PETALING JAYA: With their orange coats and larger-than-life personalities, ginger cats are hard to miss. They are often described as playful, mischievous and sometimes chaotic – but perhaps that is exactly why people love them.
In conjunction with Ginger Cat Appreciation Day today, meet the Malaysian “oyen” and other famous fiery felines whose adventures have unfolded in homes, a zoo, on the streets of London and even on the silver screen.
1. King Oyen, ruler of the internet
Bow before feline royalty! When it comes to Malaysia’s orange cats, few command attention quite like King Oyen.
The adorable social media star reigns over more than 112,000 followers across TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, charming his “subjects” with his every pose.
He stole the limelight at the National Day parade rehearsal in Dataran Putrajaya, looking dashing in sunglasses, a Jalur Gemilang-themed shirt and tanjak, a traditional Malay headgear.
Fun fact: this year marked the celebrity cat’s fourth year of joining the country’s National Day celebrations!
When he is not delighting his fans, King Oyen enjoys bicycle rides with his furparents, Mohd Salleh Zakaria and Siti Zalifah Abdul Aziz. He also has an impressive wardrobe, ensuring he is always dressed for the part.
Whether outfitted in traditional attire or casual wear, the fluffy charmer is ever ready to serve his loyal subjects – one “pawsome” pose at a time.
Learn more about King Oyen on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
2. Oyen of Zoo Negara, the honorary capybara
Why mingle with ordinary house cats when you can join a capybara herd? This feline, who is believed to have been abandoned at Zoo Negara, wandered right into the rodents’ enclosure and made himself at home.
The remarkably relaxed capybaras welcomed their much smaller orange roommate, and their unlikely friendship turned Oyen into one of the zoo’s star attractions – making headlines in Malaysia and beyond.
He even received his own signage at the enclosure – showing that sometimes all it takes to succeed is confidence, charm and extremely laid-back housemates.
3. Oyen, the feline footwear ‘bandit’
No footwear is safe in one Klang Valley neighbourhood when Oyen is on the prowl.
The feline thief usually stages his heists in the morning when most residents are not at home, helping himself to whatever footwear catches his eye before making a getaway.
Curiously, Oyen only surrenders his prize when he sees his furmum, Noraini Darus, or hears her voice. Noraini then returns the footwear to its rightful owner, keeping the peace with the neighbours.
Oyen has since become an online sensation – proof that a handsome face can help even a repeat offender win hearts.
Follow Oyen’s adventures on TikTok.
4. Kenzo, the grumpy internet star
With his permanently grumpy face and dislike of being hugged, Kenzo prefers affection on his own terms. According to a local new portal, he prefers solitude and accepts cuddles strictly on his own terms.
He also enjoys exploring outside his home – but when told it is time to head back inside, he makes his displeasure hilariously clear.
Kenzo and his two feline siblings have amassed over 268,000 followers across TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. Clearly, even grumpy orange cats have plenty of fans.
Learn more about Kenzo on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
5. Jock, the marmalade guardian of Chartwell
Winston Churchill is said to have adored Jock, a feline given to him for his birthday. After Churchill’s death, his family requested that a marmalade cat named Jock – with a white bib and four white paws – always live comfortably at Chartwell, the statesman’s former home.
The tradition continues with Jock VII, a rescue cat who now reportedly patrols the gardens, investigates the gardeners and unwinds with cuddles on the sofa.
6. Bob, the street cat who changed a life
When London busker James Bowen found an injured Bob, neither could have imagined the journey ahead.
The feline soon began accompanying him on the streets, often wearing a scarf. Along the way, he helped his human find purpose while recovering from drug addiction.
Their friendship inspired Bowen to write a book, “A Street Cat Named Bob”, which was later adapted into a film featuring Bob himself.
The beloved feline passed away in 2020, but his story remains a moving celebration of second chances.
