Singapuras are a small cat breed with a huge personalities. This micro-sized cat breed is the smallest breed of domestic cats. They are known for their love of being in the middle of the action and thrives on attention.
Many consider that the Singapura's exceptional appearance is the reason why you choose them as your family pet. Still, their personality will make you select this breed as a favourite family pet.
Being the smallest domestic cat breed, the adult female Singapuras weigh as little as 1.8kg while their male counterparts weigh around 3.6kg. Singapura's tiny size is not the only prominent physical characteristic of the cat breed. They are also known for their saucer-sized eyes outlined in oversized ears and unique colouring. Their huge, expressive eyes, large ears, and remarkable intelligence are unique characteristics of this cat breed. While very active, they are also well-known for being highly affectionate.
Nicknamed the Pura, this cat breed is playful, inquisitive, bright and full of energy. They may be tiny, but they are a powerhouse, jumping to high places, including your shoulder. When they are not running along the top of the furniture or after a toy, they seek a lap where they can relax. Singapuras are extroverts and can typically get along with everyone, including well-behaved children, other cats, and friendly dogs.
Their name is derived from the Malaysian word for Singapore; this cat originates from the Southeast Asian city of Singapore, an area commonly recognized as the foundation for the ticked tabby gene pool. Their ticked coat pattern and dark brown colour are a common local combination.
Breed Information
- Grooming: Once a Week 2/10
- Shedding: Low 2/10
- Hypoallergenic: Low 2/10
- Activity Level: High 10/10
- Playfulness: High 10/10
- Friendliness to other pets: High 10/10
- Friendliness to children: High 10/10
- Affection towards itโs owners: High 10/10
- Vocality: High 10/10
- Intelligence: High 10/10
- Independence: Low 2/10
History
In the 1970s, Singapura cats were developed from cats found in Singapore by cat fanciers and breeders Tommy and Hal Meadow. Their cats Tes, Pusse, Ticle, George, Gladys, and Chiko, adopted later from a shelter in Singapore, were the foundation of the pedigreed Singapura. However, cats like them had possibly lived in Southeast Asia for at least a decade, if not longer.
Brown cats and cats with ticked or agouti coats are common in the region, and there is also a possible connection between Siamese and Burmese cats. The ticked tabby gene is superior to all other tabby patterns, frequently seen in Southeast Asian cats. Small cats with brown-ticked coat were identified in Singapore since 1965. As discovered by the Meadows, Singapura cats may have resulted from matings between cats with the Burmese gene and the Abyssinian ticked tabby gene.
Occasionally, solid brown kittens were seen produced in litters and by 1985, it was clear that some Singapuras carried a recessive gene for solid colour. Breeders endorsed a test-mating program to identify the cats carrying this gene and eliminated them from the breeding stock. By 1988, only seven cats had been identified and placed as feline companions.
In 1988, The Cat Fanciers Association recognized the cat breed, and most other international cat associations also recognized it. The Singapore Tourist Promotion Board adopted the Singapura in 1990 as the island nation's travel mascot.
In 2008, a DNA study showed little to no difference genetically between the Singapura and the Burmese.
Appearance
Singapura cats are known for being small, micro-sized compared to common house cats. It takes up to two years to reach their full and mature size, and even adult cats only end up weighing between 1.8 to 3.6kg. Singapura cat's size is not their only distinctive trait; they have large ears and large, round eyes that can be green, hazel, or yellow.
Singapura cat's coats come in one colour called sepia agouti. "Sepia agouti" is fundamentally an extravagant name for a ticked tabby pattern, cream-coloured fur, with dark brown spots over light. These cats have short, smooth hair, darkly tipped rounded tails, and are lighter near their muzzles, chests, and stomachs.
These amazing cats are the smallest cat breed and do not develop their maturity until they are almost two years old. Veterinarians who are unacquainted with the cat breed may be concerned that there is something inappropriate because of their small size.
They have rounded heads, with its most noticeable features are their large, dazzlingly coloured eyes and their large ears set just off the parallel giving these cats a very alert expression. Their compact bodies are powerful, making these cats into little go-getters as they race to their next adventure using their sturdy medium-boned long legs. While their boning is medium, these cats are small, and medium is a comparative term in proportion to the overall frame of these little bundles of energy.
Singapura cat's short coats do not shed; however, they are not hypoallergenic. Their skin has a bit of dander, which may aggravate owners with allergies. Though their short coats do not help avert allergens, they are substantially easier to care for than many other cat breeds.
