New Lamblike Cat At Royal Easter Cat Show

Monday 18 February 2008

New Lamblike Cat At Royal Easter Cat Show

A feline nicknamed the ‘cat in a lamb’s clothing’ is one of several new breeds set to impress visitors at this year’s Royal Easter Cat Show.

New to New Zealand, the Lambkin has a soft plush curly coat, giving it the appearance of a lamb. It has been developed from the Selkirk Rex, nicknamed ‘the cat in a sheep’s clothing’ and the Munchkin, famous for its short legs and taking its name from the dwarf people in the movie “The Wizard Of Oz”.

Also new this year is the Tibetan, a breed developed from the New Zealand Clippercat, a polydactyl with extra large feet due to having extra toes. The Tibetan is said to be akin to the “Yeti” or “Bigfoot” of the Himalayas.

Organised by CATZ Inc, the popular feline show and competition is part of the Royal Easter Show on from 20-24 March 2008 at the ASB Showgrounds, Auckland. The Royal Easter Cat Show runs for four days from Friday 21 March.

New and unusual breeds like the Lambkin are always interesting to visitors, says CATZ Inc National Chairman Lee Williams. “There’s a certain wow factor when it comes to the new breeds as they’re so unique and new.”

“There are a lot of new breeds happening internationally at the moment, it’s an exciting time. They’re getting here a lot faster too, with local breeders replicating overseas developments much more quickly as a result of better information sharing.”

Other unusual breeds on show include the largest domestic cat breed in the world the Maine Coon, and the second largest, the Norwegian Forest Cat, the short-legged Munchkin and Napoleon; the long-haired Abyssinian the Somali; and the long-haired Burmese, known as the Tiffanie.

Also in this category are the Jungala, the Snowshoe, the Temple Cat, the hairless Sphynx, Bengal, Exotic, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex and Scottish Fold.

Old favourites such as the Persian, Siamese, Burmese and Birman will also compete for honours. Even the household moggie gets its own section for ‘companion’ cats, judged on qualities such as health, personality and presentation and competing for the title of Supreme Grand Companion.

Visitors to the show can watch the judging as it unfolds with this year’s guest judges from the North American Continent and Australia. For those with money to spend, kitten and cat products will also be on sale.

The Royal Easter Show features plenty of other attractions for animal lovers with many of New Zealand’s top breeding animals competing for honours in the A&P competitions.

The ASB Farmzone with its simulated farm environment allows visitors to get up close to and learn about farm animals including young chicks and lambs, goats, cattle and geese. There are also equestrian, shearing and dog trial events.

Admission is only $36 for a family five, $16 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, $6 for children up to 12 years and free for under-2 yrs. Entry to all shows and attractions excluding the carnival rides is included in the entry price.

For more information on the Royal Easter Show visit www.royaleastershow.co.nz.

ENDS

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