Singapura

Size:

Grooming:

Exercise Level:

Trainability:

Good with Children:

Good with other pets:

Affectionate:

Weight: 4 - 8kg M | 4 - 8kg F

Life Expectancy: 11 - 15 Years

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Introduction

Weighing as little as 1.8 kg., the Singapura cat is the smallest of the domestic breeds. Its place of origin has been debated but what is certain is that it packs a ton of personality in such a small feline package.

This kitty is very affectionate and loves to get involved in everything its humans are doing. It also is easy to groom and gets along well with other pets in the home.

History

Singapura cat pictures would show this feline in various adorable poses, sometimes belying its petite proportions. In fact, this kitty is the smallest feline breed, which makes it a viable pet. Said to originate from Singapore, hence its name, the Singapura was discovered by Tommy and Hal Meadows in the 1970s. The pair bred Siamese, Abyssinians, and Burmese, which sparked speculations that the new breed is a cross of the Aby and the Burmese.

It was also later discovered that the foundation breed was brought to Singapore from the US. This cast doubts over the Singapura’s true origins. The Cat Fanciers’ Association got involved in the investigation and did not find the Meadows guilty of misconduct. As such, the breed’s natural breed status was retained by the CFA.

It did not take long for cat fans to take notice of this petite feline. This led to a surge in interest in the Singapura in the 1980s. The first Singapura cat to land UK shores was Imago’s Faye Raye of Usaf, which was owned by a British breeder named Carole Thompson. In 2005, this feline was assigned full Championship status by the GCCF.

Appearance and Grooming

The average Singapura cat size ranges from 1.8 kg to 2.7 kg. As such, it is considered among the tiniest felines in existence. This kitty also does not reach its full adult size until its second birthday.

The Singapura has a small, rounded head, large ears, and large eyes. These give it a foreign look that adds to its appeal. The ears are particularly cupped deeply and the eyes are slanted even when closed. The outline of its eyes, which can be yellow, hazel, or green, tends to be dark.

Its medium-length frame is firm, lithe, and muscular. The tail is moderately long and has a blunt tip. The legs are similarly muscular, ending in oval-shaped, small-sized feet.

This breed’s coat is always light beige, which is officially recognised as sepia agouti. Short, fine, and easy to groom, the Singapura’s fur is ticked with sepia brown colour. This is not surprising as its Abyssinian parent breed also has a ticked coat. The very silky fur can be brushed for only twice a month to keep it in good condition.

Temperament and Intelligence

The Singapura cat personality bursts at the seams of its very small body. Very energetic, playful, and affectionate, this kitty is one endearing pet that families will love. It likes to get and give attention, getting itself involved in everything that is happening around it, especially with its humans. As such, it does not like to be left alone, and may even earn a reputation as a badgerer.

Its Velcro-cat ways are said to remain with the Singapura all its life, beyond its kitten years. It also loves to meow much, and does so with a soft and sweet voice. It can get along with other pets in the home.

Intelligent and curious, this kitty has a sprinkling of mischief in its bones, which makes it all the more charming. It likes getting onto high vantage points so it can observe the world below. Due to its small frame and less dense coat, it does not manage the cold very well and thus likes to curl up for warmth.

Nutrition and Feeding

The Singapura should be provided a nutritious diet that fulfils its daily requirements. It should be consistently given the same food following the same feeding times. If there are changes to its diet, those must be done gradually to prevent tummy problems.

The serving portions should depend on this breed’s weight, age, and activity level. Its meals must include at least 25% protein and just 5% carbohydrates.

Health and Exercise

The robust Singapura cat breed has an average life expectancy of 11–15 years. Whilst known as a healthy cat, some Singapuras or Puras are born with pyruvate kinase deficiency, which is a genetic disease that causes anaemia. The breed may also be affected by Burmese hypokalaemia and progressive retinal atrophy.

Due to her diminutive size, the Pura may have much difficulty giving birth to a litter of kittens. As such, a Caesarean section is usually done to ease this complication.

The Singapura may be tiny, but she can carry a bucketful of energy. This feline is extremely playful even well past kittenhood. The small Singapura loves to climb and jump from high places. The Pura enjoys play sessions with her people, so make sure to spend time with her every day lest she will feel neglected.

Because she is a highly active and playful cat, the Pura’s exercise routine involves plenty of playtime. As a highly intelligent cat, the Singapura cat can be trained to do challenging tricks. She is a pleasure to train as she likes to bond and interact with her owners.

To keep your Singapura cat physically and mentally stimulated, provide her with a good variety of toys, cat trees, and tall scratching posts.

Cost of Ownership

Singapura Cats are relatively rare and tend to produce only a small litter of kittens. Thus, their price typically ranges between £500–£1,450. Your Singapura kitten will do well with nutrient-dense high-quality cat food, which can cost up to £20–£55 per month.

Purchasing basic necessities including a litter tray and carrier for your new cat is a must before bringing her home. The expected overall cost for these items is around £20–£55.

Vaccinating your Singapura kitten keeps her safe from life-threatening infectious diseases. Spare £40–£100 for vaccine shots.

Parasite infestation is another problem that you need to keep in mind. Prevent this issue from cropping up by administering preventatives to your cat. Be ready to spend approximately £50–£60 for tick and flea treatments and £60–£120 for heartworm treatments.

Routine vet examinations are an important part of cat care. Each session has a fee of around £30–£60.

Avoid costly vet expenses by having a pet insurance. Prepare to spend around £6–£15 for a time-limited package. However, if you would rather have a lifetime coverage, the monthly charge will cost you over £10.

Singapura Breed Highlights

This diminutive kitty is big on personality and thus makes an endearing family pet.
It likes to be in the middle of the action and will involve itself in everything that’s happening around it. It does not like to be left alone.
It likes to vocalise.
The Singapura’s coat is short-haired and easy to groom.