Cat Writers' Association, Inc.

Professionals Writing, Publishing, and Broadcasting About Cats

The 2026 Cat Writers’ Association (CWA) Certificate of Excellence Winners

header with cat image and flower and keyboard reading "2026 CWA Communications Contest"

We invite you to join us in celebrating the 2026 Cat Writers’ Association Certificate of Excellence (COE) Award winners, below. The COEs recognize outstanding cat-focused work across a diverse range of media. Register now to attend the CWA Annual Conference and Awards Gala this November for the announcement of the MUSE and Special Awards winners.

The following winners are listed by category along with the titles of their exceptional entries and location (if available). Categories include: A) Publications, B) Articles Published in Print or Online, C) Poetry and Fiction, D) Non-Fiction Books, E) Digital and Broadcast Media, and F) Images.

Please note: If a category is omitted, no COE was awarded in that group.


CATEGORY A – PUBLICATIONS

A.2 Newsletters
Louise Holton and Deborah HolzerAlley Cat Rescue Winter 2025http://bit.ly/3PbHc3v
Louise Holton and Deborah HolzerAlley Cat Rescue 2025 Cat Reporthttps://bit.ly/4tPpeTw


CATEGORY B. ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN PRINT OR ONLINE

B.1 Article Health, Long
Theresa Gleason and Teresa KeigerFascinating World of Cat Whiskershttps://cfa.org/cat-talk/the-fascinating-world-of-cat-whiskers/
Kim Campbell ThorntonCats Get A Paw Up on Heart Diseasehttps://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/takeaways-feline-symposium-cats-heart-disease/
Shannon WillobyWhy Are Cats’ Tongues So Roughhttps://bit.ly/4vTqhU1
Arna CohenDetecting Pain in Catshttps://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/humanepro.org-Detecting-pain-in-cats-695879cee43f24bda392e89f390bf6f4.pdf
Jen ReederSeasonal Allergies Can Affect Catshttps://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/Forbes-Allergies-6a0821e712b9ee4f75957aecc2458ed8.pdf
Theresa Gleason and Teresa KeigerSavvy Scoopshttps://cfa.org/cat-talk/savvy-scoops/
Candilee JacksonHealing Power of Catshttps://cfa.org/cat-talk/the-healing-power-of-cats/
Nancy KerrMy Tummy Hurtshttps://cfa.org/cat-talk/gastritis/
Teresa KeigerThe How and Why of Cat Purrshttps://cfa.org/cat-talk/the-how-and-why-of-cats-purrs/
Teresa KeigerDealing with Feline Ear Infectionshttps://cfa.org/cat-talk/dealing-with-feline-ear-infections/
Dusty RainboltThere’s Hope for Kitties with Broken Heartshttps://dustycatwriter.com/theres-hope-for-kitties-with-broken-hearts-felycin-ca1
Dusty RainboltKitten Cold Warshttps://dustycatwriter.com/kitten-cold-wars-researchers-battle-snotty-noses-and-painful-eyes
B.2 Article Health, Short
Ann HofenhausWhy Do Cats Get Hairballs?https://www.amcny.org/blog/2025/12/17/why-do-cats-get-hairballs-causes-risks-and-new-research/
Ann HofenhausWhy Cats Have Slit Pupils and Green Eyeshttps://www.amcny.org/blog/2025/06/25/why-cats-have-slit-pupils-and-green-eyes-a-look-at-feline-eye-evolution/
B.3 Article Gen Care, Long
Jen ReederA Kitten Makes Twohttps://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/KittenMakes2TearSheet-6c590e127fe743b48f616f6f1b37a989.pdf
Sierra KoesterTips for Caring for a Kitten for Visually Impaired Peoplehttps://blog.catblogosphere.com/tips-for-caring-for-a-kitten-for-the-visually-impaired/
Joey LusvardiHow Often Should You Feed Your Cat?https://classactcats.com/blog/how-often-should-you-feed-your-cats/
Joey LusvardiCan Cats Be Happy Indoors?https://classactcats.com/blog/can-cats-be-happy-indoors/
B.5 Article Feline Behavior Training, Long
Amy ShojaiPuppies and Kittens: Key Training Differenceshttps://www.hillspet.com/pet-care/training/puppy-kitten-key-training-differences
Amy ShojaiHow to Litter Train A Kittenhttps://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/training/how-to-litter-box-train-a-kitten
Mikel DelgadoStressed Cat?https://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/cat-stress-modern-cat-8bdf4d423a3c17bd2c1ec4fa987e6af6.pdf
Jacklyn EllisDoing Beyond Betterhttps://journal.iaabcfoundation.org/beyond-doing-better-improving-the-objectivity-of-cat-behavior-assessment/
Shannon WillobyWhy Do Cats Get the Zoomies?https://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/why-do-cats-get-zoomies
Maggie MartonHelp! My Cat Hates My Dog! https://ohmydogblog.com/2025/03/my-cat-hates-my-dog/
Claire StaresWhy Cats Can’t Resist Concretehttps://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/Why-Cats-Cant-Resist-Concrete-Claire-Stares-5cb6c68bf78f7843687103335ccec0db.pdf
Claire StaresWhy Is My Cat Spraying Inside the Litter Box?https://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/Why-Is-My-Cat-Spraying-Inside-the-Litter-Box-Claire-Stares-dc6cd65dd89bd26380305e6bf065360c.pdf
Joey LusvardiWhat is Food Aggression in Cats?https://classactcats.com/blog/food-aggression-in-cats/
Joey Lusvardi8 Common Questions About Introducing Cats Answeredhttps://classactcats.com/blog/8-common-questions-about-introducing-cats-answered/
Kristyn VitaleTraining Cats for Successful Veterinary Visitshttps://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/Winter_2025_Vitale_TrainingCatsforSuccessfulVeterinaryVisits-6adac4ca19c27b57f972090e94686d1e.pdf
Dusty RainboltIf Jaws Gets Bored, So Does Fluffyhttps://dustycatwriter.com/if-jaws-gets-bored-so-does-fluffy
B.6 Article Feline Behavior Training, Short
Ann HofenhausWhen Senior Cats Changehttps://www.amcny.org/blog/2025/06/18/when-senior-cats-change-understanding-feline-cognitive-dysfunction/
B.7 Article Feline-Human Bond, Long
Katia ColittiThank You for the Beautiful Lifehttps://herstryblg.com/theme/2025/8/18/thank-you-for-the-beautiful-life
Mollie Hunt When the Stars Alignhttps://wp.me/p3rtQm-2qi
Sierra KoesterTylan to the Rescuehttps://www.fureverywhere.net/2025/08/tylan-to-rescue-my-cat-saved-me-from.html
Deborah BarnesFarewell My Sweet Zoeyhttps://tinyurl.com/y47xzajk
Melissa LapierreGood Night, Sweet Princehttps://www.mochasmysteriesmeows.com/2025/10/good-night-sweet-prince.html

