The Singapura is one of the smallest breeds of cats, noted for its large eyes and ears, brown ticked coat and blunt tail. Reportedly established from three "drain cats" imported from Singapore in the 1970s, it was later revealed that the cats were originally sent to Singapore from the US before they were exported back to the US. Investigations by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) concluded no wrongdoing and the Singapura kept its status as a natural breed.
The Singapura is a moderately stocky and muscular small to medium-sized cat, with a very short and fine coat. A full grown female usually weighs 5-6 pounds while the male weighs 6-8 pounds. The large, slightly pointed and deep cupped ears together with the large almond shaped eyes are characteristics of the breed. The tail is slender, slightly shorter than the length of the body and has a blunt tip.
The breed's coat pattern is that of a ticked tabby. That is, individual hair strands have alternating sections of dark and light color, typically two dark bands separated by two light bands, with a dark color at the tip. The underside, including the chest, muzzle and chin, takes the color of the light bands. The Singapura is recognized by cat registries in only one color, the sepia agouti, described as "dark brown ticking on a warm old ivory ground color".
The Singapura is described by the CFA as active, curious and playful. They are affectionate and desire human interaction. They have a tendency to perch on high places, to allow them a better view of their surrounding.
These tough little cats have endured almost impossible conditions to grow and thrive. This breed is also called the drain cat because the cats originally lived in the water culverts of Singapore. Luckily, several cats were imported to the United States before Singapore’s officials decided to control their feral cat population and cleaned out the drains, or these plucky cats would no longer exist.
The Singapura is one of the smallest cat breeds, weighing only four to nine pounds. Many cat fanciers think that the Singapura is such a small breed because it is easier for a cat to escape from predators when he can squeeze into tiny spaces to hide. Also, larger cats were probably unable to hide their kittens as easily, and the cats that were able to successfully raise kittens became smaller and smaller with each generation.
Although the diminutive Singapura now often lives in much less dangerous surroundings, it still is a very quiet cat. More than one cat lover has fallen for this sweet little cat’s quiet disposition and soft voice. However, don’t let this breed’s demure appearance fool you. These cats are quite adept at wrapping their owners around their paws and can easily become so used to getting exactly what they want that they become quiet, but loving little tyrants. After all, it is very hard to be firm with such a tiny cat, especially when he looks up at you with enormous, soft eyes.
This breed has a slightly rounded head, a short Ticked Tabby or Agouti colored coat, and slightly almond shaped hazel, green, or gold eyes. The Singapura’s tail is medium length and gracefully tapers to a point. One of the most distinctive characteristics of the breed is the markings that extend from the inner corner of the eyes to the whiskers. These markings are called ‘cheetah lines’.
The Singapura has a reputation for being quite playful. While most cats become much less playful as they mature, these little cats continue to romp and pounce about as if they are still kittens. Of course, this could be because this breed can take up to four years to become mature, so they are still kittens long after other cats have moved on to adulthood. These cats are the Peter Pans of the cat world.
With its playful nature, it is no surprise that the Singapura breed is a good choice for a multiple cat household. For this breed, it truly seems to be a case of ‘The more, the merrier’. Even un-neutered tomcats will get along with each other, which is very unusual. If you have several Singapuras, don’t be surprised if you find your cats all piled into the same cat bed. Of course, given this breed’s affectionate nature, it is more likely that you will find them all snuggled under your covers with you when you awaken each morning.
The Singapura is the ideal cat breed for anyone who wants a kitten that never grows up.
Singapura
All Breeds of Cats
