Singapura

Singapura: The Petite Feline with a Big Personality

The Singapura is the smallest cat breed, measuring 20 to 31 centimetres long1. Despite their size, they have a big personality. They are known for their large ears, big eyes, and a lively spirit that wins hearts easily.

These cats are tiny, weighing about 4 to 8 pounds2. But they have lots of energy and love to show affection. They can live for 11 to 15 years12, becoming loyal friends for many years.

Key Takeaways

  • The Singapura is the world’s smallest domesticated cat breed.
  • Singapuras are known for their outsized personalities and playful, affectionate nature.
  • These petite felines typically weigh between 4 to 8 pounds and measure 20 to 31 centimetres in length.
  • Singapuras have a life expectancy of 11 to 15 years, making them long-term family members.
  • Singapuras require minimal grooming due to their short, smooth coats.

Introduction to the Singapura

The Singapura is a captivating feline breed known for its small size and big personality. It comes from the vibrant city-state of Singapore. This breed is the smallest domestic cat in the world3.

The Smallest Cat Breed in the World

These cats are only 6-8 inches tall and weigh between 4-8 pounds. Despite being small, they have a big presence. They charm everyone with their large eyes, big ears, and endless energy3.

A Tiny Feline with a Larger-Than-Life Presence

Even though Singapuras are small, they have big personalities. They are lively, loving, and very smart. They form strong bonds with people, making a big impact on everyone they meet4.

“Singapuras have a larger-than-life presence that belies their tiny size. These petite felines are equal parts charming and captivating, with a personality that shines through in everything they do.”

The Singapura’s Personality Traits

The Singapura is famous for being very affectionate and sociable5. These small cats love attention and enjoy spending time with their humans. They often follow their owners around and like to cuddle on laps6. They are very smart and curious, which makes them great at learning tricks and following commands6. Singapuras are also playful and energetic, loving to play with toys and go on adventures6.

Affectionate and Sociable Companions

Singapuras are very devoted to their owners, forming strong bonds and always wanting to be near them6. They love being around people and often follow their owners from room to room. They also enjoy snuggling up for cosy cuddles6. These cats get along well with both humans and other pets, making them great friends6.

Intelligent and Playful Nature

Singapuras are very smart cats, learning commands quickly and responding well to positive reinforcement6. They are curious and love to explore, enjoying playtime with their owners6. Even as adults, Singapuras keep their playful nature, bringing endless fun and entertainment7.

“The Singapura is a delightful companion, often described as having a ‘big personality in a small package’.”

Physical Characteristics of the Singapura

The Singapura is a small cat with a big personality. It has a muscular body that makes it look agile and graceful8. Its legs are thin, with oval-shaped paws. The head is round, but the ears stand out – they’re big and slightly pointed, showing alertness9.

This breed has a sturdy yet delicate body, with fine bones and strong muscles8. Its short, blunt muzzle adds to its cute look. The eyes are big and almond-shaped, shining brightly in colours from yellow to green9.

Singapuras are the smallest cat breed, weighing about 1.8 kilograms for females and 2.7 kilograms for males8. Despite their size, they are strong and agile. Their unique look has made them popular among cat lovers around the world9.

Characteristic Description
Body Type Small, muscular, and agile
Legs Slender, with compact, oval paws
Head Rounded with a slight wedge shape
Ears Large, wide at the base, and slightly pointed at the tips
Muzzle Short and blunt
Eyes Large, almond-shaped, ranging from yellow to green
Weight Females: ~1.8 kg (4.0 lb), Males: ~2.7 kg (6.0 lb)

Singapura

Coat Colour and Pattern

The Singapura is known for its unique coat, which is short and smooth with a beautiful ivory hue10. The back, chest, and tail have darker hairs, usually black, making a striking ticked pattern10. This coat colour and pattern are key to the Singapura’s look, making it very charming.

Distinctive Features

The Singapura stands out with more than just its coat10. It has a rounded head, big ears, and almond-shaped eyes that can be green, hazelnut, or yellow10. Its small size and strong muscles make it look agile and graceful. The big ears and eyes add to its cute, kitten-like charm10.

