Kucinta - What Is & Is Not

Is: Kucinta is for Ku Cinta (Indonesian) or Aku Cinta (Bahasa Melayu), translated to as "I Love" in English.

Is Not: On the web, any search will list the name "Kucinta" as a breed of a cat. In December 1990, the name "Kucinta" (derived from the amalgamation of the Bahasa Melayu words Kuching for Cat and Cinta for Love) was the best name for the "Name the Singapore River Cats" contest organised by Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (STPB). Eventually, Kucinta was adopt as a tourism mascot for Singapore.  "Kucinta, the Love Cat of Singapore" was introduced in middle of 1991 as part of STPB's tourist promotional campaign worldwide. Life-size replica of Kucinta, made from polyresin, were used as gifts to VIPs, visiting dignitaries and foreign embassies. The Singapore River was graced with 15 special sculptures of the Kucinta. The sculptures have been the prime target of vandals, with several being defaced and one stolen. By the end of 2000, the Kucinta was fast slipping into obscurity as a tourist icon. STPB (now renamed to STB, Singapore Tourism Board) quietly pulled the plug on Kucinta as a mascot. Even the name plate of the last remaining sculpture depicting a family of Kucinta cats at the side of Cavenagh Bridge (where the cat supposedly originated) over Singapore River was removed.

Is Not Background

The Kucinta (Singapura Cat) has a history that is somewhat shrouded in mystery. Apparently, it had its beginnings as a native "drain cat". During the 1960s and 1970s, this species was suppose to be the most prevalent cats in Singapore. The drain cat live in the open monsoon drains during the drier seasons and in tongkangs (wooden boats) that were mooring along Singapore River. The Kucinta is supposed to have been "discovered" by an American breeder. However the Kucinta looked is rare among native Singapore cats.  It is now generally considered that Kucinta (Singapura Cat) is a man-made breed rather than being a type indigenous to Singapore.