Singapura cats have an intense desire to be with their people and hence are affectionately called ‘Velcro Cats’. They love playing interactive games as much as they love laps. Their large celadon eyes twinkle with mischief and with an angelic face; they reach out to you and will leave no stone unturned to win over you.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: Singapore
Used for: Companion
Average Life Span: 11-15 years
Color: Brown
Coat: Short and smooth
Average Height: Small
Average Weight: 4-8 pounds
History and Domestication
The Singapura cat was born in the streets of Singapore but the official beginnings are a little hazy. The first Singapuras to be brought to the USA were four little kittens who were adopted by Hal and Tommy Meadow of California. They moved back to California in 1975 after living in Singapore and carried the kittens with them. Tommy was a cat breeder of the Siamese, Burmese and Abyssinians and worked very hard to promote this new cat breed. The Singapura is a tourism mascot of Singapore and sculptures of this cat can be found along the Singapore River.
Standard Physical Characteristics
The Singapuras are the smallest cat breeds and reach their full size in about two years. Even when they have reached their full size, they still appear to be very small. The head is rounded but what is more striking in this breed are their large and brilliantly colored eyes. The large ears are set off parallel giving them a very alert expression. Their bodies maybe small but they are very powerful and you will always find them setting off as dynamos in search of the next adventure. They come only in one color and have a tabby ‘M’ on the forehead. These small sized cats are actually heavier than they look.
Care, Grooming and Health
Singapuras have a brown- ticked coat with no undercoat. This coat is very low maintenance and doesn’t need a lot of grooming. Weekly combing will keep it looking good. A bath is rarely necessary; just wipe them with a damp cloth once a month and the coat would be good.
These cats are generally healthy but the problem of pyruvate kidney deficiency (PKD) has been recently discovered in the breed.
Living Conditions
This is a smart and friendly breed and would get along well with kids who treat him well. The amiable cat will live well with other pets and cat-friendly dogs.
Temperament
The small Singapura has a tiny voice but he is known for his other antics such as chasing balls, climbing curtains, dancing on keyboards and jumping on your shoulders. These are playful cats and this behavior continues well into their adulthood. They keep themselves busy with one thing or the other but despite this, they will always have time to keep you company. They make good lap cats. The amiable Singapura isn’t shy about meeting new people and greets them warmly.
Adoption Groups
- Singapura Rescue
- Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Singapore
- Singapura Rescue Groups