Singapura Breed Characteristics Details
Coat Colour Ivory with a ticked pattern
Coat Length Short and smooth
Eye Colour Green, hazelnut, or yellow
Head Shape Rounded
Ear Size Large
Body Build Small and muscular

The Singapura’s unique traits, like its eye-catching coat, expressive eyes, and compact build, make it very charming10. These features make the Singapura a special cat to have as a pet.

Caring for a Singapura

Singapura cats may be small, but they need careful attention to do well at home. They have special grooming and living needs that owners should keep in mind for their health.

Grooming Requirements

Singapuras have short, smooth coats that don’t need much grooming. Just a few brushings and combs a week, especially when they shed, keeps them looking great.11 These cats clean themselves well, so grooming doesn’t take up much of your time.

Environmental Needs

Singapuras love to be active and curious. They need tall scratching posts for climbing and marking.11 They also enjoy being with their owners or other cats, as they love to play together12. A safe, comfy home with lots of toys and space for them to explore is key to their happiness and health.

Singapura cats are the smallest domestic cats, never getting bigger than 12 inches.11 Adult males weigh about six to eight pounds, while females are five to six pounds.11 They can live from 11 to 15 years, which is longer than many other breeds.11 To care for these lovely cats, owners must meet their special grooming and living needs.

Health and Longevity of the Singapura

The Singapura is usually a healthy breed, with no major hereditary health issues13. Yet, like all cats, they can face health problems such as upper respiratory infections and kidney failure13. Keeping them healthy means good vet care, a balanced diet, and a clean home.

Singapuras can live between 11 to 15 years with proper care13. This matches the trend in Singapore, where people are living longer thanks to better health policies13. The government supports healthy living with programs that encourage exercise, eating right, and community activities13.

Even though Singapuras are generally healthy, watch out for common issues. Regular vet visits and early action on health problems can keep them thriving.

Singapura Health

“Proper care and attention are key to maintaining the health and longevity of the Singapura.”

The History and Origins of the Singapura

The true story of the Singapura breed is still a bit of a mystery. But, it’s believed these small cats first appeared on Singapore’s streets. They made their home in the city’s big sewer system14. The government saw them as pests and wanted to get rid of them, but a few cats managed to survive14.

The Legend of the Singapore Sewers

Stories say the Singapura cats came from Singapore’s busy streets and hidden tunnels14. They lived in the sewers, avoiding those who wanted to catch them14. Their ability to survive in tough conditions caught the eye of American breeders. These breeders wanted to save and improve the breed.

Becoming an Established Breed

It took a lot of work for the Singapura to become a well-known and loved breed14. In the 1970s, a few of these small cats were brought to the US. Breeders there worked hard to make the Singapura a unique cat breed14. Now, the Singapura has moved from sewer cat to a loved pet and even Singapore’s official mascot14.

“The Singapura’s resilience and adaptability in the harsh urban environment of Singapore’s sewers eventually caught the attention of American breeders, who sought to preserve and develop the breed.”

Acquiring a Singapura Kitten

Getting a Singapura kitten means buying from a reputable breeder linked to a breed association15. Good breeders focus on their cats’ health and happiness, offering health guarantees and support. It’s vital to get your Singapura from a trusted source to avoid health and behaviour problems.

Cost of Owning a Singapura

A Singapura kitten costs between £1,000 to £2,000, showing the breed’s rarity and the care it needs15. This price is a big investment but ensures your cat’s long-term health and joy. Singapuras are the smallest cat breed, with females weighing 1.8kg and males 3.6kg15. They are much smaller than most cats, standing 6 to 8 inches tall15.

Singapura cats have a special coat with dark brown spots on cream-colored fur in a ticked tabby pattern15. They are usually healthy but need careful breeding because of their size15. Singapuras might need caesarean deliveries due to uterine inertia in breeding females15.

Despite being small, Singapura cats love people and enjoy being around them15. They are playful and curious, needing toys and climbing spots for fun15. Singapuras keep their playful nature as adults, acting like kittens their whole life15.

