographic Art
- Christy Doherty for “Petra Bella Luna” published April 30, 2024 on Facebook and Instagram
- Teresa Keiger for “December Wraparound Cover – Cat Talk” published on the December issue of Cat Talk magazine
Cartoon
- Stephanie Piro Nolan for “Eaten” published September 14, 2024 by King Features
Illustration (Single)
- Rachel Stern for “Cat Vomit 101” published August 13, 2024 in All Animals magazine
Graphic Design
- Teresa Keiger for CFA’s Top Breeds for 2024 published in February, 2024 by The Cat Fanciers’ Association
Congratulations, again, to all who earned a Certificate of Excellence! Muse Medallions will be presented to the winners in each category live at the CWA formal awards banquet in Indianapolis on Saturday, October 25, at 8:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time. Tickets for that event will go on sale in August, and anyone may view the ceremony online. Watch your emails and the CWA’s social media channels for details!