World's best pet cat shown in hometown of Raleigh

Siegfried – whose full name is LA SGM Believe in Magic of Luvpurrs – was the highest-scoring cat in his class in the world during The International Cat Association's 2007-2008 show season. He got his accolade at TICA's awards banquet in Arlington, Texas, Labor Day weekend.

It's not the first time Siegfried has stood at the head of the class: In 2005, he was TICA's best household pet kitten.

Unlike other cat shows that only allow pedigree cats, TICA has classes in which all domestic cats, such as Siegfried, can compete.

Siegfried is red-ticked tabby with short, white hair. He is owned by Vanadis Crawford and Chris Unangst, both of Raleigh.

Crawford said he is named after Siegfried and Roy, the famous entertainers who worked with animals in Las Vegas shows for years.

Siegfried's hometown fans can get a peek of him at a show by the First in Flight Cat Club, a TICA affiliate, at the State Fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday.

Also on show will be Griz – or RW SGC Willowplace Grizzly Adams of Mtnkats – a 30-pound brown, classic tabby Maine Coon owned by Joyce Henderson, of Snow Camp. Standing on his hind legs, Griz can reach a countertop without stretching.

At least six rings of judged shows will be going simultaneously in the Holshauser Building, and all cats entered in the show will be available for viewing.

Doors are open until 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission