MUMBAI: Cat enthusiasts in the city had a purr-fect Sunday as they attended Asia’s largest cat show, organized by the Feline Club of India (FCI). The event, featuring over 500 cats, marked the biggest cat show ever organized by the FCI. “We are all cat lovers who have come together to form this club,” Fakhruddin Motiwala, President and Secretary of FCI Mumbai, told HT.
Hosted at the CIDCO exhibition center in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, the show displayed over 13 different breeds, including Persian, Siamese, Bengal, Maine Coon, and British Shorthair. The judges scored the cats on grooming, temperament, cleanliness, and other physical aspects.
Nayla, a 1.4-year-old fully white Indie cat with blue eyes, was among the participants. “I wanted her to go out,” said Naziya Sayyed, Nayla’s owner. “Other than the vet, the only time she goes out is for the shows I take her to.” Naziya enjoyed interacting with fellow cat lovers and learning more about cat care and nutrition.
The event featured various stalls selling cat food, leashes, toys, and other accessories. One stall offered face painting for kids, while another showcased cars. The hall was buzzing with excitement as visitors petted the many cats present.
Another crowd favorite was Mimi, a 5-year-old classic long-haired Serbian cat. “My friend had brought her, but he couldn’t keep her. So, I adopted her,” said her owner Danish Choudhary. It was their first time at such an event. Danish was thrilled by the camaraderie among cat lovers and the chance to see so many cats in one place.
Regular attendee Simba, a 2.4-year-old Persian cat, was also present. His family, including Fazal, Ruqaiyya, and Abbas, praised the organization of the event and appreciated the opportunity to learn about new cat care products and meet other cat lovers.
Gaurav Chavan, who doesn’t own a cat but is a friend to strays, was excited to attend after seeing posters on social media. He brought along Lakshmi Shikhawat, who admitted to having ailurophobia but was open to overcoming her fear. “After today, I might actually touch a cat,” she said.
The FCI, a nationwide organization with over 30 regional clubs, aims to bring cat enthusiasts together and promote the cat fancy subculture. They organize shows across India and provide grooming sessions, workshops, and discussions with veterinarians to educate cat owners. “Our main goal is to bring cat people together and spread awareness about cats. We’re looking to cover more and more ground throughout the country,” said Motiwala.
