THE first-ever international cat show in Mandaue City sponsored by the World Cat Federation Philippines (WCF) and the Society of Feline Enthusiasts of the Philippines (SFEPI) attracted hundreds of cat enthusiasts from all the different countries.
The event, hosted at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex from Friday, August 25, to Saturday, August 26, coincides with the city's 54th Charter Day celebration on August 30.
It is organized by Mandaue City First Lady Sara Walker-Cortes.
This is the first international cat show in the Central Visayas and the third in the Philippines, according to Leo Maclang, president of WCF by SFEPI, on Friday, August 25.
The two previous shows were in Manila in 2019 and June this year.
The primary goals of the event, according to Maclang, are to encourage responsible pet ownership, preserve the breed of purebred cats, and provide opportunities for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to collaborate with local government units (LGUs) to carry out cat rescues, adoptions, and anti-rabies vaccines.
Participants competed for two primary categories, table and ring judgment, among others, and enrolled online in June, paying P500 for spectators, P10,000 for the purebred, P5,000 for the beginner, and P1,000 for puspin or Pusang Pinoy.
The winners were given certificates and will compete in the Manila International Cat Show in the last quarter of 2023.
One of the winners, Joshua Donasco, 33, from General Santos City, who has a ragdoll named "Duke," said it was an honor for him to participate in a cat show for the first time.
He added he felt great about helping the dogs and kittens that were saved through the activities.
The Top One in the Kitten Ring Category went to Duke.
Maclang said the activity's proceeds will go to the Island Rescue Organization (IRO) in Mandaue City, a non-profit organization that serves as a shelter for rescued cats and dogs to help with their medical needs and food supply.
IRO president Annalyn Aizpuru expressed gratitude for being picked as the recipient and emphasized how important it will be in saving more homeless cats and dogs and providing them with new homes, families, and hope.
The WCF by SFEPI is a fur member permanent non-governmental organization that was founded in Germany in 2019.
It is a trainee club under the Trade Association of Registered Cats in Thailand, an affiliate of WCF in Essen, Germany. (HIC)