Personality
Singapura may be small, but the cat breed is certainly not gentle. This cat breed has a high-energy character. They are curious, brilliant, and playful cat breed that blooms on the attention of their family. Singapuras are muscular and enjoy climbing and exploring. This cat breed wants to be in the middle of the action and ready to play if you throw some toys in their direction.
Because of their small size, don't be fooled by this small cat for being timid. Singapura is recognized as a powerhouse, as they are active cats and fast learners. They are always on the go and searching for places to discover and explore and things to do. They are not considered couch potatoes and thrive from high interaction. Some cats are very vocal and like to use their "voice" to converse. They like drawers, closets, cupboards and have to access high places like the top of the furniture or shelves.
Singapura is gregarious and can generally get along with everyone, including children, other cats, and dogs. While very energetic, they also love spending time on their human companion's laps or shoulders and stay as close as possible to them when they are resting. Singapuras also do best in the company of another cat.
The small Singapura cat has a cute little voice. But this playful and active cat makes its presence known in many ways, like tap-dancing on keyboards, chasing small balls down the hall, climbing on curtains, or jumping on your shoulder as you walk for some free ride. They retain their playfulness well into their adulthood.
Singapura cats love people and are not shy about meeting them. They like being a lap cat and can be excellent bedwarmer on cold nights. Despite their busy nature, they are a gentle feline companion who will put aside their activities to keep you company. Singapura cat thrives best in a household where they will have plenty of company, either from their human companion or animal.
If there's one thing they do not like, it is loud noises. They can get scared if they hear a random loud noise. So, make sure to keep that in mind if you live in a noisy area, have children prone to screaming, or a pet dog that frequently barks.
Like other cat breeds, Singapura appreciates routines and doesn't particularly like it when there are changes for any reason. They want to be fed at the same time every day and don't like it when any furniture gets moved around their surroundings. With this being said, they are recognized to be natural extroverts that prosper in human company. They usually follow their human companion around their home to see what they are up to and which family member allows them to participate in any activity that's taking place.
Trainability
When a Singapura is efficiently socialized and trained early, they will grow up to be a well-rounded and well-mannered cats. They are very social and affectionate cats that get deeply devoted to members of their family.
Singapuras are brilliant and adore the love and attention that comes with being clicker-trained and taught tricks. Challenge their intelligence and keep them attentive by teaching them games and tricks. Give them puzzle toys that will reward them with treats or kibbles when they learn how to manipulate them.
Coat & Care
Singapuras shed sparsely and need very little grooming. Brush their coat once a week. And bathing should be occasional because Singapuras can do a great job of keeping themselves clean.
While Singapuras need little grooming, you can still train them to be brushed to keep their coats healthy and in tip-top condition. Start by using a very soft brush so it won't pull their kitten fur and their skin. Encourage them every grooming session by giving them small treats if they behave well. You can upgrade your tools (brush or comb, whichever works best for you and your cat) into a more suitable one, perfect for their coat needs.
Ideally, brushing their teeth daily is best. This can prevent any tooth and gum diseases that may occur if dental hygiene is not done. Trim their nails twice a month or when needed. To keep their eyes clean and healthy, wipe the corners regularly with a clean, soft, damp cloth to remove any dirt or discharge. Make sure to use a different part of the clean cloth for each eye to avoid the risk of spreading any infection.
Remove dirt, debris and wax every week to ensure their ears won't develop any infection. Use a cotton ball or a clean, soft, damp cloth and a vet-approved ear cleaner to clean their ears. If it has a foul odour, immediately contact your vet for treatment.
Like many other cat breeds, Singapuras are very particular about their bathroom hygiene. So, it is best to keep their litter boxes clean. If it is left unclean, they tend to use other places in the house.
Health
Singapuras are generally a healthy cat breed. Their life expectancy is between ten to fifteen years with proper care, exercise, and a high-quality diet. They are a tough, strong cat breed, maybe due to their roots as Singapore street cats. However, there is one problem that was recently discovered in the cat breed is pyruvate kinase deficiency.
- Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency โ is also known as PKD. It is a genetic disease caused by a deficiency of an enzyme essential for red blood cell energy metabolism. Fortunately, Singapura cats with PKD can typically live everyday life.
Children & Other Pets
Singapuras are playful and smart. They can be an excellent companion to a child who treats them politely and with respect. They are one of those cat breeds that loves playing fetch and learning tricks. Their energy level is high, which means they would wear out before the kid does. As always, supervise early interactions between children and the Singapura.
They are happy to live with other cats and cat-friendly dogs because of their friendly and outgoing personality. It is still best to introduce them slowly and in a controlled environment to ensure that they learn to get along together.
Singapuras are typically getting along great with other animals as they are not great at being left alone all day.
