A Strand cattery proudly showcased three Main Coon felines at the prestigious South African Cat Council’s (SACC) Cat of the Year (COTY) competition.
Valkyrie Maine Coons celebrated the achievements of Chewie, Casanova Kid and Harlee at the event, where top cats from various South African regions compete for title honours including “Cat of the Year”.
Cattery owner Bernice Venter explained that entry is by invitation only, with cats needing to earn top points in their regions to qualify. The competition is highly selective, with only 30 pedigree entries (intact adults), 30 pedigree neuters, 13 pedigree kittens, and six household pets qualifying nationwide. The regional representation included Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Northern Cape and Free State.
This year’s competition was hosted by the Western Province Cat Club at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Granger Bay on Saturday 27 July, representing the pinnacle of the show season and highlighting the best of the best in the local cat community. The titles and recognition earned at COTY are significant, with winners gaining prestigious titles and like “national winner” (NW) and qualifiers “national qualifier” (NQ) behind their names.
“I am incredibly proud of Chewie, Casanova Kid, and Harlee’s achievements at the COTY competition,” said Venter. “Sp Ch Valkyrie Always Dreaming, known as Chewie, placed 30th in the Entire category. Although we had hoped for a higher placement for Chewie, the words of judge Thea Lamprecht, ‘The best cat is at home, waiting for you,’ resonated deeply. Chewie is, and always will be, the champion of our hearts.
“I’m immensely proud of him for being among the Top 30 Entire cats that qualified for the COTY show, and for his calm demeanour on the judges’ tables. Despite his placement, Chewie is unofficially the sixth-best Maine Coon Adult for the 2024 SACC show year.”
She added that the brown-spotted tabby with white features, has consistently impressed judges, earning titles such as Supreme Champion at SACC shows and Best Adult Male Maine Coon runner-up at the Chats Du Cap Show in Swellendam in 2023, and Best Adult Male Maine Coon in the Swellendam Agricultural show in 2022. “Chewie has many admirers, and we often see and hear passers-by having long conversations with him through our locked gate, since we moved to Strand a year ago.”
Valkyrie Casanova Kid of Highlanders, a young male kitten that was bred by Venter and has quickly become a standout performer in the show ring, achieved third place in the Kitten category and was named Best Maine Coon Kitten of the Year.
Ch Sl Multicoon Catch a Glimpse of Valkyrie (imp), known as “Harlee,” tied for ninth place as Brood Queen of the Year. Harlee also produced the “Best Litter on Show” at the 2020 Swellendam Agricultural show and has given the cattery exceptional kittens, including Chewie.
“These achievements highlight our commitment to breeding, preserving and showcasing the beauty and excellence of Maine Coons,” said a humbled Venter.
She further shared that preparing for COTY is a year-round commitment, which requires maintaining their cats’ health, grooming, and overall well-being. Furthermore, attending every show in the region is crucial, as missing just one can affect a cat’s chance of qualifying.
The week before the competition involves thorough grooming, including a multistep bathing process with cat-friendly products, followed by intensive drying and grooming to ensure the cat competitors are in peak condition. Managing last-minute preparations and keeping the cats calm and stress-free is also essential.
Venter attributed their success to responsible breeding, dedicated care, a deep understanding of the Maine Coon breed standard and the support of family, friends, and fellow ethical breeders. Collaboration with veterinarians and specialists has also played a significant role in their success.
What inspired you to start breeding Maine Coons, and how long have you been doing it?My love for Maine Coons began many years ago when I first encountered the breed’s majestic appearance and affectionate nature through a friend. We started breeding Maine Coons in Gauteng in 2009, with a strong interest in showing our cats, which grew after our first real success in Port Elizabeth in 2014. Since moving to Cape Town from the Garden Route in 2016 we have continued our breeding journey in the Helderberg, driven by a passion for maintaining the breed’s unique qualities and producing both show-quality and loving companion cats.
What are some of the challenges and rewards of breeding and showing Maine Coons?
Breeding and showing Maine Coons is both challenging and rewarding. Significant challenges include managing the health and well-being of the cats, navigating genetics and dealing with the emotional toll, especially when faced with the loss of a cat or kitten. Another challenge is the increasing difficulty of importing cats to diversify the gene pool due to the weakening rand against major currencies. Despite these challenges, the rewards are immense.
