Zagreb gets distinctly feline this autumn. On October 10 and 11, the WCF Jubilee Cat Show lands at Family Mall (Velimira Škorpika 11b), bringing more than 100 cats from 25 breeds to the Croatian capital. Some are travelling from neighbouring countries; others are flying in from Belgium, Germany, Poland, Spain and even Indonesia.

Expect the big names — Maine Coon, British Shorthair, Bengal — alongside newer breeds that have only recently earned official recognition. International judges from the World Cat Federation will run judging rings across both days, explaining what makes each breed distinct, from coat and eye colour to ear shape and temperament.

There's a proper competition here, not just a display. Each day ends with a Best in Show, and Saturday at 4 p.m. brings the ceremonial announcement of the National, Breed and World Winners for the 2025 season — a nod to the cats that stood out across the whole year.

The headline gimmick is the Mystery Cat. Every day at 3 p.m., organisers unveil a cat from a rare breed whose identity stays secret until the reveal. Clues are dropped along the way, so visitors can play detective and try to name the breed before the big moment.

Families get their own programme too. Cat Detective, an interactive challenge aimed at kids aged 5 to 15, sends young visitors around the hall solving tasks — studying breed traits, observing behaviour and quizzing breeders. The real payoff is a life skill: learning to read whether a cat wants attention or would rather be left alone. Finish the mission and the kids earn a diploma and a vote for their favourite cat of the show.

Beyond the ring, there's an adoption angle. The Kitten Safe House from Rijeka will be on hand to talk about responsible rehoming, and brands including Purina Pro Plan, MONGE, Royal Canin, Proofa and Zoocity will field questions on cat nutrition. Expect stalls with food, toys and accessories if you're shopping for a feline at home.

Opening hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 11.

Why should a traveller care? If you're in Zagreb that weekend, this is an easy, family-friendly indoor outing — free to wander into during a shopping trip, with enough spectacle (Best in Show, the Mystery reveal) to fill an afternoon. And for anyone who has ever wondered what a cat's tail is actually telling them, the educational programme promises answers.

Story via Croatia Week.