CWA COMMUNICATION CONTEST
SPECIAL AWARDS & GUIDELINES

Through the generosity of corporate sponsors, the CWA is proud to offer the following Special Awards. In order to be eligible for a Special Award, your submission must also be entered in one of the CWA regular contest categories.

(Note: Please consult this page for awards updates)
Last Updated: Thursday, May 15, 2008

1. The AKC COMPANION ANIMAL RECOVERY AWARD, sponsored by the American Kennel Club, is given to the best single entry which informs and educates the general public about issues relating to lost cats, stray cats, behaviors of roaming and feral cats, and all forms of pet identification and recovery. The most appropriate topics are those which emphasize reuniting cats with their owners and responsibly preventing lost cats, such as by using identification and keeping pet cats indoors. Both nonfiction and fiction articles qualify, published in newspapers, magazines, newsletters or in professional online venues; plus brochures, books and radio/television broadcasts. This award consists of $1,000 and a commemorative item.

2. The DR. JIM RICHARDS CORNELL FELINE HEALTH CENTER VETERINARY ISSUES AWARD, sponsored by Cornell University's Feline Health Center, is presented to the highest-quality entry on the topic of technological advances, research, new medical developments or innovations in feline veterinary medicine. Qualifying entries include single newspaper, magazine or newsletter articles, columns or series of articles, single books or radio/television broadcasts, designed to educate the general cat-owning public about new developments. This award consists of $500.

3. The FORT DODGE/ HEALTHY CATS FOR LIFE TURNING POINT AWARD, sponsored by Fort Dodge Animal Health, is for the best published work by a beginning cat writer or photographer. This award has very specific criteria: At the time of entry, the author (1) must not have published more than three short works on companion animal topics in professional markets, e.g. a market that pays $75 or more for each work, and no books; and (2) must have not yet had his/her work honored by a CWA Muse Medallion or special CWA Contest Award. The purpose of this award is to encourage qualifying writers and photographers to strive for the highest professional level of excellence and to provoke a significant change in the recipient's cat-writing career. This is a "turning point" award. Qualifying work includes articles, columns, short stories, poems, photos or illustrations published in any medium, including print and electronic. (First books by new authors qualify for this award only if the author meets the other two criteria above.) This award consists of $500 and a commemorative item.

4. The FRISKIES® WRITER OF THE YEAR AWARD, sponsored by Purina, is for the writer who has done the most to promote the welfare, health, and proper care of cats during the contest year. This award is for "a body of work" and can include different publications during the contest period. Single entries do not qualify; therefore, multiple books, newsletters, print articles, online articles, columns, stories and series in any pet or non-pet consumer publication qualify. The award honors writing excellence and the ability to communicate technical information in a clear and creative manner to better educate cat owners and help improve the lives of cats. A maximum of 10 articles or items published within the contest period may be submitted. Choose only your best work! This award consists of $500 and a Baccarat cat figurine.

5. The HARTZ EVERY DAY CHEWABLE VITAMIN AWARD, sponsored by Hartz Mountain Corporation, is given to the highest-quality entry on the topic of older cats. Topics can include but are not limited to adoption, health, innovative care, and senior-for-senior programs. Qualifying entries include single books, articles (print or online), brochures, newsletters, editorials, photographs, and commercial radio/TV tapes. This award consists of $1000 and a commemorative plaque.

6. The HARTZ GLAMOUR-PUSS AWARD, sponsored by Hartz Mountain Corporation, honors the best single entry on the topic of feline skin and coat care. Qualifying topics include, but are not limited to, coverage of home and professional grooming, parasite control, nail care, teeth and ear care, and feline skin/coat disorders. Written and pictorial works in all media are acceptable, including articles, books, and videotape broadcasts. This award consists of $1000 and a commemorative plaque.

7. The HARTZ MILK REPLACEMENT FOR KITTENS AWARD, sponsored by Hartz Mountain Corporation, is awarded to the best single article (published in a newspaper, magazine, newsletter, or professional online venue), or single radio or television broadcast on the topic of rescuing kittens. Appropriate topics include "how to" articles, stories about feral kitten rescue, early spay and neuter, orphaned kittens, and kitten adoption. This award consists of $1000 and a commemorative plaque.

8. The IAMS® RESPONSIBLE CAT OWNERSHIP AWARD, sponsored by the IAMS Company, is awarded to the best individual or series entry, in professional print or online venues, on the topic of pet owner responsibility. Qualifying entries include single articles, columns, short stories, books and brochures, or labeled series of articles. Entries are judged on clear writing and should educate readers while promoting positive approaches to responsible cat ownership. This award consists of $500 and a commemorative plaque.

9. The MERIAL HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND AWARD, sponsored by Merial, is presented to the entry that best reflects and promotes the strengthening of the human-animal bond, highlighting the bond between a cat and owner, as well as their relationship with their veterinarian as another direct caregiver. Entries will be judged for exceptional quality and on the ability to convey this concept and connect with the reader. Qualified entries include (but are not limited to) single articles, features, columns, short stories, books, poetry. This award consists of $1000 award and commemorative certificate.

