KUCHING: The Kuching International Cat Festival (KICF) 2025 concluded with much fanfare on Sunday, marking a historic moment as a Maine Coon named Mr Kiron was officially crowned as the Cat Ambassador of Kuching North.
The Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) announced the appointment as a tribute to the feline’s remarkable achievement of winning the National Champion title at the World Cat Show for four consecutive years, from 2022 until 2025.
DBKU, in a statement, said the recognition not only brought pride to Kuching but also showcased Malaysia’s capability to stand on the world stage in the competitive world of feline exhibitions.
“As Cat Ambassador, Mr Kiron will be the official face of the Kuching International Cat Festival. His success strengthens the city’s image as the world-renowned City of Cats, while proving that local cats can also become global icons,” DBKU stated.
The closing ceremony was officiated by Dayang Norjihan Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari, Patron of the Kiron Cat Club Malaysia. Present at the event were Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU and Islamic Affairs), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, together with DBKU Mayor and Advisor of the Kiron Cat Club Malaysia, Dato Hilmy Othman.
Held over three days, the festival attracted thousands of visitors to the Kuching Waterfront. Among its main highlights was the World Cat Show, featuring about 246 cats from Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
The Live Cat Parade, involving 40 cats walking alongside their owners along a 600-metre stretch from the Kuching Chinese Museum to the main stage, also became a major attraction, drawing applause and excitement from spectators.
Other activities included the My Cat Expo, Cat Grooming Demonstration, Cat Dance Competition, Cat Fashion Show, as well as busker performances, all of which created a lively and festive atmosphere for families and tourists alike.
According to DBKU, KICF 2025 is part of its long-term vision to brand Kuching as a unique tourist destination in Southeast Asia. Beyond entertainment, the festival also provided opportunities for local traders, pet industry players, and arts practitioners to contribute to economic growth.