GEORGE TOWN: They pranced like feline royalty, stretching, preening and gazing regally at admirers at the Penang World Cat Federation (WCF) International Show.
Held at Prangin Mall here, the event showcased more than 90 cats of striking beauty and high pedigree, with some prized breeds fetching tens of thousands of ringgit.
Among the standout attractions was a 15-month-old Abyssinian cat imported from China for RM25,000, while towering Maine Coons on display were valued between RM10,000 and RM20,000 or more.
Cat lovers were treated to a parade of breeds known for their distinct traits, including the curly-coated Devon Rex, fluffy Maine Coon, blue-eyed Ragdoll, plush British Longhair and British Shorthair, as well as the stately Persian and rarer Selkirk Rex and Abyssinian.
The two-day show, which started yesterday, is co-organised by the World Cat Federation and the World Whiskers Association (WWA).
Among the participants was 24-year-old Muhamad Idham Iman Mohd Idris, who brought his 15-month-old male Abyssinian named Sen YaoJia Theo.
He said that Theo had won several titles.
“I like the Abyssinian because of its colour, character and uniqueness,” he said.
Muhamad Idham Iman, who operates a cattery with 30 pedigree felines and 20 domestic cats, said he bought Theo from China for RM25,000.
Melvin Ho, 49, brought his pair of one-year-old Devon Rex cats to the show.
He said the breed required special care, particularly because of its sensitive skin.
Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng said the event went beyond competition, serving as a celebration of the bond between humans and animals and a platform to promote responsible pet ownership and adoption.
He said Penang’s Trap, Neuter, Release and re-homing programmes, introduced in 2018 with NGOs, continued to address stray animal issues.
Such international events, which attracted participants from Europe and featured world-class breeds, helped position Penang as a niche tourism destination for feline competitions, he added.
WWA president Mun Lum said the association would continue organising cat shows and engagement activities while placing greater focus on stray animal welfare.
She said the aim was to channel cat lovers’ passion into broader community care efforts.
