The first Fife International Cat show of 2006 was held at the Sports Complex, Cottonera, with Czech Kvetoslava Mahelekova judging the entries.
Ensuring a "happy and relaxed" atmosphere was the aim of the committee of Malta Feline Fanciers.
Few animals have earned greater reverence and awe throughout history than the domestic cat. Power animal of the Shaman, witch's familiar companion and Babylonian temple cat; its links with magic and mysticism and religion are to be found in all world cultures as far back as 3,000 BC.
It is no wonder that the show hall was thronged with people to see these amazing felines.
Groomed to perfection, gorgeous cats of all shapes and sizes were on show ready to be judged, making it a feline's fantasy come true. Some of the cages were draped in artistic curtains. All very colourful and surreal.
The cat show is held under very strict rules of FIFe, the International Federation of European Felines. Any contravention, however minor, may lead to disqualification and disciplinary action.
All cats, kittens and neuters as well as the domestic cat are eligible to take part in the show if registered with FIFe. All pedigrees issued by the club are internationally recognised.
Each exhibit must be vetted - something dreaded by all exhibitors - by the club's veterinary surgeons and no cat may be penned in before being examined. All the cats' papers and vaccination certificates are well scrutinised and the cats thoroughly examined.
No cat or kitten that has been declawed will be accepted to participate. Declawing a cat is, incidentally, one of the most atrocious practices in Malta - save sofa and furniture, maim a cat, is the motto. All exhibits must be vaccinated against feline infectious enteritis. All cats showing a positive reaction to Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) block test must not be shown.
Once inside the hall, the grooming starts; out come the boxes filled with every sort of aid imaginable: brushes, combs and what have you. The cats relish the attention and happily doze off until their turn comes to be judged.
Dr Mahelekova was impressed with the high standard of cats exhibited. It was really hard on her to choose the best kitten, best junior, best male and best female. The fact that the cats are nominated is quite an achievement as only the very best are nominated.
Some of the visitors to the show showed interest in owning a cute cuddly kitten. However, those interested in owning their first kitten should consider the following points before final decisions are made: What type of cat would be best for them - the agile, athletic oriental or the more calm and gentle Persian? Are they prepared to spend time and patience on daily grooming routine? This would be of particular importance if one's choice is a longhair.
A kitten grows into a cat and could share one's home for 12 to 16 years or more, so it is essential to make the right decision.
Once a decision is made, one should ideally choose a kitten which is about 12 weeks old. The kitten should be in a good general health, bright and active, with clean eyes and ears and no sign of soiling under the tail.
One should have a look at the parents' pedigree and collect the kitten's pedigree verified by the Malta Feline Federation. Any enquiries should be addressed to registrar@onvol.net
The prospective kitten owner should be quite definite and ask for inoculation certificates.
A kitten should be vaccinated before it ready to go to its new home.
www.malta-feline-federation.com