"This year's 'Best-in-Show' cat is a gorgeous animal with phenomenal structure-one that is extremely close to meeting the written standards for the Persian breed," said Pam DelaBar, president of the CFA. "I have judged this cat before in previous competitions, and she makes a perfect presentation."

DelaBar added, "The CFA is sad to leave Houston after having hosted four shows in a row here because it's clear that Houstonians really love cats. The city has been tremendously supportive of our show and organization. And, this was one of our best shows ever!"

Often described as the "Rolls Royce of cat shows" because it features only top breed cats, the CFA International Cat Show is also the largest cat show event in the Western Hemisphere. Next year's CFA International Cat Show will be held in San Mateo, CA.

The "Best-in-Show" cat, an 11-month-old Persian that was also chosen Best Longhair in Championship, was named from a field of the show's top six longhair and shorthair felines in three categories: Championship, Kittens and Premiership (neutered males/spayed females). Judges also selected the Best of Breed cats in each of the 50 pedigreed breeds and divisions in competition.

The show's other top five winning cats are:

	* Best Shorthair Kitten SAIKA SHAMS LADY IN BLUE Blue Abyssinian Female
	* Best Longhair Kitten COURONNE MAGIC OF WISHES Black Persian Male
	* Best Shorthair Championship GC SHADOWLAND'S ALL THAT GLITTERS Bombay Male
	* Best Longhair Premiership GP BOBERAN'S BLACK MAGIC Black Persian Neuter
	* Best Shorthair Premiership GP KUAN JIN'S NICHOLAS OF LUMAX Blue Silver Spotted Tabby Oriental [Shorthair] Neuter