Singapura

The Singapura cat looks like a small Abyssinian. Its head is rounded with a definite whisker break and a short broad muzzle. The ears are large and deeply cupped. The eyes are large and almond-shaped, slightly slanted and held wide open. Although these are small cats, their body is stocky and muscular. The tail is slender with a blunt tip. The coat is short and smooth with bands of black, brown, or ivory in each hair. The hair are darker on the back, tail, and legs. The chest and belly are a pale ivory colour. The eyes can be hazel, green or yellow and are outlined in black.

The need-to-know

Playful and curious cat
Sociable and dependent cat
Somehow talkative cat
Lean and elegant cat breed
Requires grooming once a week
Non hypoallergenic breed
Needs some out-door space
May require familiarisation before living with children

Personality

The Singapura cat is very affectionate and friendly but, unlike its Oriental counterparts, it has a very quiet voice and is more reserved. Singapura cats love human company and they are content to sit on their owner's knee or shoulder – they seem to love the warmth. They seem to prefer to be above the ground and will often find a position that will give them a good view such as the top of bookshelves or wardrobes. They are active, lively, and always willing to play. They learn quickly and are inquisitive and mischievous.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Singapore

The Singapura cat originates from Singapore and its name means Lion City, the local Malay name for their island. It was known as the 'drain cat' because of its habit of sleeping in drains and living in the gutters. This is also the reason given for the cat's small stature; the Singapura cat is the world's smallest breed of cat. The Singapura cat breed is thought to have existed for about 300 years and is descended from cats from all over the world that arrived in Singapore on ships and bred with the local feral cats. The authorities considered them to be vermin and periodically culled the population. In 1974, the cull was so widespread that only three cats of the Singapura breed survived and these cats were exported to America along with a fourth found in 1980. From these four cats, the recognised breed was founded.

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle, and overall health. So it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

At present, there are no reports of problems within the breed. As with all cats, Singapuras benefit from protection against disease through vaccination and need regular parasite control and annual veterinary health checks.

Best cat breeds for children

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.