02-07-2025
Sulaymaniyah hosts second annual Miss Cats festival
Sulaymaniyah ( – The city of Sulaymaniyah hosted its unique second annual 'Miss Cats' festival on Tuesday (July 1, 2025), attracting over 200 feline contestants from across the governorate and drawing a large crowd of residents and media.
Festival supervisor Othman Jalal explained the event is more than just a beauty pageant. 'The festival carries educational and awareness goals,' he said, 'aiming to promote a culture of caring for pets, especially cats, and encouraging proper adoption and care.'
A variety of different cat breeds participating in the Sulaymaniyah festival
All 200+ participating cats underwent thorough medical examinations to ensure a safe environment. A judging panel of veterinarians and animal behavior specialists evaluated the contestants on criteria including general health, fur cleanliness, agility, and temperament.
The top three winners will receive special prizes, including six months of luxury food and free medical care cards. Jalal expressed hopes of turning the festival into a permanent annual tradition, potentially expanding it to a regional level to spread its positive message about animal welfare.
