WATCH: Passion for cats shines brightly at Cat Championship

Cat owners displayed their deep affection for their pets and their competitive spirit.

18 hours ago

Ntombikayise Letlepo 2 minutes read

Daniel Viviers shows affection to his cat while waiting to be called by the judges during the Cat Fanciers’ Club of South Africa Championship Cat Show, at Benoni Christian School in Northmead on May 3.

Flicking tails and loud purrs filled the room at Benoni Christian School in Northmead on May 3, where 113 cats, including sleek Siamese and fluffy Maine Coons, competed for top honours at the Cat Fanciers’ Club of South Africa Championship Cat Show.

The event united ‘fur mommies and daddies’ from across the country, who socialised over their shared passion for cats as they patiently waited their turn to present their prized companions at the judges’ table.

Twelve qualified judges officiated the show, including local expert Ingrid de Wet from Benoni, a judge from KwaZulu-Natal, and several others from across Gauteng.

Smiling after a hectic morning of judging at the Cat Fanciers’ Club of South Africa Championship Cat Show are fur mommies Hedwig Peplar, holding her Persian cat, and her friend Penny Steyn of Kyalami, with her Burmese cat.

Misty du Bruyn from Sandton, with her two five-month-old Siamese cats, Mai-Tai Hermes and Mai-Tai Chane.

The panel assessed each cat according to specific breed standards, evaluating features such as ear shape, coat colour and texture, overall health, condition, and grooming presentation.

Show manager Elizabeth van Renen explained they judged each cat on how closely it matched the ideal standard for its breed.

Van Renen noted while most cats were in top form, a few were not in the mood for the spotlight.

“We had a few withdrawals because of things like cats having a sore eye or just not being in the mood,” she said.

“During these championships, participants walk away with certificates with prestigious titles such as Champion, Grand Champion, and higher accolades. These also serve as qualifiers for the coveted Cat of the Year competition, held annually in July, where top-scoring cats from across South Africa face off in a final judging round,” said Van Renen.

Holding her daughter’s cat is Beverly Smullen of Johannesburg.

Penny Steyn of Kyalami, with Tazzy Devil, a cat from Australia.

One owner, Beverly Smullen from Johannesburg, attended the show on behalf of her daughter who owns the cat, a professional make-up artist, who had to go to work.

Smullen said she enjoys the shows because she socialises and has fun. She shared that her daughter’s cat, whom they had for four years, was adopted from the SPCA after being found as a stray.

“He is a chilled boy, relaxed, calm, and with a sweet nature,” said Smullen.

Eleven-year-old Levi Zeelie from Airfield, Benoni, proudly showed off his five-month-old Maine Coon, Potifar. He said they hoped for the best as it was their first time participating in the cat show.

Another first-time participant, Misty du Bruyn from Sandton, brought her two five-month-old Siamese cats, Mai-Tai Hermes and Mai-Tai Chanel. She said her breeder encouraged her to take part in the show.

The overall winner, the Cat of the Day, was Delilla Stanlee The Avenger, an Oriental chocolate ticked tabby bi-colour, owned by Delene Botha from Gqeberha. They won a cat food hamper. Other participants also received prizes.