International cat show to be held in Spalding for the first time

Spalding will be hosting its 'very first' international cat show over the weekend of November 16 and 17.

Moggies of all shapes and sizes, and both household and pedigree cats are invited to take part, with it all being held at Spalding Grammar School in Priory Road.

Judges from California, Texas, Austria, Argentina and the UK, will be attending and it is being run under The International Cat Association (TICA), with in excess of 100 cats expected.

The event will also be supporting the AGAPE Food Bank, based in Crowland, and the county's Lincs Ark animal rescue centre.

It's been organised by the TiCats and Cakes Club, run by Claire Winman of Gosberton (the club's president), along with her husband Stef.

The couple breed American Curl cats, known for their unique ears that 'curl' backwards. They have 14 in total, aged from five months to 13 years, with a new litter due soon.

Claire said: "They are just such an enchanting breed."

Their own cats have won numerous awards worldwide, including best of breed five year international winner.

While Claire is a real cat lover, she is actually allergic to some cats. She said: "I am okay with the American Curls but I am allergic to cats with fine hairs, so I just take antihistamines!"

As well as having a love for cats, the couple also run their own business in Gosberton called Tyres 4 Bikes, which deals in motorcycle and scooter tyres.

The cat show will be open to visitors who are not showing from 10am-4pm both days.

Entry is £5 for adults or £3 for concessions (under 14s). However, if people bring two non-perishable food items (either human or cat food) for the charities, they will get £2 off the entrance fee. Long Sutton's Unicorn Diner will be doing food and hot drinks.

To show your cat and for more about the event, go to www.ticatsandcakes.org.uk

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