Nine-day fiesta for pet lovers next month

Ibrahim (right) cuddling up to a cat as Khalid looks on after the announcement of details of the Pet Lovers Fiesta.

A NINE-day event that will see a gathering of more than 500 pets will be held in the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex from Feb 3.

Organised by Karlrush Catz Gallery and supported by Malaysia Cat Club (MCC), the Pet Lovers Fiesta will also see international participation in two cat shows featuring the Maine Coon, Sphinx and Persian breeds.

Also coming on show is the Kucing Malaysia breed, which has been given international recognition as indigenous to this country.

A tom named Aduka and a tabby called Adura will be brought in by their owners to represent the breed.

Aspiring participants are advised to become MCC members to ensure felines on show have been vaccinated and that bloodlines are true and untainted.

Judges from the US and Europe will be flown in to preside at the show.

Other species of animals taking part in the event include rabbits, birds and chickens.

“We are going for a family-oriented, animal-themed event to raise awareness on pet care and responsible ownership. The atmosphere will be lively,” said MCC president Khalid Rashid.

An indoor Cats Purr-adise park with a pool, fountain, playground, beach front and a small town housing a veterinary clinic and pets’ supply store will be specially built for this event.

Other activities will include cake-making demonstrations and a cat-themed musical featuring a cast of child actors.

Admission to the event is RM5 for adults and RM2 for children. Between 5,000 and 10,000 tickets will be distributed to schools and animal rights non-governmental organisations.

Malaysian Handicraft Develop-ment Corporation director-general Ibrahim Ismail said complex staff would brace for a large turnout as pet events were popular with the public.

Alongside the pet fest, a craft showcase of cat-themed ceramic works and fashion wear featuring cat-themed batik motifs will also be organised.

Pet Lovers Fiesta will be open from 10am to 6pm from Feb 3 to 11 at the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex in Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur.