More than 250 pedigree cats shown off at annual feline beauty contest

The world's most pampered pusses were pitted against each other in a feline beauty contest in Bucharest, today.

The Romania International Cat Show saw more than 250 pedigree cats paraded in front of judges, while their proud owners looked on.

Contestants ranged from fluffy British shorthairs to hairless Sphynx cats, and obscure breeds such as the Singapura.

The breed - which is a predigree version of the British domestic cat - is said to be one of the oldest felines in the UK and is said to have inspired the Cheshire Cat in Alice And Wonderland.

Another odder-looking cat is the Sphynx, an almost hairless breed developed through selective breeding.

The animals are expected to feel as soft as chamois leather, however, as they're covered in a fine layer of down.

In Bucharest today, one grey, rather thin-looking Sphynx looked curious as she rubbed noses with the judge.

A Singapura cat also garned attention at the show today, as it went nose-to-nose with its owner and even licked her face in a moment of affection.

The small breed is known for its large eyes and ears and blunt tail.

A fairly recent breed, Singapuras developed in Singapore, and are described as curious and playful.

Another unusual looking entrant to the contest today was Gaya, a Devon Rex cat, with huge ears, big green eyes, a worried frown and brown marking on its white face.

Known for their intelligence, Devon Rexes were bred in the UK in the 1970s and are thought to be able to recognise their owners' name as well as their own.

The annual feline festival takes place each year in the Romanian capital and attracts cat fanciers and devoted owners from around Europe.