matching your local cat to a breed

I mentioned before that Scooter's characteristics match very closely to the Ocicat which is a Siamese-Abyssinian cross. He has strong hunter instincts, which also matches the personality of the Ocicat breed:

Ocicats are a very outgoing breed. They are often considered to have the spirit of a dog in a cat's body. Most can easily be trained to fetch, walk on a leash and harness, come when called, speak, sit, lie down on command and a large array of other dog-related tricks. Most are especially good at feline agility because they are very toy-driven. Some even take readily to the water. Ocicats are also very friendly. They will typically march straight up to strangers and announce that they'd like to be petted. This makes them great family pets, and most can also get along well with animals of other species, although they are likely to assert their dominance over all involved. Ocicats make excellent pets for people who want to spend a lot of time with their cat, but they do require more attention than cats who aren't so people-oriented. Given the chance, an Ocicat will climb onto your neck and shoulders, and be transported around your home and garden. They have very powerful claws, so beware of delicate fabrics.

He definitely likes playing, with Sayang, and fetch with his favourite ball. He is outgoing too, showing very little fear towards strangers - cat and human alike.

As for Sayang, she is a typical Oriental cat: skinny long tail, dainty bone structure, easy to groom, vocal and attention-seeking, agile - she can jump heights very well - very needy and affectionate with the people she knows, and very gentle despite being extremely playful.

If you have an Oriental, you definitely need cat furniture, lots of toys, and be a homebody to spend time with her more often. In fact most local cats in Singapore tend to be Orientals. Hobbes and his brother are two other classic Oriental-types - vocal, affectionate, with the same bony facial structure and thin, long bodies. Your cat may very well be just like Sayang.

As for Slinky, she has the physical characteristics of a British Shorthair or Russian Blue - thick, short coat (these breeds have Persian bloodline), large bone structure, and a laid-back temperament, the kind of cat to sit next to you and be stroked while you do your own things. British Shorthairs are also prone to swallowing their food without chewing, which is exactly like Slinky, and are therefore more prone to teeth and gum problems. Slinky matches almost every characteristic of this breed perfectly:

British Shorthairs are large and muscular, and are described as having a cobby build. The breed has a broad chest, shoulders and hips with short legs, round paws and a plush but not fluffy tail that ends in a round or blunt tip.
British Shorthairs are an easygoing breed of cat. They have a stable character and take well to being kept as indoor only cats, making them ideal for apartment living. They are not terribly demanding of attention, although they will let you know if they feel like playing and enjoy mouse type or stick style toys. They are not hyperactive or "in your face" cats, preferring to sit next to you or near you rather than on you. They will tend to supervise household activities either watching from a comfy perch or laying on the floor nearby.

British Shorthairs are wonderful cats for people who work, as they are very happy just to laze around the house while you are out. They don't get destructive or need other animals for company, though they do enjoy having another British Shorthair or a cat with similar temperament around.

They like attention and enjoy being petted. They are not a very vocal breed but will meow to communicate with their owners. For example, they might meow when they are hungry and their food is being prepared. They may also meow at their favourite toy as they play with it. They tend to scratch doors to signal they want it to be opened rather than meowing like most cats. British Shorthair cats have a tendency to follow people from room to room, as they may want to be with you and see what is going on. Some do not mind being cuddled, but most prefer to keep four paws on the ground and have you pat them rather than pick them up.

Try matching your local cat to a breed and it may help you understand him even better, it's quite fun and educational!