Held earlier this month, both their cats, Baby and Miko, were finalists in the “house cat long-hair” category. No matter which feline won, it would be a proud moment for Malaysia.

Then, an image of the Jalur Gemilang was projected on a screen – and Baby was crowned the “World Winner”!

“We are the first world winner in Malaysia,” the couple told FMT Lifestyle proudly. Furthermore, this was Baby’s first competition overseas, and FiFe said to be one of the largest cat events in the world.

In Malaysia, though, the nine-year-old domestic long-hair is a seasoned competitor, having participated in over 100 events since 2016 and often clinching one of the top three spots.

In Norway, Shaharudin shared, she was judged on aspects such as grooming, health, and her temperament: “Is she easy to handle? Or would she be grumpy or jump around?”

Indeed, beneath her glossy fur and beautiful eyes lies a sweet and gentle nature that helps the feline charm humans easily. In fact, upon meeting this writer, Baby immediately lifted her face to greet her with a kiss.

And during the interview with FMT Lifestyle, she quietly sat between her humans, seemingly unaware – or unfazed – that she was the subject of conversation.

“Most of the time, she will go up to a judge and kiss them. She didn’t do it in Norway, though,” Rooaida added with a chuckle.

Astonishingly, Shaharudin and Rooaida have over 40 cats in their home, 15 of whom participate in competitions. The couple, who are self-employed and live in Seremban, adopted Baby when she was just six months old.

Describing her as well-behaved, Rooaida said Baby gets along with her numerous siblings. Despite being a “beauty queen”, she doesn’t behave like a diva; instead, she is patient with the others even when they encroach upon her favourite spaces at home.

Her gentle temperament was a boon when they travelled from Malaysia to Norway, a journey that took close to 18 hours.

The couple had purchased tickets for Baby and Miko, and both felines travelled in the cabin with their humans instead of in the cargo area. Both cats had to be placed in a soft-sided carrier.

“As it was Baby’s first time flying, we were initially concerned. But she was fine,” Shaharudin recalled. Upon arriving, Baby also adjusted well to being in a new country, despite the cold Norwegian climate.

So, how does Baby keep in shape? She eats a healthy diet of dry food with supplements, although she particularly enjoys wet food.

Shaharudin also grooms her every month, a two-hour-long process that includes bathing, ear cleaning and nail trimming.

And if anyone was wondering, the couple spend close to RM2,500 per month on food and litter alone! Still, the experience of sharing their lives with their beloved pets makes everything worthwhile.

As for what’s next, Rooaida and Shaharudin shared that they hope to sign Baby up for the FIFe World Show next year, which is slated to be held in Romania.

Until then, she will be content to relish her success as her furparents indulge her with plenty of wet food!

Follow Baby’s adventures on TikTok.