Pham Thong Duy, a 26-year-old from Ho Chi Minh City, spends over 120 million VND ($5,000 USD) each month pampering his 20 beloved “aristocratic” cats. These feline companions live in air-conditioned rooms, receive weekly beauty treatments, and are meticulously cared for to meet the standards required for beauty contests and film appearances.

Aristocratic felines

One sunny morning in Ho Chi Minh City, Duy was alarmed to discover one of his prized cats missing. Dropping everything, he organized a search, only to find the mischievous pet playing at a neighbor’s house.

For Duy, these cats are more than pets - they hold a special place in his life.

A few years ago, Duy began rescuing stray cats, eventually acquiring a foreign breed known for its striking appearance, plush fur, and elegant proportions.

Recognizing the growing trend of raising premium, imported cat breeds, Duy delved into the world of breeding and selling these aristocratic felines.

Through dedicated research, Duy successfully bred stunning British Longhair and Shorthair cats with unique coat colors that commanded high market prices.

To enhance his skills and gain recognition, he entered his cats in beauty competitions organized by the World Cat Federation (WCF).

This serendipitous journey led Duy to specialize in caring for these noble felines, preparing them for international beauty pageants and even film roles.

His cats have competed and won top prizes in contests across Thailand, the Philippines, and beyond.

Among his star pets is Darwin, the first British Shorthair cat from Vietnam to win a world championship title at a WCF-organized beauty contest.

Meticulous care for feline champions

Duy explained that cats competing in beauty contests must meet strict standards set by the WCF. These include flawless proportions, healthy physiques, and impeccably groomed coats.

“To meet these criteria, cat owners must possess extensive knowledge and skills in feline care,” Duy shared.

British cats are particularly demanding to groom due to their thick, luxurious coats. Duy brings his cats to professional pet grooming centers weekly for specialized fur treatments, including bathing and vitamin supplementation to ensure optimal coat health.

The cats also follow a carefully curated diet to maintain their ideal weight and build.

“My cats receive daily vitamin supplements and eat imported fresh beef to minimize the risk of bacterial infections,” Duy explained.

These felines are housed in a pristine, air-conditioned 30-square-meter room, kept at optimal conditions to support their delicate health and prevent respiratory issues common in the breed.

High costs, greater rewards

On average, Duy spends about 6 million VND ($250 USD) per cat each month, amounting to approximately 120 million VND ($5,000 USD) for his 20 cats.

Despite the expenses and effort involved, Duy finds immense satisfaction and pride in his cats.

“They bring me joy and recognition. Seeing them win awards, appear in films, and participate in special events makes it all worthwhile,” he said.

Darwin, for instance, has become a symbol of Duy’s dedication, achieving international acclaim and elevating Vietnam’s profile in the competitive world of feline beauty.

While there are a few professional cat breeders in Ho Chi Minh City who train their pets for competitions, Duy notes that the number of enthusiasts meeting global standards is still limited.

“I see my cats as family members. They’re not only beautiful but also help me connect with the broader cat-loving community, both locally and internationally,” he shared.

Ha Nguyen