Twinkle, you little star!
AFTER surviving abandonment and nearly being put down, a cat from Port Elizabeth placed first in the Household Pet of the Year division at this year’s South African Cat Council (SACC) Cat of the Year competition held in Pietermaritzburg earlier this month.
Three-year-old Twinkle was invited to represent the Eastern Cape at the event.
Her owner, Yvonne Bester, 53, of Sherwood, who rescued the feline about two years ago, said she was bursting with pride when Twinkle placed first.
“It was a feeling I cannot explain. I was overwhelmed with pride and burst out in tears when Twinkle won,” Bester said.
“I did not expect her to win because it was such a competitive show. I was surprised really.”
According to Bester, Twinkle is quite a special cat and was judged on condition as well as personality.
She walked away with a pet stroller, scratching post, a painting, Royal Canin food, R1 400 in cash and a year’s supply of shampoo.
Bester, who takes care of 60 rescue cats, has been showing cats for the past 14 years.
“It meant everything in this world to me to show people that an abandoned cat can get somewhere in this cruel world. This was a dream come true for me and Twinkle,” Bester said.
SACC International All Breeds judge Rita Wiseman, 62, of Summerstrand, said a cat needed to qualify with near-perfect condition to win this award.
“Twinkle is an absolutely beautiful cat with a fantastic nature. Everything about her was striking.”