Two rare, hairless Sphynx cats are hoping to steal the limelight from their furry Persian counterparts at this weekend's International Cat Show.

This is the first time the Malta Feline Guardians Club is showcasing this new breed in Malta, after they were brought over from Spain, to start breeding the Sphynx.

The Sphynx's skin has the texture of chamois and it is covered in soft, fine down, which is imperceptible to both the eye and touch.

The two-day show, to be held at the Coastline Hotel, Salina Bay, opens today at 2 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. Tomorrow the show starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m.

Over 90 felines will be parading on the catwalk, purring loudly in the hope of winning over the judges, who have the hard task of choosing the best cat out of every category.

Club president Kevin Charles Micallef said the standards of the felines presented for the shows have improved tremendously, thanks to the better breeding and upbringing of these cats.

He explained that the show was split into two separate events, with the only thing combining them being the final award, where the General Best on Saturday competes with the General Best on Sunday to win the Super General Best award.

This year the club is also introducing two new awards: one for a female cat, which has not been neutered, and another one for kittens, which have the chance of winning a silver collar.

Every person who visits the show is given a voucher for Lm2 (S4.66), which is exchangeable at Derek's Garden Centre, and gives the holder a chance to win many hourly prizes.

For more information one can contact Mary Rose Zammit on numbers 2124 6453 or 7924 6453.

http://www.maltacatshows.com