The tiniest cat breed in the world- Singapura. It has a great personality. They came from the street and drained of Singapore and were developed by an American couple who lived in Singapore. So, the word Singapura from Singapura cat is a Malay word.
In Singapore, they call the Singapura `Kuchinta`- an amalgamation of the Malay words. Kuching means cat, and Chinta means love. So the name came from this word. Singapura is the only cat breed that comes in only 2 colors. So, Singapura is the best option for people who love tiny cats. They’re crossbred of Siamese and Abyssinian.
Table of contents
Breed specialty of Singapura cat
Personality:
Intelligent, active, playful, affectionate, familiar, shy to introduce new people, curious, frisky, sensitive, and friendly with calm children and other pets.
Coat pattern:
Tabby
Coat length:
Short
Coat colors:
Only 2 colors- Sepia-ticked or Dark Brown.
Length:
6-8 inches
Weight:
4-8 Pounds
Eye colors:
Slant, Hazel, Green, or Yellow
Life Span-
Up to 15 years
Vocalizing tendency:
High
Hypoallergenic:
No
Grooming needs:
Low
Origin:
Singapore
Origin of the Singapura cat breed
The history of the breed is controversial. Tommy and Hal Meadow were from the USA and living in Singapore for several years. They got 3 cats on the streets of Singapore, and when they returned to the USA in the mid-1970s, they brought the 3 cats along with them. The cats’ names were Tess, Tickle, and Pusse.
However, it was called into question when Singapore Tourism and Promotion Board researched Singapura’s history, intending to start a campaign to nominate as the National Mascot. During the research, it came to light that the couple from the United States had brought the cats that the Meadows claimed to have found in Singapore. Reporter Sandra Davie was informed of the Discrepancy and published an article in the National Broadsheet `The Straits Times.
Importation Certificates supporting this Discrepancy indicated that the cats were registered Abyssinian. Because the Meadows had been breeders of Abyssinians, Burmese, and Siamese, some began to speculate that Singapura is the cross of an Abyssinian and a Siamese. And it has ever been described as such by Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA) Judges.
CFA officially recognized Singapura for registration in 1982 and championship competition in 1988. Despite the controversy and Marky’s background regarding the breed’s origin, the Association maintained Singapura’s status as a natural breed. And The Singapore Tourism and Promotion Board officially chose the Singapura cat as the national Mascot in 1991.
The appearance of Singapura cats
Singapura’s most notable physical attribute is its diminutive size and saucer-look eyes outlined in Black. It is also known for its oversized ears and unique coloring.Its skull is rounded in both directions, not domed, not flat, with the outer eye narrowing to a definite whisker-break and a medium-short, broad muzzle with a blunt nose.
Their ears are large, slightly pointed, wide open at the base, possessing a deep cup, and are medium set. Their eyes are saucer-looking, Almomod-shaped, and large, held wide-open but showing slunt. The eye colors are Slant, Hassle, Green, or Yellow.
Their legs are heavy and muscled at the body tapering to small and short oval feet. The tail is slender and shorter than the body size and has a blunt tip. The coat is short, fine, and very close to the body. You will find the breed’s coat only in 2 colors- Sepia ticked or Dark Brown.
The pattern is ticked Tabby. Creating by the hair at least 2 brands of dark ticking separated by light bands, ending with a dark tip. An `M` on the forehead with a Tabby pattern is allowed only for Singapura cats. The cat’s muzzle, chin, chest, and stomach should be the color of unbleached Muslin- according to the description of CFA.
Temperament and nature of the Singapura cat breed
A very affectionate, adorable, frisky, sensitive, shy, friendly, active, playful, and thrives on the attention of their family. Though they are very busy, they will give you company by keeping their business aside. They care about people’s moods and try to make them happy. They’re also chatty and meow a lot like their ancestor Siamese. But their meowing won’t bore you. Rather it is very soft and pleasant.
They are climbing and exploring nature and are very cautious about new people. And, they feel shy to meet new people, but once you win their trust, they’re yours till the end of their life. Besides, they can’t tolerate screaming or barking.
So, screaming babies and barking dogs can’t be the friends of a Singapura cat. Other pets are suitable for the Singapuras if they. have been introduced in kittenhood. A bored Singapura can vocalize and scratch all over the house. So, always give your pet good company so they don’t get bored. If their kittenhood is well passed, then they become very intelligent. A very good family cat.
Caring, grooming, and exercise that Singapura cat need
Well, the Singapuras are low-maintenance cats. You need to brush their coats just once a week, and they shed very low. Bath then occasionally, no need for frequent bathing as they take good care of themselves. Use skin oils to keep shining their coats.
But you need to trim their nails regularly as they have scratching habits. Singapuras are very sensitive about their feet being touched. So, start nail trimming at an early age so that they become used to it. Clean their big ears when they look dirty. Otherwise, no special care is required.
They are experts in creating their games. So, just provide them with cat trees, interactive cat toys, and opportunities for one-on-one play. Singapuras are the ball of energy. They need plenty of playing time. So, schedule a play and exercise time for your Singapura.
Regarding trainability, the Singapura breed is up for the challenge. They love to learn, and it is a pleasure for you to train them. Training is a must for their mental stimulation, and they listen to your command surprisingly.
Living needs of Singapura cats
Well, the furry friend is very affectionate, loveable, and playful. They like to be in front of you and give headbutts. They are not comfortable in very much crowded and busy places. So, keep a place for them where they can relax.
They also like to sit in a place for a long time. So, ensure that they can get the place. Singapuras also love to climb. So, keep the climbing tree and empty shelves so they do not get bored.
They also don’t like being left alone for a long period. So, if you live alone or only one person lives with you, you must keep 2 Singapuras together. If you’re a retired person or stay home most of the time, then 1 is enough. Singapuras can adjust to both small and big families. They love to stay with children and other pets if they’re well-behaved.
Health and problems of the breed- Singapura cat
Like other breeds, Singapuras have some health problems. The breeders are concerned about the lack of genetic diversity in the breed. A publication in the journal genomics found that Singapura and Burmese cats have genetic problems among 22 cat breeds. They also have a birthing problem as they’re very small in size.
They face problems giving offspring because of weak muscles, which is called Uterine Inertia. That means they need a cesarian operation to give birth to kittens. Another problem they suffer from is Pyruvate Kinase, which leads to Hemolytic Anemia.
Besides, they’re also prone to lethargy, Diarrhea, Diabetes, Hyperthyroidism, renal failure, obesity, lack of appetite, poor coat quality, weight loss, and Jaundice. They can also suffer from Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). So, take your pet for a test to detect PKD, and a regular vet checkup is not needed to be mentioned.
Food and nutrition to feed the tiny Singapura cat breed
Singapura breeds don’t need any special diet. Commercial wet and dry cat food is enough for them. But be careful about feeding them. Keep in mind that they can’t be obese.
Some facts about the Singapura breed
- They don’t have various coat colors like other cats.
- They like high perches.
- Singapuras are the mascot cats of Singapore. It is a high honor.
- They are tiny in size but large in personality.
- Singapuras give birth to only 2 or 3 kittens, so they’re rare.