https://dustycatwriter.com/if-jaws-gets-bored-so-does-fluffy
B.8 Article Feline-Human Bond, Short
Melissa LapierreDear Mudpiehttps://www.mochasmysteriesmeows.com/2025/08/dear-mudpie.html
B.9 Entertainment, Long
Suzanne Kumata The Cat Station Master of Kishihttps://borderlessjournal.com/2026/01/14/the-cat-stationmaster-of-kishi/
Robert SmithHalloween Cat Mysteries with the Pet Detectiveshttps://catwriters.com/halloween-cat-mysteries-with-the-petectives/
Olivia PozzanLion-Hearted: Tales of Feline Couragehttps://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/Lion-hearted_Tales-of-feline-courage-5702753f4e63a4e01caabeb12f104d86.docx
B.10 Entertainment, Short
Karen SpicerTrimming Your Cat’s Nails from Home?https://www.pressreader.com/usa/hamilton-journal-news/20250715/281964613744749
B.11 Article Rescue & Advocacy, Long
Amy ShojaiVisiting Animal Sheltershttps://www.hillspet.com/pet-care/new-pet-parent/what-to-expect-when-visiting-an-animal-shelter
Arna CohenBad Beauty Standardshttps://humanepro.org/magazine/articles/bad-beauty-standards
Jen ReederVolunteer Calms Shelter Cats with Reikihttps://www.forbes.com/sites/jenreeder/2025/11/13/volunteer-calms-shelter-cats-with-innovative-approach-reiki/
Candilee JacksonNo Cat Left Behindhttps://cfa.org/cat-talk/no-cat-left-behind/
Danielle BaysA Banner Year in the Fight Against Declawinghttps://humanepro.org/blog/blog-banner-year-fight-against-declawing
Janiss GarzaWhy We Don’t Just Adopt the Peach Kittyhttps://www.sparklecat.com/special/why-we-dont-adopt-peach-kitty
B.12 Article Rescue & Advocacy, Short
Louise Holton and Deborah HolzerNonsurgical Contraception: Pros & Cons for Community Cats https://bit.ly/4n4V4ZJ
Louise Holton and Deborah HolzerThe Pandemic’s Cruel Aftermathhttps://bit.ly/3PbHc3v
Mary SchwagerCleanup Crew Opens Oven and Miracle Cat Jumps Outhttps://www.thedodo.com/daily-dodo/cleanup-crew-opens-oven-wrecked-in-flood-and-miracle-cat-jumps-out
Sierra KoesterBenefits of Adopting Bonded Pairs of Catshttps://blog.catblogosphere.com/benefits-of-adopting-a-bonded-pair-of-cats-remembermethursday/
Dusty RainboltMute the Volumehttps://dustycatwriter.com/mute-the-volume-how-silence-helps-scared-shelter-cats-get-adopted
B.13 Article Cats in General Publication, Long
Jen ReederKitten Season Boosts Need for Volunteershttps://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/Kitten-Season-Boosts-Need-For-Volunteers-To-Help-By-Fostering-Ki-5ed201822e49b613f1d7f8a84ca898c1.pdf
Jen ReederCats Are Getting Bird Fluhttps://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/Forbes-Bird-Flu-3bd7d3598081fb797f29bd1fb984d760.pdf
B.15 Article Product Review
Maggie MartonIs the Litter-Robot Worth It?https://www.petful.com/spotlight/is-the-litter-robot-4-worth-it/
Joey LusvardiStainless Steel Cat Litter Box Review https://classactcats.com/blog/stainless-steel-litter-box-reviewed/
B.16 Column
Katia ColittiLetters to Mosihttps://open.substack.com/pub/letterstomosi/p/beautiful-memories-of-life-with-my-cat-to-commemorate-the-anniversary-of-her-passing?r=1o5jkh&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
B.17 Article Miscellaneous, Long
Teresa KeigerA Pattern Does Not a Breed Makehttps://cfa.org/cat-talk/a-pattern-does-not-a-breed-make/
Laurie CoughlanSo You Want to Get a New Pedigreed Cathttps://cfa.org/cat-talk/so-you-want-to-get-a-new-pedigreed-cat/
Joey LusvardiChatGPT and Cats: An Updated Testhttps://classactcats.com/blog/chatgpt-and-cats-updated/
Heike HagenguthCats in Egypthttps://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/Original-text-and-translation-e8e1693e6cef6507e2a9c25f5d46e811.docx
B.18 Article Miscellaneous, Short
Ann HofenhausPandora Syndromehttps://www.amcny.org/blog/2025/06/04/pandora-syndrome-in-cats-what-it-is-and-how-to-help-your-cat/
Ann HofenhausWhy Are My Cat’s Eyes Red?https://www.amcny.org/blog/2025/06/11/why-are-my-cats-eyes-red/


