Eight-month-old Helsinki cat wins top title at international show

Hattara, an eight-month-old cat from Helsinki, won the young female category three title at the World Winner show in Amsterdam. Yle reports that she was named the world-winning cat in her category.

About 1,500 cats took part in the show, with competitors travelling from as far away as South America, China, Indonesia and, for the first time, the United States. Hattara’s owners, Eveliina Pousi-Nimell, breeder Kirsi Tero and Lila Nimell, were there when the result was announced.

Pousi-Nimell, who lives with Hattara in the Helsinki neighbourhood of Oulunkylä, said the win came as a complete surprise. Hattara had already done well in Finnish competitions, but the Amsterdam event had more cats and a higher standard, she said.

Show cats need to be comfortable and confident in the ring, Pousi-Nimell said. Preparing for competitions involves play and treats, including chicken, chicken snacks and vitamin pastes. She said the cats’ wellbeing is the most important consideration.

All five siblings have won at shows

Hattara is one of five kittens in the breeder’s first Selkirk rex litter. Tero said all five siblings, who are eight months old, have won their class at least twice at Finnish shows.

Six cats live in Pousi-Nimell’s home: Hattara, her sister Pehmis, two male cats and two older female cats.