Royal Melbourne Show 2017: Claws out for cat championships

CLAWS will be out at today’s cat championship at the Royal Melbourne Show — but giant fluffball Stella doesn’t look too happy about it.

CLAWS will be out at today’s cat championship at the Royal Melbourne Show — but giant fluffball Stella doesn’t look too happy about it.

Stella’s friend April, 5, on the other hand, was thrilled by the opportunity to see the cat show — and the final chance to scoop up some showbags and indulge in scrumptious produce before the Show wraps up for another year.

April, 5 holds Stella, who will compete in the Royal Melbourne Show Cat Championship.

Record crowds attended this year thanks to the Grand Final public holiday and it’s anticipated more than 480,000 people would have visited when gates close today, an increase of more than 10 per cent.

A recent study estimates the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria provides $430 million in economic value to Victoria, and $244 million of that comes from Royal Melbourne Show alone.

Tonight’s spectacular fireworks display at 7.45pm will provides the perfect send off before gates close at 9pm.