PHOTOS BY JEFFREY LIM
In a historic moment for feline enthusiasts worldwide, a Cat from the Philippines has clinched the much-coveted title of World Champion by the World Cat Federation (WCF)! Meet Neo, a remarkable two-year-old male ruddy Abyssinian who has captivated judges with his grace and charm.
Not only does Neo hold the honor of being the World Champion, but he also boasts the title of Best Cat Philippine National Winner Adult Cat for the year 2023. Simply put, Neo’s achievements solidify his status as the number one WCF Adult Cat hailing from the Philippines in 2023!
“We couldn’t be any prouder of Neo!” said Jaime Lim, Neo’s human guardian. I was lucky enough to have been at the front seat for Neo’s journey last year. I even personally handled Neo in his very first show in the country up to his campaign abroad. There is no denying that Neo has improved so much, slowly becoming a real champion Cat — not just a winner in our hearts, but also in many competitive shows.
A BREED FROM HALFWAY ACROSS THE WORLD
Neo belongs to a royal and esteemed breed with origins from Ethiopia (known before as Abyssinia). Abyssinian Cats rank among the oldest and most esteemed Cat breeds. Their distinctive “ticked” coats, with sections of different hues, make them mesmerizing companions.
With their history stretching to Egypt too, Abyssinians were revered by pharaohs as beloved feline companions. They have a sleek and muscular physique, almond-shaped eyes, and prominent ears.
Their agile bodies and graceful tails further enhance their beauty, making them an absolutely amazing companion for any Cat lover. For one, Neo, an outstanding representative of his breed, also has the best traits of his class.
CAPTIVATING COLORS
According to the WCF Breed Standards in 2010, Abyssinians are recognized in a range of colors, from Neo’s classic ruddy hue to others like vibrant sorrel, blue, and fawn. There are also color varieties with silver, such as black silver, blue silver, fawn silver, and sorrel silver! Abyssinians definitely captivate with their diverse palette.
COMPETING FOR FUN
Jaime recalled entering Neo into his first WCF Show in the Philippines in February 2023 with zero expectations of winning. “It was our first time to join a Cat show and it was supposed to be a learning experience for us. We wanted to know what goes on in a show and pick up new learnings from people and judges we would meet.”
It was also Neo’s first time to join a show. He was very shy and uneasy during his first show as he was not used to being around so many people and other Cats. Despite that, shy Neo actually did well in his very first competition: He earned his first two CAC certificates and placed 2nd and 5th in the WCF Adult Ring for the first and second days, respectively.
Not bad for a first-timer!
IMPRESSIVE RÉSUMÉ
Witnessing Neo’s exceptional performances ignited a fire within Jaime. Each time Neo stepped onto the stage, Jaime eagerly anticipated the feedback of esteemed judges, eagerly taking notes on how Neo would fare against a line of serious competitors from all over the globe.
Neo’s consistency in surpassing expectations became a source of unwavering pride, inspiring Jaime to follow his journey not only in the Philippines but in the international scene as well. From the bustling streets of Manila to the vibrant sights of Thailand and even the frosty terrain of Russia, Neo’s talents knew no bounds.
With each competition, Neo continued to impress, solidifying his status as the embodiment of feline prestige.
RISK VERSUS REWARD
Of course, nothing is without risk. “If I’ll be honest, it is costly to join shows — not only with the entry fees, flights, and the cost of conditioning your Cat, but also with [the time being consumed]. What worries us the most [is] the risk of having Neo contracting any infectious disease or injury . . . He always travels with a veterinarian so we’re ready and equipped anytime an unfortunate thing happens, but we’re thankful that Neo is a very healthy Cat and never got sick [during an entire year] of traveling and showing,” said Jaime.
Jaime acknowledges how the good side of showing Cats outweighs the bad. “You learn a lot of things about Cats, from standards to grooming tips. [It] is also a fun way to bond with your Cat, your co-Cat parents. The camaraderie, the excitement and fun — these make everything worth it!”