10. The PRO PLAN® PEDIGREED CATS AWARD, sponsored by Purina, is presented to the writer or creator of the best entry of the year that focuses on cat breeds, pedigreed cats and professional breeder issues including (but not limited to) health, care, nutrition, and showing cats. Qualifying entries include entire publications, such as breed or breed club newsletters, magazines or books, and individual columns, articles, stories, photographs or illustrations in any professional venue, featuring pure bred cats. This award consists of $500 and a commemorative bowl.

11. The PURINA® CAT CHOW® NUTRITION AWARD, sponsored by Purina, is presented to the best column or article (print or professionally published online) or book entry on the subject of feline nutrition. Highest consideration goes to those works that are both skillfully written and technically accurate. The recipient cannot be an employee of or associated with a pet food company at the time that the entry is judged. This award consists of $500 and a commemorative pewter bowl.

12. The PURINA® ONE® HEALTH AWARD, sponsored by Purina, is presented to the outstanding single article (print or professionally published online) reporting on feline health issues. Articles are judged on excellence of writing and technical accuracy; significance of the topic and public education impact on feline health are also considered. This award consists of $500 and a commemorative pewter bowl

13. The PURINA® KITTEN CHOW® KITTEN AWARD, sponsored by Purina, is presented to the author of the outstanding entry on caring for kittens. Qualified entries include single books, articles, columns, short stories and labeled series articles in professional venues. Entries will be judged on writing excellence and content accuracy. This award consists of $500 and a commemorative pewter bowl.

14. The NEW SF/SPCA ADVO-CAT AWARD, sponsored by the San Francisco SPCA (SF/SPCA), is presented for the work that best illuminates shelter programs that advocate for the welfare of cats, save and protect cats, provide cat care and treatment within the shelter and to the community, promote adoption and fostering, prevent cat overpopulation and cruelty, and advance humane education. Qualifying entries include single newspaper, magazine or newsletter articles, columns or series of articles, single books or radio/television broadcasts. This award consists of $500 and a certificate.

15. The STICKY PAWS® TRAINING AWARD, sponsored by Fe-Lines Inc./Sticky Paws®, is presented for the best article or tape entry on training techniques. Entries should have a "how-to" focus. Appropriate entries are labeled series or single articles (print or professionally published online), columns, and television/radio broadcast tapes on topics such as (but not limited to) litter box training, proper scratching behavior, trick training, or training cats to stay off countertops, tables or other forbidden places. This award consists of $1000 and a commemorative certificate.

16. The TIDY CATS® FELINE BEHAVIOR AWARD, sponsored by Purina, is presented for the best entry on the subject of feline behavior. Highest consideration goes to those works that are both skillfully written and technically accurate. Qualified entries include single books, articles, features or columns in any medium, and should educate readers while promoting a positive approach to understanding and dealing with feline behavior. This award consists of $500 and a commemorative pewter bowl.

17. The WORLD'S BEST CAT LITTER-ARY AWARD, sponsored by World's Best Cat Litter®, is presented for the outstanding novel, short story, poem or radio/television dramatic script which portrays cats and cat ownership in a positive way. All fiction genres are eligible. Highest consideration goes to those entries that include cats as an intrinsic part of the plot. Works will be judged for the exceptional, individual quality ("voice" or "vision") of the writer/creator. Eligible works may be published in print or electronic media; any scripts or videos must also provide proof of production. This award consists of $500 and a commemorative pewter bowl.

18. The SHOJAI MENTOR AWARD, sponsored by past-president Amy D. Shojai, recognizes the CWA member who has offered guidance, encouraging counsel, support, or other help that has had a direct and positive influence on another's writing/publishing success. Qualifying mentor experiences are limited to those occurring within the past three contest periods (approximately the last three years). The recipient shall exemplify the highest ideals of the CWA vision, that is, to promote communal support, networking, and mutual respect between colleagues. Only CWA members are eligible for this award. This award consists of $500 and a commemorative item.

19. The KUYKENDALL IMAGE AWARD, is sponsored by CWA, and is presented to the outstanding "image" entry featuring cats -- whether photography, illustration or graphic art. This may be a single piece or series entry, including but not limited to photos/artwork published in a magazine, newspaper, newsletter, book, pamphlet, calendar, poster, greeting card or commercial on-line publication. This award consists of $250 and a commemorative item.

20. The CWA PRESIDENT'S AWARD, sponsored by the Cat Fanciers' Association, is presented to the best entry among all Muse MedallionTM winners in the regular contest categories. This "Best of the Best" requires no additional copies be submitted of entries. Muse Medallion^TM winners shall be automatically entered and considered for the honor. This award consists of $250 and a commemorative item.

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