When getting a Singapura, make sure to buy from a reputable breeder who cares for their cats’ health and happiness16. With their unique looks, loving nature, and playful ways, Singapuras are great companions for the right owner16.

“Singapura ownership is a commitment, but the joy and companionship these cats bring make it a truly rewarding experience.”

The Singapura as a Household Pet

The Singapura is a small but delightful cat, perfect for those who want a loyal pet17. They are tiny, only 6–8 inches tall and weigh 4–6 pounds17. These small cats have big personalities and live between 11–15 years17. They are known for being very affectionate, playful, and curious17.

These cats love attention and bond strongly with their owners17. They follow you around and love to cuddle and sit on your lap17. Despite being small, they are very energetic and need lots of playtime and mental challenges17. They fit well in any home, big or small, but prefer a quiet place and may not like loud children17.

With the right care and socialisation, Singapuras can be a great addition to any home17. They are smart and can learn tricks easily with positive rewards17.

Singapuras are usually healthy but can have some health issues like heart disease and FLUTD17. Good breeders and owners can help prevent these problems with regular vet visits and a healthy diet17.

In summary, the Singapura is a charming and loving cat, ideal for those looking for a pet17. With proper care, they can bring lots of happiness and laughter to their homes17.

Singapura: A Breed Apart

The Singapura is a unique cat, standing out with its small size, beautiful look, and big personality18. These small cats are among the smallest pedigree cats18. Adult males weigh between 6 to 7 pounds, and females weigh about 4 to 5 pounds18. They may be small, but they have a lot of charm and character.

They have big eyes, big ears, and look like kittens, making them seem always young and curious19. Singapuras are the smallest pet cats, listed in the Guinness Book of Records19. They have a short coat that needs little grooming18. They are judged on their head, eyes, body, and unique colours18.

Singapuras have a special mix of traits that make them stand out20. They are usually healthy, with few health issues18. But, they might have some genetic problems20. They are smart, loving, and playful, making them the stars of any home.

In short, the Singapura is a bundle of charm and character, setting itself apart with its looks and personality182019. From their small size to their beautiful looks and loving nature, these cats are truly unique.

Singapura Breed Characteristics Key Facts
Size 18 Adult male Singapura cats typically range from 6 to 7 pounds in weight, while females are closer to 4 or 5 pounds.
Recognition 18 Singapuras became a recognized breed by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1981 and achieved championship status in 198819. The breed was first brought to Europe through Belgium in the 1980s.
Coat 18 Singapuras have a short, close-lying coat that does not shed heavily, requiring only minimal grooming.
Breed Standards 18 When shown, Singapuras are judged based on specific breed standards related to their head, ears, eyes, body, legs, tail, coat, and color & markings.
Health 18 The Singapura cat breed is known for being healthy, with very few recorded health problems, and breeders regularly perform genetic testing to screen for issues that could be passed to offspring20. Singapuras may be more prone to developing Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and genetic conditions like Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency.
Colour and Markings 18 Sepia agouti is the only accepted color for Singapura cats, with specific marking and color requirements outlined for the breed standard.
Awards and Recognition 18 Singapuras have been recognized with various awards in cat shows, with specific cats being awarded titles like Grand Champion and Best of Breed in different regions19. Despite having an official standard in almost every felinological system, the Singapura is one of the scarcest breeds in the world.

The Singapura’s unique traits make it a breed apart, a small but charming package182019.

Conclusion

The Singapura is a truly remarkable cat, with a big personality despite its small size21. They have large, saucer-like eyes and big ears, and are agile and strong. But it’s not just their looks that stand out – they are also very affectionate, social, and smart21.

These cats love attention and make great friends, fitting well into many homes. The cost of getting a Singapura might be higher than some other cats21. Yet, their rarity, charm, and long life make them a great choice for the right owner21.

The Singapura is a unique and captivating cat, standing out in any home. It reflects the strong global trade and economic growth of Singapore over the years21. This has made the country a key player in the world.

In summary, the Singapura summary, Singapura key points, and Singapura breed overview show why this cat is special. It has a small size, unique looks, and a loving, smart nature. For those looking for a unique cat, the Singapura is a great choice, offering a fulfilling experience.

