When you look at the adorable Singapura cat, the first thing you may notice is that their large almond-shaped eyes stand out against their small body. These spunky little cats are full of energy, which you may not expect, given their petite statue.
The Singapura is a very playful cat, and having their humans interact with them is their ideal situation. These pint-sized cuties are known for their loyalty to their humans and bountiful personality.
Singapura cats are considered rare due to their unique origin and specific breed characteristics. This also makes them less commonly found in typical pet adoption centers or breeders, so it’s safe to say the Singapura will be on your mind nonstop if you ever come across one. They are *that* cute. Keep reading to learn more about the Singapura cat, their habits, and how to best care for them.
| Singapura cat | ...at a glance |
|---|---|
| Personality | Clever, playful, affectionate |
| Life expectancy | 11-15 years |
| Weight | 4-8 lbs |
| Coat & colors | Short; ticked tabby, sepia or brown |
| Energy level | Medium |
| Affection level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Shedding level | Low |
| Required grooming | Low |
Overview of the Singapura cat
The Singapura is known as one of the smallest cat breeds—perhaps even THE smallest cat breed, when you discount man-made breeds or the natural mutation that causes shortened legs on Munchkin cats. Singapura cats are mini in size but have large, bright eyes and big personalities. They are a social breed that thrives when surrounded by their favorite humans. It’s no wonder that their Singaporean nickname is “Kucinta,” which translates to “The one I love” or “Love cat.”
Their small size helps them get away with the mischief they're apt to make. It also means that if there is an empty lap, a Singapura will find it and make good use of it.
Weight
On average, a Singapura cat weighs 4 to 8 pounds. Compare that to the average domestic cat breed, which usually weighs between 6 and 12 pounds—it certainly highlights the petitie size of the Singapura. This cat is capable of squeezing into spaces that are too small for the average feline, and uses this opportunity to stir up some (very cute) trouble.
Don’t be fooled by their tiny bodies: They have clever minds with a lot of motivation to be mischievous. So, if you’re wondering if your new leather couch is safe, it’s best to invest in a high-quality scratching post.
Length
Due to their tiny frames, the Singapura rarely gets longer than 12 inches, with a minimum usually being 9 inches. For perspective, the average domestic cat can reach 20 inches in length. Females tend to be slightly smaller than males in both weight and length; regardless, it’s obvious that they are petite cats.
Coat
The Singapura’s coat is very short in length with a fine, silky texture. Their fur lies close to their bodies and isn’t fluffy. The Singapura always displays the agouti (ticked) tabby pattern and sepia agouti or dark brown coat colors. Some may have different shades of color with ivory or yellow undertones.
Life expectancy
With proper nutrition, enough exercise and stimulation, unconditional love, and regular veterinarian check-ups, Singapura cats can have a long and happy lifespan. On average, the Singapura will live 11 to 15 years—though they’ll seem like kittens for the entirety of their lives!
History of the Singapura
The history of the Singapura is a bit shrouded in mystery, and there’s some controversy over this in the cat world.
The most notable and widely accepted story about their history is that they come from the streets of Singapore and are a naturally occurring breed. It’s said that Tommy Meadow and Hal Meadow—American breeders and brothers—spotted these cats in Singapore in the 1970s and became interested in perpetuating the breed abroad.
The brothers brought these cats home to the United States, where they began a breeding program to try to control the creation of this beautiful feline. They used three brown-ticked Singapuras in order to get the desired look they wanted.
The controversy
About 10 years later, breeder Jerry Mayes came across importation documents stating that the three original brown cats had been brought from the United States to Singapore. This importation happened a year before the brothers said they had found them and brought them to the United States.
The Meadow brothers were accused of trying to pass off a Burmese-Abyssinian mix as a Singapura cat. This cast doubt over the statement of Singapuras being a natural breed. However, the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) investigated the case and found that the Meadow brothers had done nothing wrong.
In 1990, the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board adopted this brown-ticked cat as its mascot for tourism. One of the appeals of traveling to Singapore is to see these adorable, feisty street cats!
No matter what happened in their storied past, these cats have kept their name and are a well-loved breed.
Price and adoption
If you're thinking about adding a Singapura cat to your family, it's important to remember that these little cuties come with a price tag. Singapura kittens usually cost between $800 and $1,500 when they come from reputable breeders.
These high costs reflect the care, medical attention, and pedigree documentation that breeders invest in. But remember, the initial cost is just the beginning. You'll also need to budget for essentials like cat food, litter, and regular vet check-ups throughout your furry friend's life.
