The Kucing Malaysia is a relatively new breed of cat, having only been first bred in the 1990s. It is the first Malaysian breed and has the same coloring and marking as the Ragdoll
and is considered a loving and loyal feline breed. While it is recognized by the Malaysian Cat Club, it is not formally recognized by any other fanciers’ association and is rarely found outside its home country of Malaysia.
Because it is not widely recognized, there are different colors and variations of the breed, but potential owners will find it difficult to locate the Kucing Malaysia, which also goes by the name Piawaian Kucing Malaysia.
Breed Overview
| Height: | 7–12 inches |
| Weight: | 9–17 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Colors: | White, brown, fawn, tan, beige, tortie, agouti, blue, chocolate |
| Suitable for: | Families that want a fairly level-headed but playful cat |
| Temperament: | Loyal, loving, calm, playful, energetic |
Kucing Malaysia Breed Characteristics
Kucing Malaysia Kittens
The Kucing Malaysia cat is popular in Malaysia, being the country’s first official cat breed, but is rarely found outside Malaysia because it is not yet recognized by any fancier associations or groups other than the Malaysian Cat Club. Because it isn’t officially recognized, breeders are reluctant to breed the Kucing because they won’t raise as high a price as other purebred cats. You will have to find a highly specialized breeder to find one of this breed.
The breed might become more popular and readily available as a standard is reached and its popularity spreads outside Malaysia. Although they are rare, you may be able to find them in rescues and shelters. Where possible, it is always better to adopt than shop, although this may not be possible with difficult-to-find breeds.
The breed is known for being lively and active, which means you can expect inquisitive and playful kittens. They are about average size and will likely reach full maturity at the age of 12 months.
Ensure the kitten is well socialized from a young age. Although the breed is known for being friendly, if it doesn’t meet strangers or socialize with other animals, it might grow up to be nervous in new situations. You can also start litter training as you get your new kitten home.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Kucing Malaysia
The markings of the Kucing Malaysia are very similar to the markings of the Ragdoll, and the breed shares some characteristic similarities, too. It is an affectionate cat that will get on well with family members and regular visitors and will usually get along well with strangers. With gradual introductions, the Kucing Malaysia should also integrate well into a family with existing pets including other cats and dogs.
It is a playful breed and requires regular exercise to ensure that it is physically and mentally active. The cat is medium in size and has an athletic build. The egg-shaped head and alert eyes give the Kucing a distinctive and recognizable appearance.
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
The Kucing Malaysia is said to be a good family cat. It gets along with people of all ages so is good for families with or without children. You should always supervise very young children around pet cats. If a child grabs at the cat’s ears or tail, it may respond by scratching or biting and it will upset the cat.
The breed is also a good choice for individuals and couples, as well as seniors who are looking for a companion. It is bright and lively so can make a good house companion for any potential owner.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Although it does depend more on individual character and how respectful the other animals are, as well as how well introductions are made, the Kucing Malaysia is generally thought to be good with other animals. It will usually take to existing cats and, as long as the dog isn’t too boisterous, a Kucing should also get along with dogs.
Never leave a cat unattended with smaller animals. Even though they are domesticated animals, many still have a prey drive. And pet animals like mice and hamsters don’t have the natural skills to be able to get away from predators as threatening as cats.
When introducing the Kucing to existing pets, take things very slowly. Allow some time for the cat to get used to its new surroundings and to start to bond with you. Give it a space and bed to call its own and provide toys, a bed, and other items. When you make introductions, ensure the cat has somewhere to escape to. It is generally best to provide an area that is high up and out of the reach of the dogs, or in another room to your existing cats.
If you are introducing the cat to dogs in your house, you can use a stairgate to help facilitate introductions. This will allow the two to sniff one another through the gate without having to get too close.
Things to Know When Owning a Kucing Malaysia
The Kucing Malaysia is a rare cat outside Malaysia, but it is a friendly, active, and bright medium-sized feline. It will get along with family members and friends and is generally friendly with strangers. Although difficult to find outside its home country, the Kucing can make a great family pet. However, no single breed is the ideal cat for all homes and families.
Below, we look at some of the most important aspects to consider when taking on this breed.
Food & Diet Requirements 
Cats are carnivores, which means they need to get the majority of their protein from meat sources. You can feed either wet or dry food, but make sure you feed a balanced meal.
