MIDDLEBORO — They were the cat’s meow.

A roomful of felines drew purrs of excitement from cat lovers at the Cat Fanciers Federation/Himalayan Cat Fanciers and National Persian show held Feb. 16 and 17 at the Middleboro Elks.

At the event, cats were judged by the written standard for its breed.

But for those who brought and displayed their cats, the animals are all winners. 

Cindy Jeannotte of Shirley has had felines since she was a baby. 

By chance, she had the chance to own a Himalayan cat in the 1980s and has been a fan of the breed since. 

“Their personality’’ is what she loves most about the furry breed. “They’re very laid-back.’’

Temperament was also what drew Shirley Wooster to the Maine Coon breed, which is larger than many breeds but remarkably laid-back.

“He’s attention-seeking,’’ she said of the 19-pound Jordan, who she describes as her “sweet, sweet boy.’’

“He’s very sweet,’’ she said. “He’s a big love muffin.’’

Lisa Totsrud of Concord, N.H. loves her Norwegian forest cat, Keiko.

Her love for the cat and the breed reflect her Norwegian heritage. The cat breed can trace its history to the Vikings, she said. 

Keiko may be larger than many small dog breeds but Totsrud described the gentle giant is “very lovable’’ and a “lap cat.’’

He also serves a vital role, one that cats of all breeds, from award-winners to backyard buddies, can appreciate. 

“He’s a very good mouser,’’ she said, then laughs. “Which is helpful when you have a house that dates back to 1795.’’