KUCHING: The Kuching International Cat Festival (KICF) 2025 kicked off in grand fashion at Kuching Waterfront today, showcasing the city’s identity as the ‘City of Cats’ while drawing cat enthusiasts and tourists from around the globe.
Officiated by Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Mayor, Datuk Hilmy Othman, the three-day festival (September 26-28) promises a wide array of attractions including the highly anticipated World Cat Show featuring more than 246 cats from Malaysia and countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, China, Vietnam and Indonesia.
Adding to the excitement are My Cat Expo, Cat Grooming Demonstrations, Cat Dance Competition, Cat Fashion Show and Busker Performances.
The Cat Parade, scheduled for September 27 at 7:00 pm, will see 69 cats strutting along the waterfront in celebration.
Meanwhile, local cat enthusiasts like 49-year-old Normala Ibrahim from Kuching embody the passion that fuels the festival.
Since 2016, she has consistently participated in cat shows, competing with her award-winning Bengal cat, which has brought home trophies from events as far as Bangkok and the world show in Miri.
“Cat shows are not only about winning but about sharing our love for cats with a bigger community,” said Normala, who also once entered her domestic cat in a Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) event, winning sixth place in the domestic cat category.
She added that caring for her Bengal requires strict attention to diet and exercise, as competition judges often deduct points if cats appear overweight or out of shape.
Apart from that, Normala noted that Kuching, as the “City of Cats”, should continue hosting more shows to promote tourism and enhance the city’s feline identity.
Meanwhile, DBKU has extended an open invitation to Kuching residents and tourists to participate in the festivities.
International guests include World Cat Federation president Anneliese Hackmann, Putra Cat Boarding Service founder Sufian Mohat, World Cat Show judges, as well as DBKU deputy directors and division heads.
The festival not only showcases feline beauty and diversity but also promotes animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, aligning with Kuching’s unique branding as Malaysia’s ‘City of Cats’.
