Feline fans are in for a ‘purrfect’ treat this month when a top cat show comes to Musselburgh.

The Edinburgh and East of Scotland Cat Club, founded in 1949, is holding its annual All Breed Championship & Household Pets Cat Show at Queen Margaret University (QMU) on Saturday, September 17, attracting more than 180 cats and their owners from all over the UK.

Usually held annually in Edinburgh, the event has been on hold for the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and has found a new home at QMU to as it celebrates its 63rd show.

Jo Edwards, assistant show manager and club vice-chairperson, said: “It’s fabulous to be able to welcome nearly 100 exhibitors with over 180 cats across all breeds from Persian, Siamese to beautiful moggies.

“Some exhibitors are old hands but we are also welcoming new exhibitors, showing for the first time. Each cat is judged for GCCF certificates in their Breed, Best of Breed, Best of Variety and ultimately coveted Best In Show. Best In Show is awarded as the finale to the show day.

“As a special event this year, we are celebrating our beautiful kittens by awarding a special Best in Show kitten. There will be live judging for exhibitors and public to enjoy and learn more about the different breeds. Fourteen different breeds of kittens will be competing for Best of Variety and then Best In Show Kitten. We have not forgotten our household pets and a Best In Show Household Pet Kitten will also be awarded.

“As a club, Covid-19 nearly ended our over 60 years of hosting a show in Edinburgh. As new vice-chairperson I am proud to be able to work with old and new committee members to bring the 2022 show back. We are already looking forward to 2023.”

The show in QMU’s sports centre is open to the public from around noon/12.30pm after the judging has finished and usually closes at 3.30pm/4.30pm when the ‘Best in the Show’ is announced.

Several businesses, including Barking Cat Pet Photography, are supporting the event and have stalls booked. There are raffle and tombola prizes to be won.

The closing date for entries was the end of August and they are being processed.

Lynn Barclay, commercial manager at QMU commented: “We are looking forward to hosting the Edinburgh and East of Scotland Cat Show at Queen Margaret University. Our Students’ Union cafe bar Maggie’s is well known for being very dog-friendly but this will be the first time we have welcomed cats to the campus. It’s a great opportunity to showcase the flexibility of our campus in accommodating different events and we are very excited to be hosting this feline-friendly show in our large sports hall. We think it will be just purrfect!”

Entry costs are: adults, £3; senior citizens, £2; and families (two adults/two children).

For further information email edinburghcatclubshow22@gmail.com or go to the website www.edinburghcatclub.co.uk