Passion for Feline Beauty: A Cat Enthusiast’s Journey

Meet Pham Thong Duy, a 26-year-old resident of Ho Chi Minh City, who dedicates around 120 million VND (about $5,000 USD) each month to pampering his 20 cherished cats. These luxurious feline friends enjoy air-conditioned rooms, receive regular beauty treatments, and are fussed over to prepare for beauty contests and film roles.

One bright morning, Duy had a shock when one of his cats went missing. He quickly launched a search, only to discover the furry culprit happily playing next door.

For Duy, these cats are far more than just pets; they embody a significant part of his life.

His journey began a few years back when he started rescuing stray cats, which eventually led him to acquire a beautiful foreign breed known for its exquisite looks and soft fur.

In response to the rising interest in premium imported cat breeds, Duy ventured into breeding and selling these aristocratic cats.

After thorough research, Duy achieved success in breeding striking British Longhair and Shorthair cats with distinctive coat colors that fetch high prices in the market.

To further his recognition, he began entering his felines in beauty contests sanctioned by the World Cat Federation (WCF).

This unexpected path allowed Duy to focus on the care of these elite cats, preparing them for global beauty contests and even acting roles.

His cats have excelled in competitions across countries like Thailand and the Philippines.

Among his best performers is Darwin, who made history as the first British Shorthair from Vietnam to earn a world championship title at a WCF event.

Duy shared that cats competing at this level must adhere to stringent criteria set by the WCF, which encompasses perfect proportions, robust health, and well-groomed coats.

“To achieve these benchmarks, owners must have a deep understanding of feline care,” he noted.

British cats, in particular, require meticulous grooming due to their dense, plush coats. Duy ensures his cats receive professional grooming treatments every week, which include baths and vitamin infusions to maintain their coat quality.

The cats also follow a tailored diet to keep their ideal physique.

“I provide daily vitamin supplements and exclusively feed them imported beef to shrink the chances of infections,” Duy explained.

His beloved felines reside in a clean, air-conditioned 30-square-meter space, designed to create a comfortable climate, safeguarding them against respiratory ailments that can affect their breed.

On average, Duy invests about 6 million VND ($250 USD) per cat each month, totaling roughly 120 million VND ($5,000 USD) for all of them.

Despite the considerable financial and time commitment, Duy derives profound joy and pride from his feline family.

“They bring me happiness and recognition. Witnessing their triumphs, appearances in films, and participation in unique events makes the effort worthwhile,” he stated.

Darwin, in particular, represents Duy’s commitment, achieving international fame while putting Vietnam on the map in the discerning world of cat beauty.

Though a few cat breeders in Ho Chi Minh City prepare their pets for competition, Duy notes that the number of those meeting international standards remains limited.

“I consider my cats as family. Not only are they stunning, but they also connect me to the global network of cat enthusiasts,” he expressed.