Adoption is another route you can take. Finding a Singapura at a rescue center or cat shelter is less common due to their rarity. However, occasionally older Singapuras need a new home. The adoption fee is usually lower, often covering just basic veterinary care.
Keep in mind, though, that rescue cats may need a little extra time and love to adjust to their new home and a more normal life—but the love and companionship they offer in return are truly priceless.
What does the Singapura cat look like?
Singapura cats are mainly recognized due to the largeness of their eyes in comparison to their small bodies. They are muscular and athletic cats that are both agile and energetic. They have strong legs that help them run around the house without getting tired.
Singapuras have very round heads with eyes that take up seemingly half their faces. Their eyes are either green, hazel, or gold, which makes them appear more alert and watchful. They also have large pointed ears and a relatively short tail.
They have short ticked tabby coats that appear glossy and are very silky to the touch. Everything about this cat is pristine and highly appealing.
Personality and behavior
Singapura cats are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. They love being the center of attention and are quick to make friends with both humans and other animals. The Singapura cat doesn’t know that they are one of the littlest cats out there. They have big personalities that mesh well with large groups and thrive in social settings.
They aren’t afraid of anyone and want to be the first to greet you at the door. They can be very curious—so much so that you might be looking into child-proofing your cabinets, drawers, and other nooks around the house!
These cats are very clever and like to be involved in anything that their humans are doing. If you are someone who needs space, the Singapura might not be for you. They’re going to try their best to become involved with your daily tasks so they can feel important too.
Singapuras can do well in families with other cats, dogs, and children. As long as your Singapura is introduced slowly to other four-legged members of the house, they should adapt well and fit right in. Making sure your children know how to interact respectfully with your Singapura is also essential.
Caring for a Singapura cat
Singapuras are relatively active, so keep plenty of toys and cat furniture around the house. This will help your cat stay entertained and active throughout the day without constantly meowing or needing you to be involved all the time.
Interactive toys and puzzles will keep your intelligent Singapura occupied, and you’ll find that they really enjoy challenging themselves.
Your Singapura is going to be your little baby, so of course you’re going to want to keep their litter box space nice and clean. Using a self-cleaning litter box like Litter-Robot ensures that their space is always clean and ready for use. While Singapuras were largely street cats once upon a time, nowadays this indoor feline appreciates a clean space.
Grooming needs
The Singapura has a rather short coat, which results in very minimal shedding. This lap cat needs infrequent brushing to gather up any loose fur, regular nail trimmings, and dental cleanings to ensure that they don’t heighten their risk for periodontal disease. Check their ears for debris and dirt, as well.
Possible health issues
The Singapura breed is prone to a couple health problems, though this doesn’t mean that they will occur. Still, staying up-to-date on your cat’s vet appointments will ensure that you have a good understanding of your pet’s health.
Singapuras are more prone to:
- Uterine Inertia: This is a condition that impacts female cats that are giving birth. It makes it difficult for them to have contractions and can impact the birthing process. (One of many reasons why it’s important to spay your Singapura!)
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD): This is a red blood cell condition that can cause a cat to develop hemolytic anemia. Cats with PKD can live a happy life, but they might have symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, and jaundice.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): This is a degenerative eye disorder that Singapuras can be prone to. Regular eye exams can help identify early signs of PRA and manage the condition.
It's important to remember that not every Singapura will get any or all of these diseases, but if you're considering this breed, it's crucial to be aware. Regular vet appointments and monitoring your cat's health are key to ensuring a long, happy life for your Singapura. After all, these adorable cats are well worth it.
Loving a Singapura is easy
While still a rare breed to come across, the Singapura is an amazing cat to adopt. They are loving, loyal, playful, and intelligent. If you love adorable, small creatures and want one that will become your best friend (who wouldn’t?), the Singapura is the right cat for the job.
Finding the right cat breed for you will ensure that your journey with them is a bit easier. If you think a Singapura would match your lifestyle, then consider welcoming one into your home! They will completely change your life and give you something to smile about each and every day.
Sources:
- The Ascent of Cat Breeds: Genetic Evaluations of Breeds and Worldwide Random Bred Populations | NCBI
- Cesarean section followed by ovariohysterectomy in a Bangladeshi domestic cat: A surgical intervention for management of dystocia due to partial primary uterine inertia | NCBI
- Erythrocyte Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency mutation identified in multiple breeds of domestic cats | NCBI
- Singapura cat | Singapore Infopedia
