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Singapore: Cat owners in Singapore can now take their pets on luxury sunset cruises, perfect for pampered kitties who enjoy the finer things in life.
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Onboard the tall ship Royal Albatross, the animals can lounge in custom-built "cat-bana" cages as their owners enjoy a four- or seven-course dinner beside them on deck.
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The ship's operator introduced the cat-friendly sailings this month after dog cruises launched in 2021 proved popular.
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For two-and-a-half hours, up to 15 feline and 130 human passengers sail along the resort island of Sentosa, enjoying views of Singapore's skyline and a short fireworks display.
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"I think they're doing very well... they're enjoying the view and I guess the perceived freedom that they get," said Marissa Ng, a 28-year-old human resources professional whose five-year-old ragdolls Coco and Bobo sat looking out at the sea from a cage beside her table.
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The ship has hosted over 2,000 dogs since 2021, and the cat cruises may soon catch up, with more than 200 tickets for human passengers - priced at Sg$225 ($166) each - having already been sold.
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The cat and dog cruises have different sailing days. While the canines are served an onboard three-course dinner at the table, cat owners take their pets' meals home since the finicky creatures tend to turn down food when they are outside of their comfort zone.
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The company running the cruises, Tall Ship Adventures, says it consulted with experts and cat welfare organisations such as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to ensure a safe experience on board.
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Precautions include making sure cats are securely harnessed and leashed at all times. They are also required to be vaccinated and sterilised, and to be transported in carriers while boarding.
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Four-month-old British shorthair kitten Mahmud appeared calm even though it was his first time in a harness, snoozing on a bench beside his family as they ate dinner.
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"This is a good time to spend the day as a family, since we just got Mahmud," said Aziana Aziz, a 41-year-old teacher sailing with her son and husband. "He's enjoying it... he's curious, he's looking around, so yeah, happy cat, I guess."
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Visitors take pictures of a cat on the Royal Albatross, a luxury tall ship that hosts sailing and dining experiences around the waters of Singapore with pets allowed.
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