Cats and kittens from across the UK will descend on Eltham this weekend to compete for the title of best in show.

The Fancy Cats London show will take place at the University of Greenwich’s Avery Hill campus on Saturday and Sunday. 

Visitors can see the cats being judged as well as a parade showing off each of the breeds at the show, including British, Persian, Exotic, Bengal, Oriental, Siamese, Ragdoll, Somali, Cornish Rex and Ocicat.

Household cats can also be entered into competitions, including a “fancy cats class” where they go head to head with competition veterans.

One local hopeful, Stephen Whiting from Sidcup, will be bringing Lottie, his chocolate spotted Ocicat, and Laurence, his black classic tabby Aztec.

He 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.”

The work of Kool Cat Rescue will also be highlighted at the show. 

Kelly Makdissy, the founder of the Fancy Cats Organisation, which hosts shows across the country, 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.”

Tickets for the “spec-cat-ular” are available at www.fcorg.com/london or on the door both days from 10am to 4pm.

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