The focus of this year¡¯s Tokyo International Gift Show is an animal that has become a purring and recurring issue in the news recently: cats.

A variety of cat-themed products ranging from cushions and slippers to bags and saucers seems to be drawing more passionate cat lovers to stores these days.

The organizers of this year¡¯s biannual trade show at Tokyo Big Sight, the 82nd held so far, say the highlights include a booth selling only cat-theme items, and another dedicated to traditional Japanese fabrics and materials¡ª the first time such vendors have attended the event.