History:
In 1998 a two day old kitten was found underneath a temporary classroom of Washington High in Fremont, California.  Susan Manley's niece took this kitten home with her and it was given to Susan to raise because of the care needed to hand raise such a young kitten.  Fortunately, the kitten named
Solomon grew into a healthy and happy cat.  While Solomon was still a kitten a markable hing was noted: Solomon carried his tail in a ring with the tip centered over his back.  After some research Susan found that other cats, both purebred and mixed breed, share this trait with Solomon, particularly in the local area of Fremont, California.  After consulting with Dr. Leslie Lyons a geneticist at UC Davis and Dr. Solveig Pflueger who is on the genetics board at TICA, Susan decided to breed Solomon to a mixed breed cat possessing the Oriental look and a loving, outgoing personality named
Audrey Catburn.  Audrey gave birth in 1999 to eight kittens.  All eight kittens possess the Ringtail trait to some degree, but none to that of Solomon.  A litter born in 2000 to one of Solomon's daughters however contained perfect ringtails.

General Information:
The muscles in the tail are both larger and stronger at the base than those found in cats without ringtails.  The bones in the tail are not fused and motion of a ringtails tail is not restricted in any way. The Ringtail Sing-a-Ling also put their tail to more use than other cats.  Not only is the tail used for balance (held over their back, instead of behind them like in other cats), but they also curl it around someone's hand when they are being petted, use their tail to slow their decent on the cat tree and around Susan's bottom banister when they went down stairs as kittens.  Ringtails only hold their tails in a ring when they are relaxed and confident.

Body Type:
Long lean muscular Foreign to Oriental type. The back is highly flexible and long.  The tail should equal the length of the back have a wide muscular base and be of substantial bone and not whippy.  The feet are medium sized with long webbed toes that spread wide when climbing or in play.

Coat:
 Shorthaired, the fur is described as "soft plush velvet".

Color:
It is expected that most colors and patterns will be acceptable in the breed.  All eye colors are accepted.

Weight:
Males: 8-15 pounds (3.3-7 kg.)
Females: 7-13 pounds (3.1-5.9 kg.)

Grooming:
The fur does not shed much though combing with a flea comb once a week rings their plush fur to a high sheen and keeps it soft and healthy.

Living Conditions:
It is necessary to provide a large cat tree for this breed.  Their playful nature and urge to climb require it.  They respond well to leash training and will readily go for walks outside on a leash.  Their curious and loving nature demands interaction with their owner on a regular basis.

Temperment:
Friendly active curious cat with a reserved attitude to strangers.  These cats are terrific in a family setting and do well around dogs, other pets, and older children.  Ringtail Sing-a-lings tend to have
a special bond with one member of the family, but tend to make the rounds and create relationships with everyone.  They are communicative with their owners and make small trilling greeting sounds when talked to (the source the "sing-a-ling" in the breed name.) They are fascinated with water,       toys of all sorts, bags and boxes and love to climb.  These cats learn their names responding to them when called.  Some wild cat traits still exist in the population including attempting to bury their food when they are done eating, seeking out running water to drink from and a strong interest in mousing.
Their toys will be found in "catches" around the house including under the couch, in the magazine rack and probably your sock drawer if you let them.  An interesting side fact is that these cats are fascinated with the smells of mint and or bleach reacting to them as if exposed to catnip.
 

HOME BACK
This page was designed
by Kisser

Site Design and Content © 2001 by
Christina L. Remien/Kisser
All rights reserved.