Singapura

Pronounced "sing-uh-poor-uh," the Singapura is the smallest breed of domestic cat. Despite their tiny size, these cats have big personalities and are sure to capture everyone's attention wherever they go.

These playful cats thrive on interaction and enjoy being the center of attention thanks to their unique looks and cheerful nature. Singapuras have large ears, round, expressive eyes, and compact bodies packed with energy. They're strong and agile for their size, making them excellent family members and close companions.

Singapuras are pretty rare, and a kitten from a reputable breeder can cost between $800 and $2,000, depending on their pedigree. If you're looking for a spirited and affectionate cat, a Singapura might be the perfect addition to your family.

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Appearance

The Singapura cat is one of the smallest breeds, often looking tiny compared to typical house cats. It can take up to two years for them to reach their full size, and even as adults, they usually weigh just 4–8 pounds. But size isn't their only standout feature—Singapuras have large, expressive eyes that can be hazel, green, or yellow and big ears that give them a distinctive look.

Their coat comes in one color known as "sepia agouti," which is just a fancy way of saying they have a ticked tabby pattern. This means their cream-colored fur is sprinkled with dark brown spots. Their fur is short, silky, and they have blunt, dark-tipped tails. Their bellies, chests, and muzzles tend to be lighter in color.

Although Singapuras don't shed a lot, they aren't hypoallergenic. Despite their short coat, they still produce dander, which can be bothersome for people with allergies. However, their minimal shedding makes their grooming needs quite simple compared to many other cat breeds.

Personality

Singapuras are lively, social cats that love being the center of attention. They thrive on human interaction and aren't shy about seeking it out. With their energetic, confident, and playful nature, they keep things interesting.

Singapuras retain their kitten-like behavior even when fully grown—usually around the age of two. They stay active, fun, and affectionate, much like a playful kitten. One thing to note: they're pretty talkative and enjoy meowing, sometimes just because! Fortunately, their soft, sweet voices make their chatter easy to live with.

Living Needs

The Singapura is a small, intelligent cat that thrives on affection and interaction. These cats are incredibly social and love being close to their humans, often following them around and even giving playful headbutts to grab attention. Don't be surprised if your Singapura tries to "help" you cook dinner or type emails—they love being involved in your daily routine.

They're the type of cat that will insist on being the center of your attention. While their curious and sometimes demanding nature can make them seem a bit pushy, they're deeply loving companions. Many owners even say their Singapuras have an uncanny ability to sense when they're upset, offering comfort in their own unique way.

Despite their need for closeness, Singapuras are also known for their independent streak. They may shy away from things they don't like—such as grooming—and they won't hesitate to wander off just when you're ready to cuddle.

Dr. Natalie Marks, a veterinarian partner at Royal Canin, notes that Singapuras are great for active households but don't do well in noisy environments. "This breed doesn't like loud noises, so they may not be the best fit for families with loud urban neighborhoods, small children, or very vocal dogs," she says.

Known for their agility, Singapuras love to climb high, perch on cabinets, and even hitch rides on their human's shoulders. They're gentle and playful and enjoy toys that mentally and physically challenge them. Cat trees and puzzle toys that dispense treats are perfect for keeping these active cats entertained.

However, if left alone for long periods, Singapuras may become moody, though they won't act out destructively. They crave companionship and tend to be shy around strangers, but with their families, they are the ultimate little sidekicks.

Care

Singapura cats are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. They shed very little, so a gentle brushing every one or two weeks will do the trick. Along with that, keep their nails trimmed and check their ears now and then. You don't need to bathe them often—Singapuras are great at keeping themselves clean.

These cats are naturally energetic and don't need much encouragement to stay active. Setting up cat trees, providing interactive toys, and spending time playing with them will keep them entertained. Since they're curious and smart, they'll often find ways to exercise on their own. As cat expert Marks explains, "Their love for climbing and exploring helps them stay active, but they also enjoy engaging with the family in interactive play."

Singapuras are intelligent and eager to learn. In addition to teaching them how to use the litter box and scratching posts, you can try introducing them to fun tricks. They enjoy mental and physical challenges, making clicker training a great option for this breed.

Because of their small size, Singapuras can be a little shy at first. The best way to help them become more comfortable around people and other pets is through gentle, early introductions. Reward them with treats after positive interactions to help build their confidence.

Health

Singapuras typically live between 9 and 15 years and are generally healthy cats. However, according to expert Marks, they can be born with a genetic condition called pyruvate kinase deficiency, which leads to anemia and other blood issues. Unfortunately, the only known treatment for this disease is a bone marrow transplant.

Other health concerns for Singapuras include kidney failure, hypothyroidism, and diabetes. Due to their small size and a condition called uterine inertia, many Singapura cats need cesarean sections when giving birth.

Since this breed has limited genetic diversity, Marks advises choosing a reputable breeder when adopting a kitten is crucial. Regular vet check-ups are essential for maintaining your cat's health, and feeding them high-quality cat food recommended by your veterinarian will help keep your Singapura in top shape.

Exercise Requirements

Even though Singapura cats are active and playful, keeping them indoors is a good idea. Their small size can make them vulnerable to other animals, like stray cats or dogs, and there's also the risk of someone stealing them since they are a valuable breed.

To keep your Singapura entertained, make sure they have plenty of toys. Interactive toys are great for keeping them engaged and mentally stimulated. Without enough of their own toys, they might start playing with your belongings like pens or even your keyboard!

Training

The Singapura is an intelligent and playful cat. They can quickly pick up simple tricks like fetching, making them fun to train. To keep their mind engaged, try short and regular training sessions, along with stimulating toys like cat puzzles. When training, it's best to use positive reinforcement—rewarding them with their favorite treats or a bit of catnip when they do something right.

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History 

The history of the Singapura cat has a few twists and turns. According to The Progressive Singapura Cat Club, the story goes like this: Two American breeders, Hal, and Tommy Meadows, supposedly discovered three Singapura kittens wandering the streets of Singapore. They brought the kittens back to the U.S. and started breeding them.

Singapore has since embraced the Singapura as a cultural symbol, making the breed a cherished part of its identity. Most breed registration organizations see the Singapura as a natural breed, though some people think the cats might have been selectively bred for their size and appearance.

Fun Facts

The Singapura cat gets its name from the Malaysian term for "Singapore," which means "Lion City," suggesting its origins. Typically, a Singapura cat will have just two or three kittens per litter, making them quite rare. Some people think that the Singapura might be a mix of Burmese and Abyssinian breeds rather than a breed that developed on its own.