CATwalk! Some of the world’s most unusual feline breeds battle it out in Birmingham competition

Prowling on the CATwalk! World’s most unusual feline breeds battle it out to be the ‘supreme exhibit’ at ‘Crufts for moggies’ show in Birmingham

  • The Supreme Cat Show, showcasing a host of feline beauties, took place yesterday at Birmingham’s NEC  
  • Rare and unusual breeds of cat – including Bengal, Sphinx and Purina – were judged at ‘Crufts for cats’ event 
  • Owners preened and perfected their moggies’ coats before a team of expert judges inspected them 
  • The 43rd show reached a miaowing crescendo with the ‘supreme exhibit’ awarded to a Blue breed 

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Some of the world’s most exquisite cat breeds descended on Birmingham this weekend as the Supreme Cat Show kicked off at the city’s NEC Arena. 

Feline owners showcased their perfectly-preened moggies as they battled it out to win the ‘supreme exhibit’ accolade at the 43rd annual show that is dubbed ‘Crufts for cats’.      

The biggest cat show in the UK annually sees hundreds of long and short-haired pussies including varieties such as Burmese, Sphinx and the striking Bengal taking to the stage, as judges from the GCCF, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, assess the best.

An owner holds on to her slim ginger Purina breed cat, known for their delicate bodies and large ears; this pretty pussy was just one of nearly 800 cats on display at the GCCF Supreme Cat Show in Birmingham yesterday

Dennis the Bengal cat poses for portraits after participating in GCCF Supreme Show

The beautiful feline is also known for its striking blue/green eyes

Dennis the Bengal cat poses for portraits after participating in GCCF Supreme Show. The beautiful feline is also known for its striking blue/green eyes

Blue beauty: This grey-haired Blue cat was declared the winner of Best in Show at the event, one of Europe's biggest cat shows

Blue beauty: This grey-haired Blue cat was declared the winner of Best in Show at the event, one of Europe’s biggest cat shows

Grumpy, moi? Cats at the show are judged on a variety of plinths on the main show floor

The animals also strike a pose in the professional moggie photo studio

Grumpy, moi? Cats at the show are judged on a variety of plinths on the main show floor and also strike a pose in the professional moggie photo studio 

Keen eye: A long-haired cat is brought to the judging table by its owner for expert scrutiny at the NEC yesterday

Keen eye: A long-haired cat is brought to the judging table by its owner for expert scrutiny at the NEC yesterday

With nearly 800 pens in Hall 18 of the arena housing the breeds when they’re not being judged, many attendees at the show are simply their to get their cat fix, browsing the beauties as they relaxed during a ‘Meet the cats’ section.

Among the domestic animals on display at the family-friendly event, which costs £14 to visit, this year was Dennis, a beautiful Bengal with a striking dappled coat and luminous blue/green eyes. 

Other unique-looking cats at the show included the Purina variety, which have over-sized ears, short hair and lean bodies with short fur. And the Bengals, which look like mini versions of cheetahs with their dappled brown coats, also caused a stir. 

Puuurfect: A long-haired cat offers a steely look at the camera

This white-haired, blue-eyed beauty offers up a similarly glaring pose

Puuurfect: A long-haired cat offers a steely look at the camera while this white-haired, blue-eyed Persian beauty offers up a similarly glaring pose

Victorious: The winner of Best in Show category is pictured centre with two runner ups and their owners as the day draws to a close

Victorious: The winner of Best in Show category is pictured centre with two runner ups and their owners as the day draws to a close

This tortoiseshell cat, thought to be a Purina, shows off its stunning light green eyes

This tortoiseshell cat, thought to be a Purina, shows off its stunning light green eyes

You can't judge my fur! A hairless cat - thought to be a Sphinx breed - licks its lips as it enjoys a cuddle with its owner

You can’t judge my fur! A hairless cat – thought to be a Sphinx breed – licks its lips as it enjoys a cuddle with its owner

Feline capers: A caramel-coloured feline takes a pop at a large stuffed toy cat while in its pen

Feline capers: A caramel-coloured feline takes a pop at a large stuffed toy cat while in its pen 

A Blue beauty: this gorgeous moggy shows of its groomed grey coat as its assessed by a judge

Looking like a mini Cheetah, this tiny cat shows off its dappled coat

A Blue beauty: this gorgeous moggy shows of its groomed grey coat as its assessed by a judge. Looking like a mini Cheetah, this tiny cat shows off its dappled coat

A 'Meet the Cats' area enabled members of the public to see around 800 of the event exhibitors up close

A ‘Meet the Cats’ area enabled members of the public to see around 800 of the event exhibitors up close

Made for a Bond villain; this white-haired beauty pads along the judging table

A black-and-white long-haired cat snuggles up with its owner

Made for a Bond villain; this white-haired beauty pads along the judging table. Right: a black-and-white long-haired cat snuggles up with its owner

Alongside grooming demonstrations, the event also featured a vast shopping area, which showcases some of the more luxurious items that pet owners can buy for their moggies including lavish baskets on podiums that cost hundreds of pounds.

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk