CAT owners across town are already primping and preening their kitties in readiness for the “In the Swing of Spring” cat show, says Natalie Patrick, self-confessed cat lover and representative of Australian National Cats.

“What’s not to love about cats, they’re amazing creatures,” she says. “They’re playful, affectionate, talkative and occasionally very cheeky – my two are anyway! Floyd, a Seal Lynx Spotted Bengal, is the laid-back one but when he’s playing with Zep, a part-pedigree Bengal who’s more boisterous, he gets a little more excited. Floyd also loves perching himself up on my shoulder when I’m pottering around the house!”

The 14th annual cat show will be held on October 29-30 at the Croatia Deakin Football Club and will include breeds such as Bengal, Balinese, Russian, Rag Doll, Persian, Siamese and Burmese.

“I’ll be entering my special little boy Floyd in the show – this will be his fourth one,” says Natalie.

“I’m thinking about entering our little girl Zep in the companion category, too.”

Natalie says anyone can enter their cat or kitten, pedigree or not, and companion cats are welcome, provided they fulfil the eligibility requirements (available online).

“Any healthy, well-looked after and well-tempered cat has the opportunity to do well,” she says. “If you have a cat you love, that’s good with people, likes a scratch behind the ears or on the belly, bring them along and show them off.

“Besides, every cat at an ANCATS show is a winner.”

There are categories for pedigree and companion cats, as well as desexed and un-desexed cats, Natalie says, and all will be judged against the standard for their breed.

The main display and judging will be open to the public each day from 10am to 4pm, when you can see the judging in action with commentary provided, says Natalie.

“It’s a very open competition,” she says. “Judges will examine the overall temperament, cleanliness, bone structure, eye colour, and style of the cats while explaining their decisions.”

Entries need to be received at least two weeks before the show, says Natalie, but it’s best to get your entry in as soon as possible to avoid missing out – there are restrictions on the number of cats that can be entered due to venue size.

“I think many of the cats are used to being shown now,” she says. “Some of them even butter up the judges with smooches!

“The judges are adept at handling the cats and many of the cats are so used to being on the judges’ table they either lay down or play with the cat toys the judges use.”

Natalie says that while owners and breeders of long-haired varieties may spend time primping their cats, Floyd doesn’t require a lot of preparation because he’s a short-hair breed.

“He’ll get a complete groom though – bath, a claw trim, brushing, deodorising, ear clean and a tooth clean,” she says. “He also gets lots of love and cuddles!”

For more information on the show, and the entry criteria, contact ANCATS on 9544 1910 or visit www.ancats.com.au