Singapura
With their tiny head and round eyes, this compact kitty can leave no-one indifferent, with no heart able to resist their angelic little face. They are the smallest cat breed in the world, but make no mistake - their personality is by no means held back by their miniature size! Their ticked coat bears some resemblance to an Abyssinian’s, and with their permanent kitten-like appearance, the Singapore will win you over at first sight.
Key facts about the Singapura
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Origins and history
These adorable felines are, as their name would suggest, originally from Singapore (which literally means “city of the Lion” in Malaysian), in Southeast Asia. There is some controversy around their origins, as they were discovered in Singapore, but developed mainly in the United States.
In 1970, the Meadows, American breeders of Siamese and Burmese cats, brought back some adorable ivory-ticked cats from their travels. Then in 1971, Hal Meadow returned to Southeast Asia for work and began exporting more cats back to his partner, who had stayed in the United States, and began to breed them. In 1974, the Meadows moved to Singapore with their furry companions, two of which were actually the offspring of the cats Hal had exported in 1971. Finally, in 1975, the couple went back to the United States with 5 Singapore cats and established a breeding programme with the consultation of British geneticists. In 1987, a breeder called Gerry Mayes made a trip to Singapore to look for other cats of this breed, which he brought back to the US and then registered with TICA.
Physical characteristics of the Singapura
Adult size
Female : Between 13 and 16 in
Male : Between 13 and 16 in
They reach their adult size at around 2 years old.
Weight
Female : Between 2 and 4 lb
Male : Between 4 and 7 lb
Coat colour
Warm ivory
Type of coat
Short and trim, but longer along the spine, where the ticking is most prominent.
Eye colour
Celadon green, hazel, golden or copper. Blue and aquamarine are not allowed.
Description
Despite being the world’s smallest breed, Singapores are sturdy cats with excellent musculature, meaning they’re quite capable of doing all the same things as other cats. Granted, they are extremely little, but they are robust and powerful, which might surprise those who are quick to judge their appearance.
Good to know
The tourism office of their native region has made the Singapore a national emblem. Ever since, as you’d expect, there are very strict controls on their export.
It’s also interesting to note that according to some sources, this breed could be the product of a cross between two established breeds: the Abyssinian and the Burmese. DNA analyses have shown that these cats are genetically very similar to the Burmese. That said, in 1975, they used to roam freely in the streets of Singapore, meaning they are effectively the equivalent of your everyday moggy.
Temperament
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66%
Affectionate
These little felines certainly know how to appreciate the warmth and tenderness that their humans give them. You will no doubt find them curling up against you during their well-deserved periods of rest.
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Playful
Even though they’re the littlest of cats, they are by no means the laziest! They are good at finding creative ways to amuse themselves with whatever finds its way underneath their paws.
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66%
Calm
Like many cats, they have their moments of calm between their periods of mayhem! It’s to be expected that they’ll need to recuperate after their periods of physical and mental activity.
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66%
Intelligent
These cats can prove curious and intrigued by many situations, and their curiosity can lead them to think creatively to resolve the troubles they get themselves into!
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33%
Fearful / wary of strangers
If exposed to different types of people while they’re young, they are generally sociable and curious with strangers. Of course they might be slightly reserved at first, but they will abandon their wariness if people are gentle and kind to them.
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66%
Independent
These little cats are quite capable of putting up with time apart from their humans during their working day. But they will be extra happy to be reunited with them after work and will no doubt join in with family activities with pleasure!
Behaviour of the Singapura
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33%
Chatty
These little cats aren’t particularly chatty, but they know how to make their voice heard when they need to.
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66%
Need for exercise / Sporty
Singapores need to move just as other cats do. You must be sure to provide them with enough independent activities and interactive play sessions every day.
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33%
Tendency to run away
Because of their lack of resistance to the cold, these pint-sized cats don’t tend to take off for adventures when the temperature is unclement. But be on your guard when the sun comes out and the temperature rises because they could be attracted by the nice weather and be tempted to sunbathe outdoors...
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33%
Greedy / Gluttony
There is of course variation between individuals, but this breed isn’t known for being greedy.
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Is the Singapura right for you?
take the testCompatibility
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66%
Singapura and cats
With the help of a good introduction, these little cats can develop feline friendships with members of their own breed as well as others.
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Singapura and dogs
There is room in a Singapore’s life for a canine friend, as long as they are introduced gradually and in the right way, as with any other cat.
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66%
Singapura and children
Children who know how to treat a cat will no doubt be the best of friends with these little panthers. They will spend lots of time playing together to the delight of both!
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66%
Singapura and the elderly
They make good companions for a calm person who can meet their needs for physical and mental activity.
Price
The average purchase price of a Singapore kitten is approximately £500, with this figure varying depending on their lineage, breeding, age and even sex. For your monthly budget, you should allow about £20 per month to meet your cat’s needs by providing them with a good quality of food and ensuring they stay in good health.
Grooming
Singapores require very little grooming. We recommend a weekly brush using a rubber brush, which helps remove dead hairs.
Shedding
These little felines shed very little. So they’ll certainly please anyone not wanting to have to clean up after their pet too often!
Nutrition of the Singapura
This breed has no particular dietary requirements. Your veterinary team will be able to recommend you a good quality food.
Health of the Singapura
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of a Singapore is between 10 and 20 years, with an average of about 15.
Strong / robust
Because of their short, cropped fur, these little felines are not well equipped to deal with cold temperatures. This means you’ll need to keep them inside when the temperature drops in autumn and winter.
Tendency to put on weight
They are not known for being greedy. However, it’s still advisable to seek your vet’s advice on the right feeding portions for your cat in order to prevent them from putting on more weight than they need.
Common illnesses
So far this breed hasn’t shown a particular predisposition to any disease. However, they can suffer from Pyruvate Kinase deficiency (PKDef) so screening is recommended. Pyruvate Kinase is an enzyme involved in the metabolic process of breaking down sugars in erythrocytes. When the cat lacks this PK enzyme, erythrocytes die, causing anaemia and the symptoms that come with it. Singapores may also develop the same conditions as other cats, such as oral diseases.
Reproduction
No pairings with other breeds are authorised.