Breed Guide

Singapura

General Information

The Singapura is a small, elegant, and lively cat breed known for its affectionate nature and striking appearance. Singapura cats are highly social, playful, and intelligent, often forming strong bonds with their human companions. They enjoy interactive play, exploring their surroundings, and engaging in gentle mischief, making them charming, energetic, and loving pets for active households.

Physical:

The Singapura is one of the smallest cat breeds, featuring a compact, muscular, and graceful body with fine-boned legs. Its head is slightly rounded with large, wide-set, almond-shaped eyes that are usually hazel, green, or yellow, giving the breed an alert and expressive look. The ears are large, broad at the base, and slightly tilted forward, complementing the cat’s petite frame.

A true Singapura can be recognized by its small size, short ticked coat with a warm sepia or brownish tone, large expressive eyes, and alert demeanor. Unlike many other breeds, they retain a natural, elegant appearance rather than a heavily sculpted or exaggerated look.

Personality:

The Singapura is lively, affectionate, and highly social, forming strong bonds with its human family. They are curious and intelligent, enjoying interactive play, exploration, and puzzle toys that challenge their minds. Despite their small size, Singapura cats are surprisingly energetic and agile, often climbing and leaping with ease. They are gentle and friendly with children and other pets, though their playful energy can make them the center of attention in the household. Singapura cats are generally vocal in a soft, expressive way, communicating their needs and affection to those they trust.

Health & Care:

The Singapura has a short, fine, and silky coat that lies close to the body. The coat is low-maintenance, requiring only occasional brushing to remove loose hairs and keep the fur smooth and shiny.

Hygiene

Full baths are rarely needed and only when the cat is visibly dirty, using a mild, cat-safe shampoo.

Nails should be trimmed every 2–3 weeks with a proper cat nail clipper.

Teeth should be brushed 2–3 times per week using a cat toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste—ask a vet to demonstrate proper technique if you’ve never done this before.

Ears should be checked weekly and cleaned gently with a cotton pad or a vet-recommended solution as needed.

Common Health Issues

The Singapura is generally a healthy and robust breed, but like all cats, they can be prone to certain conditions. Some may experience uterine or kidney issues, and a few lines have shown a predisposition to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), an eye condition that can affect vision. Maintaining a balanced diet, regular veterinary check-ups, and a safe, active environment are key to keeping a Singapura healthy and happy.

History:

Origin

The Singapura is a natural breed that originated in Singapore, where it was known locally as a small, agile, and charming street cat. It was first brought to international attention in the 1970s when a few cats were exported to the United States, and breeders worked to preserve its distinctive small size, ticked coat, and playful personality. The breed retains its natural elegance, alert expression, and affectionate temperament, reflecting its origins as a hardy, adaptable, and social cat well-suited to urban life.

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