Feline frenzy at the mall
By FAZLEENA AZIZ
Metro, 19 Nov 2007

HERE, Kitty, Kitty.” Feline frenzy was the order of the day at the Great Eastern Mall in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday last week, when it hosted the International Cat Competition. 

Some 150 breeds of cats from all over the world were on show, including the Persian, Norwegian Forest, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, Bengal, Siamese, Siberian, Birman, Turkish Angora, Malaysian, Maine Coon, Exotic Short Hair, Exotic Long Hair and Sphynx.  

However, it was Putrabengal Putra Teardrop Portway – or Benji as he is fondly known – that won the Best in Show award. Its owner, breeder Ismail Mohd Ali, said he was happy to win. 

“I am happy to have him – and all my 50 cats – in my life. Benji is easy to maintain and keep. What cats need is good grooming, good food and a lot of love.” 

The show was judged by Anne Gro Edstrom, an international judge from Norway who has been a cat fancier since she was 13 years old. 

Edstrom has been an active member of the national breeding committee and club board since she was young, and after 25 years of judging, she became an all-breed judge. 

“I was looking for expression, ear placement, eyes as well as their size. Coming to Malaysia for the first time and seeing so many non-pedigree cats is a new experience for me. 

“I am pleased to visit this country and even more pleased to be invited to meet Malaysian cat lovers,” she said. 

Another highlight of the event was the Best Cat Costume competition, in which the felines took centre stage to show off their pretty outfits.  

Two-year-old Alisha, who belongs to Nor Aida Ahmad, 40, from Cheras, took home the trophy for the best-dressed feline. 

“I made this costume myself and took about a week to finish it. I am happy to win and see everyone taking part in such events. 

The judging process: Edstrom judging the Bengal cat for the Best Cat in Show.

Best dressed: Alisha, the winner for Best Cat Costume.

Cross dresser: Pretty in pink, Comel is really a 10- month-old tom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I have six cats and we always enter competitions like this to fill our free time.”  

According to Malaysian Cat Club (MCC) public relations officer Khalid Rashid, the annual event took a long time to plan. 

“We have been having this event since 1991 and the aim is to encourage responsible pet ownership. We want people to know how to take care of cats as well as get more people to join the club.  

He added that the event was also an opportunity for the club to encourage cat-lovers to buy cats as pets. Members could even give them for free if they wanted to. 

The cat show was organized by the MCC together with Great Eastern Mall, IAMS Cat Food and The Royale Bintang Hotel.