CATEGORY C. POETRY AND FICTION

C.1 Poetry
Rochelle NewmanA Double Edged Purrhttps://catwriters.com/a-double-edged-purr/
Janine HennisHaiku from a Feline Perspectivehttps://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/Tiny-Paws-Poetry-by-Tyson-the-Cat-147d6221a361f87181bace3ecc308d36.pdf
C.2 Humor
Joey LusvardiCan My Cat Pass the Canadian Citizenship Test?https://youtu.be/6ocSWB9rlho
C.3 Short Form Fiction
Ellen M. LauraPussyCat Messages:  StarBorn Descent
Ellen M. LauraThe Flame Beneath the Snow
Mary TurzilloThe Vermin
C.4 Book Fiction, Mystery Thriller
Mollie HuntCold Case Cat
Debra BlaineCatch as Cats Can
Gwen CooperYou Only Live Nine Times
C.9 Book Fiction, Children’s Illustrated
Allia Zobel NolanFinding Harmony: The Kitten Who Taught Friends Kindness
Cindy Vanous & Rebeckah GerstnerZiva the Great
Lesley O’Brien & Emmett DonavanAn Impawsible Predicament: The Adventures of Captain Marco
C.10 Book Fiction, Children’s Word-Focused
Jennifer RohrbachGaffle O’Feral: The Life and Tail of An Alley Cat

CATEGORY D. BOOKS, NON-FICTION

D.4 Book Nonfiction, General
Tim Flach & Jonathan Losos Feline
Chip  KirkpatrickThe Power of the Purr
Chip  KirkpatrickHe’ll Stand on Your Shoulders
Debra BlaineWhiskers in the Wild



