Two pedigree kittens up for adoption, amusing themselves with a toy.
ASK any cat lover and they will all agree that a feline adds a dimension of joy to their lives that is hard to match.
No matter how heavy life can sometimes get, coming home to the affectionate welcome or comical antics of these kitties can instantly lift one’s spirits.
That was the overwhelming view shared by participants of the World Cat Federation (WCF) Penang International Cat Fiesta 2023 held at 1st Avenue Mall in George Town.
It was the first WCF show in the northern region and attracted cat breeders and owners as well as more than 1,000 visitors from as far as Thailand and Indonesia.
The three-day event showcasing more than 100 cats was organised in collaboration with Malaysia Cat Council (MCC) and ASG Alliance Ventures, and supported by the Penang government.
Nurul Shahida and her British Shorthair named Hot Pie.
Telecommunications division head Evita Herawaty Othman finds that cats have the ability to sense human emotions and know whether one is happy or sad.
“When I’m feeling down, they’ll come and rub against me as if to say everything will be all right,” she said, pointing to her cat Winter, a Scottish Fold.
She has 10 of them at home and likes the breed for its calm and friendly demeanour.
The breed is so named because a gene mutation causes their ears to fold down towards their faces.
“I just feel happy whenever I spend time with them,” said Evita, who lives in Kota Damansara, Selangor.
Yeoh (right) playing with one of the kittens up for adoption at the cat fiesta in George Town.
Housewife Nurul Shahida Mat Rus has an equally deep affection for her more than 30 cats, which includes a cuddly, ginger-coloured, two-year-old British Shorthair named Hot Pie.
She said their shorter fur made grooming easier but they could be sensitive to local heat.
So, seeing them grow up healthy is hugely rewarding.
“They all have their own personalities. Some are very energetic and excitable while others are calm and laid back.
“They can be a handful but I love them very much.
“After a tiring day, they help me relax. Seeing them makes all problems disappear,” said Nurul Shahida, who is from Kuala Lumpur.
Businesswoman Aishah Ab Rahim has an even bigger clowder of cats back home in Shah Alam, Selangor, numbering around 40, mostly rescued off the streets.
“Cat headbutts, which are considered a sign of affection, can be therapeutic, she said.
Evita with her Scottish Fold named Winter.
“They are rather similar to people. If you give them love and gentle nurturing and take care of their health, they grow up well.
“Whenever I play with them, my stress slips away,” said Aishah, while holding up four-month-old Miu Miu.
The event also held a cat competition on the second and third days, with an international panel of judges from Germany, France, Latvia and the Netherlands.
They looked at aspects such as head shape, bone structure, coat colour and texture, overall health and condition as well as temperament and personality.
Some of the notable pedigree breeds present at the event were the Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, Scottish Straight Shorthair, Oriental Shorthair, British Short and Longhair.
There were also pet grooming demonstrations, sharing sessions, children’s drawing competition, live cat art demonstrations and sale of various pet-related items and services.
Evita, representing the MCC, was pleased at the response and said the council was committed to exposing local breeders to international standards in breeding methodology and ethics.
“We hope this event would be the first of many and that visitors enjoyed looking at these adorable and fluffy creatures,” she said.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said cats had unique traits not found in other animals.
“They’re a fascinating species that have a special place in our hearts and our homes,” he said in his opening speech before touring the exhibition.
