Singapura cat is something you don’t meet too often. Yes, all cats are unique, but there is something special when it comes to this breed with a big personality. This cat breed is known for its love of being in the center of the action.
Singapura cat is actually the smallest breed when it comes to domestic cats. This cat is known for its need to be in the center of attention. Furthermore, Singapura has been known also its love for being in the middle of the action. This is actually a cat that loves to play a lot and loves spending time with its humans.
Singapura Cat Quick Facts
Real name: Singapura
Origin: Singapore
Breed Type: Natural breed
Weight: males 2.5 – 3.5 kg (6 – 8 Ibs), females 1.5 – 2.7 kg (4 – 6 Ibs)
Eye Color: Hazel, green, yellow
Lifespan: 9-15 years
Color: Sepia-toned
Coat: Short
Tendency to Shed: Low to medium
History
Little is known about this small breed. The origin is slightly said, controversial. But, what is known for sure is that the popularity of this cat is tightly connected with the Meadow family. Cat fanciers, Tommy, and Hal Meadow said that they brought three cats from Singapore to the States back in the mid-1970s. Those cats later become known as Singapura cats.
But, what is interesting about this is that the Singapore Tourist and Promotion Board had another story. During their research of the breed (they wanted to use the cat as a mascot for the southeastern Asia sovereign island) they discovered that cats were actually brought to Singapore by the couple.
Nowadays it is actually believed that Singapura is a cross between a Burmese and Abyssinian. Therefore, its believed that they were breed in the States and that the couple brought in Singapore.
Despite the controversy over the breed’s origin, the Singapore Tourist and Promotion Board decided to use the cat as its tourist mascot back in 1991. Moreover, regardless the controversy the Cat Fanciers’ Association kept the Singapura’s status as a natural breed.
Fast fact: In Singapore, this cat is called ‘kucinta.’ It is an amalgamation of the Malay words kucing (cat) and cinta (love).
Physical Appearance
First and the most important thing when it comes to this cats appearance is its size. Although this cat is the smallest one among domestic cats, she is rather proportional.
Body
The overall size of the Singapura cat is small to medium. They have a muscular body that enables them to be so active during their awake hours. Also, their mid-section is firm. In addition, their neck tends to be slightly toward, thick and short.
Head
Singapura cat comes with a rounded skull and a blunt nose. Chin is well developed. A rounded skull has a slight curve well below eye level.
Ears
Their ears are slightly pointed, larger for a cat, and also wide open at the base. Also, their ears possess a deep cup.
Eyes
They have large and almond-shaped eyes. Eyes are set not less than an eye width apart. The most common color of the eyes is green, hazel, or even yellow.
Legs & Paws
Their legs are muscular and heavy.
Tail
Their tail length tends to be short of the shoulder when laid along the torso. The tail is not whippy.
Coat
Their coat comes with a silky texture, its short and it’s lying extremely close to the body.
Color
They only came in a sepia color.
Personality
Bear in mind that if you are thinking about getting this cat that its name originally comes from the Malay word for the Republic of Singapore, Singapura, which means “lion city.” That’s why this breed is known as little lions of love, as well. But in general, these cats are just people pleasers.
They love to be in the center of attention, and unusually for cats, they are not afraid of strangers. Word stranger doesn’t exist in their dictionary. Therefore, they are extremely nice and pleasant as in-house and outdoor animals.
They are always at the door to welcome everyone.
They will be next to you all the time to help you with everything. Whether you really need the cat-touch or not. They are that active. They are extremely intelligent, curious and affectionate. Moreover, they are very so in tune with their favorite humans’ moods.
Long shorty short, this is a highly affectionate, active, and curious cat. Singapura remains active even as a senior cat. Interestingly, their voices are quiet, and surprisingly they trust their humans implicitly.
Singapura Cat And Other Animals
They get along with other cats, and can even be great with dogs if introduced properly at an early age. However, there is one thing that they simply can’t handle, and that’s a loud noise. Make sure that if you have young children you teach them how to treat feline.
Most importantly teach them not to scream at the cat or be extremely loud. Behaviors like that or similar can cause a sort of trauma in cat like balding or any skin problem.
In a nutshell, Singapura may seem bossy and hard to deal with, but in reality, they are just sensitive to their humans’ mood and want to please you. Also, if you are thinking about getting Singapura make sure that you always choose a kitten/cat from a breeder who raises litters in the home. Furthermore, try to meet at least one and ideally both of the parents.
This is the best way to learn about their temperament.
Singapure Cat – Grooming
One of the many great traits of this breed is that you won’t spend too much of your time grooming your cat. Their coat is easy to groom as they are short-haired cats.
Furthermore, they don’t shed a lot. Simply said, they are wash-and-go breed. It is enough to groom your cat once a week for a medium period of time.
Also, avoid bathing your cat, unless she got into something muddy and sticky.
However, your Singapore cat will need regular trimming, and ear cleaning. If you want to avoid additional furniture scratching, make sure that you do trimming on a regular basis and properly.
Also, you can brush your cat’s teeth frequently with a vet-recommended pet toothpaste. Bu doing so you will go for good overall health and fresh breath.
Good to know: Singapuras don’t like when you touch their feet, so start trimming (and teeth brushing) early so your kitten accept these activities.
Singapure Cat – Health
There are a few things that you should know when it comes to your’s Singapura health. Bear in mind that all cats have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just like people do.
Therefore, if you are about to get your cat and the breeder doesn’t present you with adequate health papers and guarantee that your cat is 100% healthy feline, just walk away. Even more, if the breeder tells you that your kitten is isolated for health reasons, walk away.
In general, Singapuras are healthy cats, but they do have a small gene pool that can be casually problematic. Therefore, a written health guarantee is a must.
But, remember that regardless of your cat’s genetic predisposition you can help your feline friend with one thing for sure, and that’s obesity. Obesity can happen even if your cat is on a raw diet.
Therefore, make sure that your feed your cat properly and that you are following the adequate nutritional guidance and avoid obesity.
Living With Singapura Cat
We all know that cats are in general independent and have a mind of their own when it comes to their routine and preferences. They also love to have their own space and to have a bit of rest during the day.
They are additionally known for sleeping a lot during the day, or simply napping, so they really need to have a calm and quiet corner. But, do you really know what to expect when it comes to living with a Singapura?
Firstly, you can expect for sure that you two (or more cats) will spend almost two decades together, as Singapuras can live between eleven and fifteen years. In addition, there are some recorded cases of Singapuras living for eighteen years.
Secondly, you can expect to have a healthy cat, because this breed comes with almost non-existing health problems. The biggest health issue is related to giving birth to kittens. Due to their weak muscles they often deliver by cesarean section. This condition is known as uterine inertia.
This breed is extremely active so make sure to provide your feline with a satisfactory number of toys that can keep her active for a period of time. Also, spare some time to give your feline a proper amount of love.
Also, like any other animal, make sure that as soon as you get your feline home visit the vet and deal with necessary vaccinations for kittens.
Singapura Cat – Key Takeaways
Singapura or shortly named Pura is a natural breed. This cat is known for being the smallest one when it comes to domestic cats. Furthermore, this breed doesn’t reach its full size until she is about two years old.
Pura comes only in one color, with a yellowish ivory background.
This cat is surprisingly active and fond of humans. If you a cat next to the door saying ‘hi’ to the strangers the chances are that you are probably looking at Singapura.
Singapura cat is highly intelligent and she will be around you all the time to help you with everything. Furthermore, Singapura is a true extrovert and she can usually get along with everyone, including other felines, humans, well-behaved children, and even dogs.