CATEGORY E. DIGITAL AND BROADCAST MEDIA

E.1 Podcast or Audio Broadcast
Gemma SmithTails and Tassels Podcast with Guest Sterling TrapKing Davishttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2386090/episodes/18225178
Gemma SmithTails and Tassels Podcast:  Kitties Cabarethttp://bit.ly/3PMz9ub
E.2 Video, Film or Television Production
Rachel GellerPlay: It’s Not Just Fun and Gameshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdsWk3fe0U0
Mikel DelgadoHow to Make Your Cat Love You: With Science!https://youtu.be/O6TUZxIVNdY?si=Bwv_WUKgbt-htbJ_
Petra LunaLitter-Robot 5 Pro Reviewhttps://youtu.be/663-4d0RQJQ
Petra LunaCan Cats Really Be Vegan?https://youtu.be/_UbFL_JYtCU
Petra Luna I Caught My Cat’s UTI on Camerahttps://youtu.be/-gYWV3ShUto
Petra LunaWhy Cats Vomit, Get Sick and Die Younghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouvw9Qygn6E
Joey Lusvardi & Mikel DelgadoCat Declawing Banshttps://youtu.be/A6TdgOqV0QU
Beverly GarlandWinnie, Tigger, Athena, McKenzie, Percy and Katnisshttps://youtu.be/zevcKf37fRU
Beverly GarlandLittle Cocoa: Time-Lapsed Cat Portraithttps://www.youtube.com/@ILoveToDrawCats/videos
Janiss GarzaCat World Domination Day Goes Full Variety Showhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yzjgniICQQ
E.3 Blog/Website
Teresa KeigerCat Talk Magazinehttps://cfa.org/cat-talk/
Joey LusvardiClass Act Cats’ Bloghttps://classactcats.com/blog/
E.4 Audiobook – Fiction
Amy ShojaiTrick or Treat


CATEGORY F. IMAGES

F.1 Photography: Single Image
Marjorie DawsonMy Cat Dad and Me, Black Cat Stylehttps://dashkitten.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Taz-and-Paul-January-2025.jpg
Marjorie DawsonToulouse in a Plant Pothttps://dashkitten.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tabby-Cat-in-a-plant-pot-1.jpg
Marjorie DawsonA Senior Sunbeam Catnaphttps://dashkitten.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Jack-Edited.jpg
Ramona MarekHe Fits, He Doesn’t Shiphttps://bit.ly/4digmzW
Ramona MarekBebe, King of His Domainhttps://bit.ly/3R6Fpxp
Ramona MarekHey, You Found Me!https://bit.ly/4ucbVg0
Bob WalkerCats and Dogs Can Get Alonghttps://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/Cats-and-Dogs-Can-Get-Along_PIX4593-513ec260209ac29878ba7d95dc2b9725.jpg
Janet Buickrood BlueSpark with Awww-dorable Cooper Murphyhttps://bit.ly/4dClfEc
Janet Buickrood BlueGibbs and Mom Usiehttps://bit.ly/4uKPIGe
Janiss GarzaSummer, Victorian Stylehttps://www.sparklecat.com/wp-content/uploads/Summer112125dDSC03918.jpg
F.2 Photography,  Series
Tim Flach & Jonathan Losos Felinehttps://we.tl/t-kHZ7ZmY1hANAcPkC
F.3 Photographic Art
Janet Buickrood BlueLisbeth’s in the Pinkhttps://bit.ly/4ubDK7x
F.4 Cartoon
Stephanie Piro NolanWaterhttps://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/cat-water-sunday1-s-563dafa0d8b5c94ab5bce009c5821c03.jpg
Stephanie Piro NolanAnalog Cathttps://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/Analogcat-s-8fc964f91aeff8c0ecbe875b2d563d38.jpg
Stephanie Piro NolanLap Comfyhttps://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/lapcomfy-s-82042db0bc51ccdbafdafa81a8878efa.jpg
F.5 Illustration, Single
Mary Joan HinsonOh Canadahttps://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/MJH-SHADOWBOX-WEB-8-10f1eaf5c7c74ab811a4a2d3e5d4ec4a.jpg
Dawn SecordIllustration 30-Bling’s on the Trail of a Fluffy Puffy Tailhttps://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/Illus-30-Secord-c0c19bdbd89e0f5eed5e676d37e28201.jpg
Stephanie Piro NolanSakurahttps://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/6Sakuraclr-s-8b20a15b4c05e618b59e5e062fc94fb7.jpg
Stephanie Piro NolanCatnighthttps://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/18-s-15371787040bffd8213d1453e3a3383c.jpg
Bernadette KazmarskiIt’s Basil! https://wp.me/p2snop-nS6
Bernadette KazmarskiWhat Lights?https://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/Fromage-What-lights-painting-crop1-00129d6f8cd38683a4ed78dd0a66cc3b.jpg
F.6 Illustration, Series
Dawn SecordBling’s on the Trail of a Fluffy Puffy Tailhttps://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/Blings-on-the-Trail-of-a-Fluffy-Puffy-Tail-by-Dawn-Secord-ISBN-9-414b8be93250d5d556ea0239b3d467ff.pdf
Bernadette KazmarskiKlepto Cat Cover Illustration and Designhttps://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/Klepto-Cat-Covers-74-76-247c9f05b7100022d7b8b2d6fba1a245.pdf
Bernadette KazmarskiCalico Cat Mysteries Book Cover Illustration and Designhttps://catwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/wpforms/16180-3df86e9fcf9dbc4a895793c1e8a6993d/Calico-Cat-Covers-25-27-e0cc9a75b0d4c7cf55ef1c5c93399af4.jpg
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