The recent Malta Feline Fanciers’ 10th International FIFE cat show and exhibition proved to be very different in many ways. Apart from the new venue, a new sponsor (Nutro) and excellent visitor turnout, for the first time ever, a cat other than a LH Persian – an exotic cat won Best in Show!

Almerians Party Squad is a recent import from Holland and is a 16 month old male Brown Botched Tabby Exotic . The cat is owned and exhibited by Mrs Keely Carabott (pictured). Exotics originated in the USA during 1960’s, and are a relatively new breed, which were only recognised by FIFE in 1986. Exotics combine the best features of both long haired Persians and Shorthairs with a plush coat and the Persian features. There were also the new side classes, also introduced for the first time, with a very strong participation from exhibitors. The Malta Feline Fanciers is the only cat club in Malta with such a wide variety of cat breeds on exhibition. The FIFE judges for this show were: Mrs J. Renault from France and Mr B. Mahelka from the Czech Republic.