Discover the controversial history and charming personality traits of the affectionate and tiny Singapura cat.
History and origins
The Singapura cat has a complex history with conflicting accounts of its discovery and breeding. Initially, it was believed that the breed naturally lived on the streets of Singapore. American cat breeders Tommy and Hal Meadow claimed to have discovered the Singapura outside a Thai restaurant in 1974, and said they returned home to the US in 1975 with three brown-ticked cats to begin a new breeding program.
In the 1980s, importation documents surfaced suggesting that the original three cats were Abyssinians shipped from the US to Singapore in 1974 and then returned to the US. This raised doubts about the Singapura’s true origins and led to speculation that it could be a crossbreed involving Abyssinian and possibly Burmese cats. This seemed likely due to the Meadows’ history of breeding Abyssinian, Burmese, and Siamese cats.
Despite the controversy surrounding its origins, the Singapura breed was recognised by various cat fancier associations which contributed to its increasing popularity.
In 2007, further DNA studies found that the Singapura has a genetic profile more closely related to established pedigree breeds from Southeast Asia, such as the American Burmese, Havana Brown, Korat, and Siamese, rather than street cats from Singapore. This supports the argument that its origins are a result of selective breeding rather than natural occurrence.
Physical characteristics
The Singapura cat is one of the smallest domestic breeds, typically weighing between 1.81 kg and 3.63 kg (4 to 8 pounds). It has a muscular and compact build, giving it an athletic and agile appearance. Despite its petite size, the Singapura is well-proportioned and sturdy, with slender legs and small, oval-shaped paws that add to its delicate and graceful look.
Its coat is short, fine, and close-lying with a warm beige or ivory colour and a distinctive sepia-toned ticking pattern. This creates a subtle, shimmering effect. The tail is relatively short with a blunt tip and a darker colour matching the coat’s ticking. The cat’s face is rounded with large, almond-shaped eyes in shades of hazel, green, or yellow, and prominent ears that give it an alert look. The muzzle is short and broad with a blunt nose and well-defined chin contributing to the Singapura’s endearing facial expression.
Singapura cat personality
Despite its small size, the Singapura is known for its lively and playful demeanor. These cats are naturally curious, often displaying a keen interest in their surroundings and eagerly exploring their home environment. Their agile, athletic build allows them to navigate spaces with grace, adding to their playful antics.
Beyond their playful nature, Singapura cats are deeply affectionate and form close bonds with their human companions. They are gentle and loving, often seeking out opportunities for cuddling and affection. As social cats, they thrive on human interaction and enjoy being involved in daily activities and routines. Their expressive eyes and vocal nature make them adept at communicating their needs and desires, fostering a strong bond with their owners. Singapura cats have a melodious and soft voice, making them talkative but not typically loud compared to some other breeds.
Singapura cats are known for their intelligence and adaptability. They quickly learn new tricks and respond well to positive reinforcement training. Their inquisitive nature means they enjoy interactive play and mental stimulation, making them ideal companions for households willing to engage them in stimulating activities. Overall, the Singapura’s blend of playfulness, affection, and intelligence makes it a delightful addition to any loving home.
Interesting facts
- Singapura kittens are so tiny that people unfamiliar with the breed often think something is wrong with them due to their small size. Even as adults, Singapuras remain diminutive, reaching their full size at about two years of age.
- In Singapore, the Singapura is known as the ‘Kuchinta’, which translates to ‘cat of love’. This is a well-deserved title, as their favourite place to perch is on their owner’s shoulders as they go about their day.
Caring for your Singapura cat
Grooming a Singapura is easy and requires brushing their short, dense fur once a week to help them maintain a healthy coat and remove any loose hairs.
Due to their small size, it is safest to keep Singapura cats indoors to protect them from potential outdoor dangers such as cars and diseases transmitted by other animals.
While the Singapura breed is relatively healthy, they may be prone to genetic conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD), which can lead to hemolytic anemia, and uterine inertia, which may require females to deliver kittens via caesarean section. These conditions are relatively rare but are important to be aware of and discuss with a breeder or veterinarian.
To keep your Singapura cat healthy, it’s important to schedule regular check-ups with a veterinarian. Routine healthcare should include vaccinations, parasite control, dental care, and preventive treatments. Discuss any breed-specific health concerns with your veterinarian to ensure early detection of potential health issues.
Before welcoming a Singapura cat into your life, please research the breed to ensure they are a good match for your family and lifestyle. Remember, responsible pet ownership is a lifelong commitment.
