Fans coo at Dunedin cat show

Sunny the Birman cat takes offence while being judged by Melbourne judge Nick Tricarico at the Southern Cross All Breeds Cat Club show in Green Island yesterday. Photo / Peter McIntosh.

With the full name of Abergavenny Sunny, and a pedigree status as a seal tabby Birman, Sunny the cat is a creature of some dignity and grace.

And Sunny was, on the whole, well behaved at the Southern Cross All Breeds Cat Club show in Green Island yesterday.

But no cat can remain truly dignified when hoisted high in the air above a crowd, and Melbourne judge Nick Tricarico was certainly given that message, which was communicated through tooth and claw.

The show attracted 60 entries, from pedigree to companion and domestic cats.

Huge Maine Coons lay contented in their cages, Norwegian forest cats looked thoughtful, but mildly irritated, and the Birmans looked judgementally back at the humans who stared at them.

Club life member Paulette Boyes said cats were judged to a standard set for each breed, including body type, head type, coat texture and shape.

This year's show attracted judges from both New Zealand and Australia.

And the stars of the show attracted plenty of praise.

''Aren't you just sex on toast?'', one woman told a Maine Coon.

Mr Tricarico noted ''lovely oval eye shape and eye colour'', as he continued his judging.

''As long as the toes touch the table, we're happy,'' he said of the standard for one breed.

''And a fabulous tail,'' he crooned as he gave one a gentle pull.