Dry food is made from a combination of protein and other ingredients. It is effectively dried out by heating the food under pressure. This extrusion process leaves a hard kibble. The food does not typically contain any moisture, although some do retain a small amount. Typical proteins include chicken, lamb, or pork. Dry food has a long shelf life and can be left down for longer before it needs to be picked up. It also causes less mess.
Canned food, or wet food, usually contains the same ingredients but is cooked in a broth or other liquid that is left in the food. This can help ensure that cats stay hydrated. Not all cats will freely take food from a water bowl, and the moisture in wet food helps. Wet food is more palatable to a lot of cats, especially fussy eaters, and the softer pieces are easier for cats with dental and oral problems to eat.
Cats, like all animals, need water to survive. You should provide a bowl of fresh water and ensure it is filled at all times and refreshed daily. Your cat may prefer to have its water away from the food bowl and definitely away from the litter tray. If your cat refuses to drink water from the bowl, you can try a water fountain. If your cat is put off still water, the flowing motion of the waterfall might encourage regular drinking.
Exercise 🐈
Cats need regular exercise. If you let your cat have time outdoors, ensure there are no natural predators. Also, consider whether there are any other cats or even dogs in the neighborhood.
If you keep your cat as an indoor cat, you will need to provide regular exercise. Buy toys that encourage physical activity. Interactive toys that involve both of you also provide a great way to build a bond between you. You can also buy a harness and leash and walk the cat every day to provide exercise and allow time outdoors.
Training 🧶
Cats can be trained using similar methods to those used to train dogs. Use positive reinforcement, which means praising positive and desirable actions. Use high-value treats and reward your Kucing Malaysia with a treat when it does something you want to encourage. If you are trying to discourage your cat from doing something negative, distract the cat by encouraging positive behavior and then praise them and reward them.
The first thing most cat parents train their cat is to use a litter tray. Buy a litter tray that is large enough for your cat, usually one and a half times the size of the cat. Place it somewhere quiet, ideally against at least one wall. Encourage them into the litter tray and let them dig. Do this, especially after meals and when you notice your cat taking large drinks.
Don’t punish your cat if it goes outside the litter box, but do praise and reward when they successfully do their business in the desirable location. Learn to recognize the signs when your cat needs to go to the toilet and carry them to the litter tray.
It can take time to fully litter train a cat, so you need to be persistent and continue with the praising and rewarding.
Grooming ✂️
The Kucing Malaysia has a short coat that sits close to its body. This means that the breed doesn’t require too much grooming but it is still a good idea to groom at least twice a week. Grooming helps ensure that the coat is tidy by removing knots as they start to form. You should also brush your cat’s teeth at least three times a week. Check their claws periodically and clip them every few weeks to prevent nails from getting too long.
Health and Conditions 🏥
The Kucing Malaysia is still a relatively new cat, which means we don’t really know of any hereditary or congenital conditions that are more likely to affect this breed. However, there are some conditions that cats, in general, are prone to. Look for signs of the following conditions.
Minor Conditions
- Dental disease
- Fleas
- Gastrointestinal problems
Serious Conditions
- Obesity
- Weight loss
- Heart murmur
- Kidney disease
Male vs Female
Male cats tend to be a little larger than their female counterparts, both in terms of height and weight. Although it does depend on the individual character rather than gender, some owners claim males to be more sociable and affectionate. Females are more independent.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Kucing Malaysia
1. Malaysia’s Only Official Cat Breed
Despite 60% of households in Malaysia claiming to keep cats as pets, the Kucing Malaysia is the country’s first indigenous cat breed. Popular breeds regularly kept as pets include the British Shorthair, Bengal, and Persian breeds.
2. A New Breed
The breed is Malaysia’s first official cat breed and is only recognized as a breed in Malaysia. Its popularity has not yet spread outside Malaysia, and it is a young breed. The idea for an official Malaysian breed was first mooted by Mrs. Alva Uddin of the International World Body, and breeding began. Standards have yet to be formalized in other countries and the Kucing Malaysia is considered a developmental breed.
3. The Kucing Malaysia Can Make a Great Pet
The Kucing is considered a friendly and affectionate breed. It is also muscular and athletic, which means it makes a good pet because it will bond with its owners and will also play and have fun with people of all ages.
Final Thoughts
The Kucing Malaysia is the first and only official breed from Malaysia. It is a friendly and affectionate breed that makes a good family pet. It is also energetic and playful. It will bond with its owners. Not yet recognized by cat fancier associations in other countries, the Kucking Malaysia is an experimental breed that can be very difficult to find elsewhere in the world.
Featured Image Credit: Naqibah Zainuddin, Shutterstock