In Pictures: Fancy dress felines on Bangladesh catwalk

Cats in velvet, cats in skirts, cats in sunglasses, cats in football kits — hundreds of felines were dressed to the nines Friday for Bangladesh's largest-ever cat show.

The show in Dhaka’s Jamuna Future Park featured events such as a ramp show, “Jemon Khushi Temon Sajo,” and “Khadok Biral.”

“Six vets at the venue offer free treatment to the cats present there, including Dr Anwar from Dr Anwar's Pet Care in Nikunja, and Dr Bayezid from Teaching and Training Pet Hospital and Research Center at Purbachal,” said Md Alomgir, a key organiser of the event.

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When asked about safety measures taken at the event, Alomgir told The Business Post, "We have announced every five minutes reminding visitors to be mindful of their cats and belongings. The venue has an ample supply of disinfectant sprays and hand sanitisers.

“We have also arranged litter boxes for the visiting cats.”

The event held with cooperation from “RobinHood the Animal Rescuer,” a nonprofit animal welfare organisation. Animal lovers from Dhaka have also offered assistance, Alamgir said.

Owners sashayed down the catwalk carrying their furry friends, while others feasted in eating competitions or simply took cat naps. At least 3,000 cats were present at the event.

Sunglasses were a popular item, as were matching hats and jackets.

Domestic cats are common in Bangladesh, especially in rural areas, where they are used for vermin control.

Companion pets are largely the preserve of urban upper and middle classes, and felines dominate for religious reasons in the Muslim-majority country.

The Prophet Mohammed is said to have kept cats himself, and the name he gave one of his companions, the chronicler Abu Huraira, means "father of the kitten."