Purrfect performance at cat shows

YOUNG cat lover Emma Hales is celebrating a successful 2022 alongside her best furry friend.

The nine-year-old Enfield resident, and her cats, including Australian mist Chief, have been recognised at animal shows throughout the last 12 months.

At the Victorian region Cat of the Year Awards, Emma was named Junior Handler of the Year, and claimed first place in the Alter Cat of the Year, the Australian Mos of the Year, and Alter Kitten of the Year categories.

The Hales family are members of the Australian National Cats organisation, and breed and show cats across the state, and country.

“I love the fanciness of setting up the crate Chief is in for the day, how smart he looks in it, and I enjoy winning the ribbons,” Emma said.

Emma and Chief were part of the Cat Lovers Show for a second time this year and travelled to Canberra to compete.

Mum, Charmayne Hales, said Emma chose Chief when she was three years old, and he took part in his first show when she was four.

“Chief and Emma are best friends, have been to many shows, and Emma also competes in the junior handling,” she said.

As part of the junior handling competitions, children are encouraged to learn how to properly care for and handle their animals, and are marked on a presentation to an audience, which includes a short speech about their cat and the breed’s features.

“If Emma is competing and is feeling nervous, Chief gives her encouragement by smooshing her face from side-to-side,” Ms Hales said.

A key part of the family’s success in cat showing is their attention to detail when it comes to having their animals clean, brushed, soft and shiny, but another important element of preparation is Emma’s domain.

She said she’s an expert when it comes to giving her cats lots of love and cuddles.

Ms Hales said their family is proud to be part of the Enfield and broader Golden Plains Shire communities, to represent the area as part of their unique hobby, and they encourage young people to give cat showing a go.