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Fancy Cats show set to bring Ocicats, Ragdolls and more to Greenwich
London is set to go cat crazy this summer when one of the UK's most dazzling feline events arrives in the capital.
The Fancy Cats London SpeCATular will transform the University of Greenwich's Avery Hill campus into a paradise for cat lovers on August 30 and 31.
The event promises a celebration of all things feline, with pedigree breeds and household cats competing for titles, prizes, and the coveted Best in Show.
Top cats compete at Greenwich show featuring rare breeds and rescues (Image: Fancy Cats London SpeCATular) Cats and kittens from across the UK will be judged by international experts, with competitions running throughout the weekend.
Visitors can meet breeders, chat with exhibitors, and learn about different breeds in a friendly, interactive setting.
Stephen Whiting, an exhibitor from Sidcup, said: "I love the friendly atmosphere at these shows and really enjoy letting the visitors meet my cats and giving them the opportunity to learn about the different breeds.
"My cats enjoy meeting the people who come to visit and saying 'hello' to everybody there.
"I have quite rare breeds that perhaps not many people know much about so it is a good opportunity to raise their profile and to allow a new audience to discover them."
Ocicats, Persians, Bengals and more at UK's most dazzling cat event (Image: Fancy Cats London SpeCATular) Visitors can also watch the popular 'Fancy Cat Purrade,' where cats of each breed are presented to the public, with commentary on their history, appearance, and temperament.
The show will feature well-known breeds such as British, Persian, Bengal, Maine Coon, Siamese, Ragdoll, Cornish Rex, and Ocicat.
Mr Whiting will be showing his chocolate spotted Ocicat, Lottie, and his black classic tabby Aztec, Laurence.
The event isn't just for pedigree cats.
Visitors set to purr with joy at Fancy Cats London showcase (Image: Fancy Cats London SpeCATular) There are competition classes for household pets, and the Fancy Cats Class sees pedigree and non-pedigree cats compete side-by-side.
Kelly Makdissy, founder and director of the Fancy Cats Organisation, said: "Our mission is to celebrate and support cats in all their diversity by promoting ethical breeding and showcasing the beauty of all cats.
"We are dedicated to preserving breeds, raising awareness about responsible ownership and highlighting the joy and companionship that cats can bring to our lives.
"We foster a vibrant, inclusive community where cat lovers, responsible breeders and advocates come together to celebrate, protect and elevate the feline world."
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International cat judges attending the event include Sue Hart-Jones from Cornwall, Jan Bradley from Hampshire, Nicki Fenwick-Raven from Essex, and Kelly Makdissy from Stoke-on-Trent.
Ms Hart-Jones said: "There is always a super selection of high quality cats being exhibited at these shows and I am so looking forward to coming to London and meeting the wonderful cats that will be there, talking to exhibitors and being able to tell the visiting public all about each of the different cats as I am judging them."
The show will also highlight the work of cat rescue organisations.
At a previous event, Kool Cat Rescue found homes for four kittens after visitors met them at the show.
Founders Jools Price and Mitzi Booth said: "The shows that Fancy Cats put on give us the opportunity to highlight the work that we do to look after and find loving homes for cats in need and at the same time enable us to raise much needed funds for the work that we do.
"We are delighted that four of our kittens will have now found new homes through our presence at their last show."
The Fancy Cats Organisation hosts events across the UK, giving the public a chance to meet cats, talk to breeders, and experience the excitement of the show.
The London event will run from 10am to 4pm on both days.
Activities will include breed presentations, children's activities, cat rescue stalls, and vendors selling cat-related products.
