Opinion

BY ANNA YUKI

Of Caliber

DEGISN BY ROSELLYN RUBIO

1. Ragdoll

Ragdolls are the epitome of sweetness, they are considered to be one of the most affectionate and laid back cats. They are also said to be very close to their owners, and I can verify these facts from personal experience with ragdolls. They are intelligent and respond well to schedules and consistency. However, they tend to be clingy, becoming upset when they are left alone for long periods of time. They are also aesthetically pleasing, with numerous colors such as: brown, pale violet, blue (tint of blue), red (tint of red) and cream. Ragdolls also, have strikingly blue eyes, and a long fluffy tail, appearing almost doll-like. Sizewise, they are a bit of a fatter cat, because of the amount of fur covering their body. However, when soaked, they shrink considerably. They aren’t very active, sleeping for most of the day and half heartedly swatting at toys. I suppose this is endearing as well as interesting.

They are lovely cats, playing gently, they rarely harm their owners, and are extremely easygoing. On top of this, they are highly tuned in with people’s emotions, understanding when humans are sad, upset, or tired offering support for their owners in times of need. Namely, when my grandmother collapsed from exhaustion, her ragdoll cat came up to her and purred, as if to give comfort. I personally think Ragdolls are amazing cats, although they need attention often and require a consistent schedule in their environment, they can easily win your heart. Truly worthy of the top cat award!

Singapuras are small sized cats, with males weighing 6-8 lbs and females weighing 4-6. They have huge eyes and small heads, making them look a bit strange compared to the average cat. Singapuras also have small chins, and a slightly muscled body, though my cats are a bit chubbier than the description. Purebred singapuras actually only come in one color, a tannish brown color that appears almost like that of light wood, with black hairs spotting the back and pale colors around their muzzle and chest.

Singapuras are playful cats, waiting around you while you do chores such as laundry or dish washing, swatting at water and jumping in the laundry bins. They are very energetic, and full of personality however small they may be. My cats will run around the house at high speeds, jumping on furniture and occasionally using humans as launchpads. They love their owners, are loyal, and very expressive. At least that’s how it is for my cats. (It is important to note that every cat’s personality will vary no matter what breed).

They don’t like loud noises, according to the article from ‘Hills Pet Care Center’ website. I know this as well from personal experience, whenever dogs start to bark, an alarm goes off, or a vacuum turns on, they become extremely disturbed and anxious, hissing or running away to seek solace under a chair or bed. These cats also have some issues that are unique to their breed. Due to muscle weakness their kittens are often unable to be properly pushed out during delivery. This means that the kittens may have to be birthed via c section. Another condition you should watch out for if you’re a singapura owner is pyruvate kinase deficiency. This may cause blood related illness in your cat, and can only be treated with bone marrow transplant.

Appearance wise, singapuras are peculiar cats, adorable yet interesting, with a personality that would for sure make them a joy to have around. A definite addition deserving of being in the top three.

08 OPINION MAY. 26, 2022

2. Singapura 3. American Shorthair

Albeit common, American shorthairs are a wonderful breed of cat. They are affectionate and enjoy being around people, though, unlike the ragdoll, they are fine by themselves. They are an independent cat that can get along with dogs and other pets quite well. They were originally bred to catch rats, but nowadays they mostly just sit on a bed relaxing. American Shorthairs are a laid back breed, small eared, and have the tendency to gain weight. Last one is a bit random, however this is important as it connects with their dietary needs. They require a low fat diet with balanced fiber and protein; a proper meal, as they have sensitive gut flora.

They are truly beautiful cats, medium sized with a short jaw and a thick neck, both females and males can weigh from 6 to 15 pounds.. On top of that, they are easy to groom. Weekly brushing and a good diet are all that is needed for fur care. Stripes are a signature pattern for these cats, Brown tabby and silver tabby are the most common types of American shorthair, however, they come in all kinds of colors and patterns. Eye colors can also vary, from gold eyes to green, blue, copper, and hazel.

American shorthairs are wondrous cats, from rat catching to playing with children, they can do a variety of things. They are adaptable and calm pets, with a chubby looking face that easily draws your attention, and soft looking stripes that cover their plump bodies. They have unique qualities that are perfect for a cat lover, understandably worthy of being shown as a cat of caliber.