FAQ

What is the Singapura?

The Singapura is the smallest breed of domesticated cats. They are known for their small size, big eyes, large ears, and big personalities.

What are the key physical characteristics of the Singapura?

Singapuras have a short, smooth coat in an ivory colour with a ticked pattern. They have a rounded head, slender legs, compact paws, and large, expressive eyes that can range from yellow to green.

What is the temperament of the Singapura?

Singapuras are affectionate, sociable, and highly intelligent cats. They thrive on attention and enjoy bonding with their owners. They have a playful and energetic nature, making them engaging and delightful companions.

What are the grooming and environmental needs of a Singapura?

Singapuras require minimal grooming, with brushing and combing a few times a week being enough. They need a stimulating and enriched living space, including tall scratching posts and the companionship of their owners or other feline friends.

Are Singapuras a healthy breed?

Singapuras are generally a healthy breed, but they can be susceptible to common feline health issues. Proper veterinary care, a nutritious diet, and a clean, safe living environment are essential to maintaining their well-being.

Where do Singapuras come from?

The exact origins of the Singapura breed are not entirely clear. The most credible account suggests they spontaneously emerged on the streets of Singapore, living primarily in the city’s sewers. American breeders later imported them to the United States to develop the breed.

How much do Singapura kittens cost?

The cost of a Singapura kitten typically ranges from £1,000 to £2,000. This reflects the breed’s rarity and the care required to maintain its well-being. Purchasing from a reputable, recognised breeder is essential to ensure the long-term health and happiness of these delightful, pint-sized felines.

Source Links

  1. Is the Singapura the smallest cat in the world? – Petrebels – https://www.petrebels.com/en/cat-breeds-singapura/
  2. Singapura Cat Breed Profile | Litter-Robot – https://www.litter-robot.com/blog/singapura-cat/
  3. Singapore | Facts, Geography, History, & Points of Interest – https://www.britannica.com/place/Singapore
  4. Singapore – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore
  5. Singapura cat: the smallest cat in the world, which you can rarely meet in our country – https://www.lovemycatz.com/breed-description/singapura-cat-breed/
  6. Singapura Cat Breed Information – Vetstreet – https://www.vetstreet.com/cats/singapura
  7. Singapura | zooplus Magazine – https://www.zooplus.co.uk/magazine/cat/cat-breeds/singapura
  8. Singapura cat – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapura_cat
  9. Learn All About the Singapura Cat – https://www.thesprucepets.com/singapura-cat-breed-profile-5114523
  10. From Miracle to Complacency : Walton, Nicholas: Amazon.co.uk: Books – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Singapore-Singapura-Complacency-Nicholas-Walton/dp/1787380106
  11. What to Know About a Singapura Cat – https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/what-to-know-about-a-singapura-cat
  12. Singapura – https://www.petduka.com/en/knowledge-base/cat-breeds/singapura/
  13. The longevity secrets of Singapore, the 6th blue zone city where people are living the longest, happiest lives – https://fortune.com/well/2023/08/29/singapore-sixth-blue-zone-longevity-secrets-dan-buettner/
  14. History of Singapore – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Singapore
  15. Singapura Cats & Kittens for sale from Ethical Breeders – https://www.thepedigreepaws.com/kittens-for-sale/singapura
  16. Anyone have a Singapura? – https://www.petforums.co.uk/threads/anyone-have-a-singapura.376551/
  17. Singapura Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits | PangoVet – https://pangovet.com/pet-breeds/cats/singapura-cat-breed/
  18. Singapura – cfa – https://cfa.org/breed/singapura/
  19. Singapura cat breed, photo. TopCat – https://en.top-cat.org/breeds-articles/breed/70
  20. Singapura Facts – Wisdom Panel™ Cat Breeds – https://www.wisdompanel.com/en-gb/cat-breeds/singapura
  21. From wretched country to world reference, Singapore’s incredible success story – Marine & Oceans EN – https://marine-oceans.com/en/from-wretched-country-to-world-reference-singapores-incredible-success-story/

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