Cat contest fosters love for animals

KUCHING: The Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) International Cat Competition 2024, aims to encourage local and international cat owners to continue breeding, raising, and caring for cats of various breeds, fostering a deeper love and appreciation for animals.

The competition was held at the MyDin Petra Jaya, Medan Vista here on Sunday.

The annual International Cat Competition, organised by DBKU, started in 2008 and was known as The Cat City International Cat Show, then held at the Sarawak Civic Centre.

Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication (Utility), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, said for the DBKU International Cat Competition 2024, DBKU has appointed a panel of qualified and highly experienced international judges, including representatives from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.

“The presence of international judges proves that Kuching City continues to grow as a preferred tourism destination, combining elements of tourism, culture, and competitions that reflect a love for animals.

“I am also very proud because this competition not only strengthens the bond among the cat-loving community but also contributes to the growth of the tourism industry in Sarawak,” he said during his speech at the closing ceremony of the DBKU International Cat Competition 2024 yesterday.

To make the DBKU International Cat Competition 2024 even more exciting, a variety of events and activities were organised, including the main event with 90 cats, a Guess the Cat’s Weight contest with 100 participants, a Cat Drawing Competition with 20 contestants, a Cat Cage Decoration Contest with 13 participants, a Cat Costume Competition with 14 cats, a Cat Bazaar with 11 exhibitors, and a Cat Dance Performance.

“Around 90 cats participated in the competition, divided into six categories: Kitten Shorthair, Kitten Longhair, Kitten Household Pet, Adult Shorthair, Adult Longhair, and Adult Household Pet,” he said.

Additionally, Dr Abdul Rahman emphasised that this competition serves a much greater purpose beyond just recognising top-performing participants.

“It encourages local and international cat owners to continue breeding, raising, and caring for cats of various breeds, fostering a more profound love and appreciation for animals while strengthening the bonds between pet owners and their feline companions,” he said.

Dr Abdul Rahman extended heartfelt gratitude to all the partners and sponsors who made this year’s competition possible.

Among the key supporters acknowledged were the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP), Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak, Mydin Petra Jaya Hypermarket, Sarawak Tourism Board, National Consumer Action Council (MTPN), TLS Marketing & Smartheart, Perfect Companion (M) Sdn. Bhd., Dergal Hobby, Pusak Kamek, Street Paws Volunteer (SPV), JJ Petshop, KCC Management, Petlife Veterinary Clinic, and most importantly, the judges.

“Without your commitment, DBKU International Cat Competition 2024 would not have been able to organise as expected today.

“To all the judges, I hope you enjoy your time here in Kuching City and have a wonderful experience at the DBKU International Cat Competition 2024, as we aim for this event to continue growing and inspire a deeper appreciation for both cats and our beloved city,” he said.

The competition’s feline winners included Rimba, who claimed both Best Kitten Short Hair and Best Cat titles, Putera Cat Olympus for Best Kitten Long Hair, Princess Jasmine as Best Kitten Household Pet, Eric for Best Adult Short Hair, Astrid for Best Adult Long Hair, and Suli as Best Adult Household Pet.

The winner of the Fancy-Dressed Cat competition was a Siamese cat owned by Jordan Arkin from Serian, who is also the proud owner of Rimba; meanwhile, cat owner Saiful Irwan won the award for Best Cat Cage Decoration.

The competition was graced by the presence of Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, the wife of the Premier; DBKU Mayor Hilmy Othman; and Datin Siti Shorgaya Ahmad Zaidin, the wife of Dr Abdul Rahman.