The Cat Writers’ Association (CWA) will begin accepting submissions for its 2026 Communications Contest on April 22, 2026. This prestigious annual global contest recognizes excellence in cat-focused content in a wide range of media. Don’t miss your chance to showcase your work and be recognized for excellence in media.
The contest celebrates outstanding work that informs, inspires, and strengthens the bond between people and their feline companions. Writers, bloggers, photographers, artists, broadcasters, and other content creators who share compelling stories and expert information about cats — including veterinary professionals — are encouraged to prepare their entries now.
The contest is open to everyone, including creators outside the United States. Eligible entries must have been published or produced between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025.
CONTEST DATES
Entries will be accepted beginningApril 22, 2026 through midnight (eastern time) on May 31, 2026.
REGULAR (MUSE) CONTEST CATEGORIES
With 46 exciting regular categories, you can enter across fiction and nonfiction writing, journalism, film and video production, photography, art, and more. Outstanding Regular Category submissions earn a Certificate of Excellence, and the highest scoring work in each category receives a highly coveted Muse Medallion. For category details, be sure to view the 2026 CWA Muse Awards Categories and Descriptions.
SPECIAL AWARDS CONTEST CATEGORIES
Alongside our regular categories, we’re proud to present, in collaboration with our sponsors, a range of Special Awards. Special Award winners receive cash prizes. We also encourage CWA members to celebrate the community by nominating colleagues for CWA service and mentor awards.
For category details, please refer to the 2026 CWA Special Awards Category Descriptions.
CONTEST RULES
Before entering, be sure to closely read the 2026 CWA Muse and Special Awards Contest Rules. Any entries that do not adhere to contest rules will be disqualified. To understand how your work will be evaluated, please refer to the 2026 CWA Judging Criteria.
2026 CWA AWARDS CEREMONY
Winners will be announced during the CWA Awards Ceremony, which will take place this year at the CWA 32nd Annual Conference, November 6–8 in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.
Looking for information about past years’ contests? Find information about the winners and prizes at the 2025 CWA Contest.
