Claws out for crucial show

TOP CAT: Lyall Payne with Sam, a Birman who is the Supreme Best in Show winner at the National Cat Show held in May in Palmerston North.

Kapiti Horowhenua Cat Club's annual show takes place in the Paraparaumu Memorial Hall on Sunday.

Organiser Lyall Payne said two of the judges Rod Uren and Nick Tricario are flying in from Melbourne to cast their discerning eye over the entrants, along with several of New Zealand's most experienced judges.

A total of 115 of New Zealand's best cats will vie for not only the coveted Best in Show awards but also the final points of the show season that determine who becomes New Zealand's official Cat of the Year.

The Cat of the Year awards are offered by the overseeing body, the New Zealand Cat Fancy, and exhibitors and their cats travel throughout the country to earn points to place them well up the placings ladder. Lyall is a specialist in the Birman breed.

"My own cat Champion Chalfont Uncle Sam, was Supreme Best in Show at this year's National Cat Show and looks set to win the coveted Longhair Kitten of the year title," Lyall said.

"While he has a substantial lead he has now moved into the adult classes and it remains to be seen if he is far enough ahead not to be pipped at the post by an up-and-coming youngster."

Sam has 15 Birmans in his own class to contend with before he even has a chance of competing against the other breeds.

All breeds of cat will be on show, including domestic cats.

The purebreds include an Isle of Man which is a Manx that grew a tail.

Persians, British shorthairs, Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest Cats and Siberians are all represented.

"We are currently in negotiations to have a Toyger on display.

"This is a breed of cat that is almost a miniature tiger.

"The coat has to be seen to be believed."

The show is open to the public from 10am to 3pm.

Cash only public door entry $2 adult, $1 child, $5 for family groups.