Spalding's International Cat Show returns for third Championship
It's got new features this year including a cat-agility course and a meet the breed section
It's the third year of Spalding's International Cat Show, which is taking place today and tomorrow.
There'll be over 100 cats competing for titles and prizes across 5 judging rings.
It's organised and set up by Stef Winman - he tells us what's new this year:
"New for this year we've got a meet-the-breed section where people can come and physically meet different breeds of cats, talk to their owners and find out about different traits, basically find out what cats would suit their own households if they're looking to get a new cat at home.
"Alongside that, we have something really fun this year, we have a cat-agility course, that's like what dogs do at Crufts, so there's jumps, there's weaves, a catwalk and a tunnel. If nothing else it's going to be truly hilarious. So, I'm looking forward to that, we had a test for it and that went brilliantly, we had a great day trying it out."
Stef added that it's truly international:
"The show itself is a truly international event so there's judges coming over from America, from Sweden, Italy, and also some home grown UK judges. We will have around about 130 or so cats from all over Europe, ranging from the naked cat, the Sphynx, to the biggest cat in the world, the Maine Coon."
The show will be open to the public on Saturday 13th January 2024 and Sunday 14th January 2024, from 10am to 4pm.
Each cat will be in their own safe “house” and people are encouraged to look, and if you’d like to take photos or stroke anyone’s cat, ask first.
People can also see the judging in progress, and ask any members of the team to know more about what’s happening.
Each cat is presented to the judges, anonymously. This means the judge will look at each cat and assess it according to the breed standard.
Each breed has its own “Standard Of Points” and the judges are looking to ensure each cat meets those standards, for their own breed.
Non-pedigree, household pet cats, are judged on presentation and temperament. If a cat is deemed good enough, they can then go through to a final, which is where they earn titles, regional and international points.
It's taking place at Springfields Events & Conference Centre, and there is an entry fee. To find out more go to the TiCats and Cakes website here.