A fairytale swansong: Thalia bows out as Supreme Exhibit at the GCCF Supreme Cat Show

“I was absolutely shocked, I didn’t expect it at all,” Ged laughs. “It’s something every owner dreams of. To think I’m only the 43rd person ever to be in this position is incredible. Last year, Thalia came Reserve Supreme, which I thought would be as close as we would ever get, so to go one better this time felt surreal.” After the excitement of the ring came celebrations, smiles, and, for Thalia, some well-deserved peace and quiet at home.

In a world often dominated by long-time breeders and seasoned exhibitors, Ged’s victory is monumental. The Supreme Cat Show is the pinnacle of the cat fancy — the Premier League of pedigree cats — and for someone who shows simply out of love for one cat, his win is that bit more special.

At home, Thalia is exactly as you’d imagine, calm, clever and utterly devoted to her dad. “She’s a proper daddy’s girl,” Ged smiles. “Curious, very intelligent, and rarely gets into trouble. She’s got a little sister and half-brother now, but she’s still queen of the house.” Her temperament shines just as brightly in the show pen. “Thalia’s laid-back attitude is what the judges love. The Asian breed is naturally chilled and calming, which is what drew me to them. I originally had an Asian with my ex-wife, and after she kept that cat, I went back to GCCF breeder, Jane Kibble, and chose Thalia. I ended up going back the next day for her sister, and I’ve had another from Jane since!”

Thalia lives a happy indoor life, complete with a big cat wheel and “bird TV” for entertainment. “She’s a purely indoor cat, and bred for it, but I keep her active. She’s got her own routine and rules the house.”

When it comes to show prep, Ged insists it’s Thalia who knows what she’s doing. “Honestly, I’m just her driver; Thalia does the rest! She knows exactly what the judges want. Her coat is like glass to touch, it shines with health and vitality, and that’s her secret weapon.” Low maintenance by nature, Ged gives her a quick brush before shows and focuses on the basics: diet, exercise and affection. “The simple things matter, good food, attention, and space to do her own thing. That’s what keeps her happy and healthy.”

Since joining the GCCF community, Ged says the people have made the experience truly special. “The Asian cat community is close-knit; they’ve all been willing Thalia to do well. It’s very humbling. Everyone lived the dream with me when she won. It’s about the cats, but it’s also about the friendships you make.”

As an Agria customer, Ged says peace of mind is everything. “Having a trusted insurer is vital. If anything goes wrong, I want to know my cats are in good hands. They’re the most important things in my life, so having a reputable brand like Agria behind us makes all the difference.” He first discovered Agria through breeder Jane Kibble, who provided five weeks’ free cover through Agria, something Ged now believes every owner should value. “Lifetime cover isn’t just for emergencies, it’s about knowing your cat is protected for life. It’s part of being a responsible owner.”

After her Supreme triumph, Thalia will bow out on a high. “Saturday was her last competitive show - her retirement show. She had one final title left to win, UK Show Cat. Genuinely, there were no expectations… then she went and won the whole thing!” It marks an extraordinary end to a whirlwind journey. “She’s now the highest-titled Asian cat in the UK, a trailblazer for the breed. People have been trying to win the top prize at Supreme Cat Show for 30 years, and she’s done it in two and a half. It’s a magical, underdog story, a fairytale ending.”

Thalia will continue to make appearances, perhaps alongside her brother Percy. “She deserves to enjoy her retirement and just be admired for who she is.”

A full-time Operations Manager for a car rental company, Ged hints that breeding may be on the horizon one day. “Percy might have big boots to fill, but we’ll see how he matures.”

And for anyone inspired to start their own cat fancy journey? “Do it for the right reasons. Enjoy it. Meet people. Don’t worry about winning, just have fun with your cats. That’s what it’s all about.”

Sarah White, Breeder Channel Manager who works closely with the GCCF, said:

“Outside the ring, you could feel the electricity in the air as everyone waited with bated breath to see who would be crowned Supreme Overall Winner of 2025. Thalia and Ged had incredible support from those around them, and when it was announced that Thalia had won, the whole audience erupted with joy! Huge congratulations to Ged and Thalia — what an amazing way to end your show career!”