Forty-nine years ago, Skybank cat breeder Betty Stephens entered her first cat show.
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Now aged 92, Ms Stephens has no plans to give it up.
She is entering four cats in the National Cat Show hosted by The Cat Control Council of Tasmania in Launceston this weekend.
She has bred thousands of Persians and Exotic Shorthairs which have travelled across Australia and the world to meet their new owners.
It worked vice-versa as cats travel a long way to live with Ms Stephens, journeying from as far afield as Europe and America.
“When I first started importing from England, it was a six month quarantine,” Ms Stephens said.
“Now rabies shots are done by the breeder and they keep the cats 180 days before sending them.”
It made for a better journey for the cats, who stayed in quarantine about 10 days after the trip.
“They do what they like, they’re arrogant animals … but their individuals things make them unique.
Ms Stephens started breeding professionally about five years after her first show.
She has a shelf dedicated to her awards and memorabilia, including an award for the Best Group One Cat at the National Cat Show in Melbourne in the 1990s.
She hoped she might add another title when she showed her cats at the National Cat Show.
Puurfect economic boost to Launceston
Show co-ordinator Sue Dibella said there would be fierce competition with 215 cats entered.
“If you win, it’s against the best of the best in Australia,” Ms Dibella said.
Many of the cats travelled interstate with their owners, bringing an economic boost to Launceston, she said.
“It has a knock-on effect for locals and the state.”
People stayed five nights on average, eating out, hiring cars and exploring the state, she said.
The popular event attracted 3000 people last time the event was held in Launceston in 2012.
Ms Dibella hoped there would be similar support for this show.
Stall holders from across the country will showcase their wares, including walk-in cat enclosures, which complied with the state’s new cat control legislation.
International judges will be inspecting the animals from 8:30am, while vetting started from 6:30am.
The National Cat Show will be on between July 22 and 23 at Entally Lodge in Hadspen, starting at 9.30am both days and finishing around 4.30pm.
Entry costs $5 for adults and $1 per child.