With so many beautiful cats at the Western Pennsylvania Cat Fanciers' show, spectators had to wonder how the judges picked winners. But at the March 20-21 event, one cat stood out. If they gave a people's choice award, which they don't, the winner would have been a blue Abyssinian named Twyla Mooner from Reston, Va.

Twyla charmed spectators as she strutted around the arena -- on a leash attached to a little harness. She walked nicer than most dogs, never pulling or lunging. With her tail and head held high, Twyla made eye contact with strangers and sniffed inquisitively at cat toys and treats sold at vendors booths.

The unofficial best-selling toy appeared to be peacock feathers. Many spectators left the show arena waving blue and green tail feathers that were 3-4 feet long. They were a bargain at 50 cents or three for $1.25. Rest assured, no peacocks were killed to provide toys for pampered pets. Peacocks, like all birds, regularly molt their feathers.

About 350 cats competed at the show, sanctioned by the Cat Fanciers' Association Inc., and held at the Iceoplex at Southpointe in Canonsburg. Twyla Mooner was the only one that leash walked. When polite people asked if they could pet her, owner Lisa-Maria Padilla always said, "of course!" Twyla clearly enjoyed the kindness of strangers.

When Ms. Padilla gave the command, "Roll over!" the cat complied, much to the delight of her audience. Then she got a treat -- freeze-dried chicken.

Ms. Padilla swears anyone can train cats to do tricks for treats. She says it takes patience and positive reinforcement. Apparently cats won't respond well to negative reinforcement such as "NO!" or "bad cat!".

Dog show contestants walk and run on leash and obey commands in the ring. None of that happens at a cat show. Judges pick up cats, put them on a table and examine them. They take feathers or wands with shiny streamers and wave them in front of the cats.

Show cats clearly enjoy batting and chasing feathers and streamers, and that's one trick most cats can be taught to enjoy at home, with peacock feathers or other toys.

In addition to her tricks, Twyla Mooner is a bona fide show cat. She has earned Champion and Grand Champion titles from CFA. When she was 2 years old she was CFA's first National Agility champion.

This show did not have agility, where cats run an obstacle course that includes jumps and tunnels. Twyla especially likes running tunnels, Ms. Padilla said, but sometimes she prefers to run on top of them, and she doesn't win any prizes when she does that.

About 40 breeds compete in cat shows, and each breed has its own look and personality. If you're thinking about buying or adopting a cat or kitten, talk to judges and exhibitors about which would suit your family's lifestyle.

Abyssinians have short hair and are small. Twyla is about 7 pounds. The biggest breed, Maine coons, can be 20 pounds or larger.

Abyssinians are high energy and active. Ms. Padilla said, "They are very people-oriented and will pine away if left alone for long periods of times." Although affectionate and loyal, they don't like to be picked up and carried around.

If you'd enjoy a low-energy lap-sitting cat, look at the Persians, multiple breeders and judges told me.

Persians and many other breeds have long hair that needs daily brushing and combing. However, the long hair of the Birmans "does not matt and very little grooming is required," judge Sharon Powell of Wadsworth, Ohio, told spectators.

At cat shows most judges give a running commentary about the breeds. They also explain how they pick the winners.

Chuck Gradowski of Eden, N.Y., is a popular judge with spectators because he can be very funny. He works as a certified public accountant on weekdays. He travels 35 weekends each year to judge CFA shows.

"That doesn't count," he said to a cat that preened and purred and touched its little nose to his face.

Most cats behave very well when handled by judges, but occasionally cats will hiss and spit.

Show cats seldom bite judges, he said, "if you handle them gently and with authority and respect. They know I like them and they know I'm not afraid of them."