Cats in costumes? How can you go wrong?

The annual Aloha Cat Fanciers' Halloween festival is always serious stuff, with an array of purebreeds — including Abyssinians, Maine coons and Persians — showing off their fine grooming and best cute behavior. Local organizers even bring in four judges from the Mainland to keep the contest on the up-and-up.

This year, though, the event is adding something different: a lunchtime "cats in costume" contest in which spectators will help select the best decorated cage and the outstanding Halloween feline.

Organizers say more than 100 of Hawai'i's best cats will be in this year's show, which is one of more than 350 Cat Fancier Association events held annually across the country.

The show also features food (for humans, as well as cats), free gifts for children and a chance to buy the perfect toy for the favorite poi cat in your own house.

Reach Mike Leidemann at mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.