THE Maine Coon Cat Club WA is hosting an all-breeds cat championship in Bassendean on Sunday, August 16 at Cyril Jackson Recreation Centre to celebrate pedigree and household cats.

Club and show secretary Jan Sterry said the championship has expanded to four rings this year, after only previously having three.

“Rings are based on the number of judges,” she said.

“We have three interstate judges coming from New South Wales, Tasmania and South Australia, and one WA judge.

“There are four groups in each ring – group one are long-haired cats, which includes Maine Coons, group two are Siamese and Orientals, group three are short-haired cats, and group four are household cats.”

A finalist from each group will be decided and then one out of the four will be named supreme of their ring.

Ms Sterry said cats are judged to a standard determined by physical traits such as where the ears sit, posture, coat texture, patterns and body type.

“We also have a class for our household pets,” she said.

“They’ll be judged on how well they’re presented, their personality and how they are as an all-round cat at home, as opposed to our pedigree cats, who are judged to a particular standard.”

Other free side classes included with entry include longest whiskers, judges’ fancy, best purrsonality and best groomed.

Prizes include litter, biscuits, crates, harnesses, dental supplements and more.

Ms Sterry hopes people coming to the event can appreciate the effort put into preserving cat breeds and share with others their love for cats.

“We also hope to educate the public in responsible cat ownership and celebrate all cats,” she said.

Visitors are welcome from 9.30am to 3pm, with free entry.