After two intense days of competition on November 1-2, the WCF International Jubilee Cat Show 2025 concluded with Thai entry Saturday Hayden, a long-haired British breed, securing the highest award.
The event drew more than 100 cats from countries including the Philippines, China, Thailand and Vietnam.
Owner Sureepat Chaising expressed surprise and pride at the victory: “I still can’t believe Saturday Hayden has achieved the top position in 2025. Initially I entered just to learn and improve our breeding stock. This title marks a major advance in our pure-bred programme. Although the cat has high commercial value, our family has no intention to sell as we regard it as a member of the household.”
The contest comprised four rounds of judging by international adjudicators who evaluated participants on criteria including facial features, body conformation, weight, sociability and socialisation.
This year’s show featured a broadened scope with rare breeds such as British, Bengal, Ragdoll, Maine Coon, American shorthair, Cornish Rex, curly-coated and Siberian cats.
Among the entries was the Siamese cat Naomi, dubbed “the ugliest in the world”, famed on social media for humorous, unconventional looks and valued at more than VND 400 million (approximately USD 15,200).
Many contestants priced at hundreds of millions of VND also competed, creating a diverse and compelling platform for the feline-loving community.
Nguyen Xuan Son, a standing member of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Animal Protection Association and President of the Vietnam Cat Club, said the competition is an annual event intended to honour pet owners and promote animal welfare. Beyond fostering international exchange and learning, the programme also channels profits to support organisations caring for stray dogs and cats. He added that 2025 marked the fifth year the WCF has held the event in Vietnam, and that it enjoys strong international support due to the friendly and eager-to-learn domestic community.
