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Singapura Cat Breed Introduction
Singapura Cat is a small-sized Cat breed originating from Singapore. It gets its name from the Malay language, Singapura which means Singapore in English. Although small, Singapura Cats are moderately muscular and stocky in appearance. They are popular for their distinct blunt tail, ticked coat, pointed ears, and large rounded eyes. The Singapura Cats enjoy their kittenhood well into their adulthood even after attaining their full-grown size at the age of 2 years. Due to their curiosity, these cats spend little time on the floor as they prefer to be seated on elevated surfaces such as cabinets or even on your shoulder for a better view.
They will also tend to follow their humans everywhere while participating in the daily activities. However, they exhibit an independent streak when they are avoiding tasks that they would rather not indulge in including brushing, nail clipping, or teeth cleaning. Singapuras dislike sitting in one place for far too long and will wander off when you have finally settled for a grooming session or cuddle time. Even though they are outgoing and playful cats, they are not fans of loud houses and neighborhoods hence not suitable for homes with small kids and overly vocal dogs.
Singapura Cat Singapore
They are originally from Singapore. Although, their origin has been disputed. Majority of the people believe this breed existed naturally in the streets of Singapore. Two American brothers, Hal and Tommy Meadow brought them to the United States in the 1970s after discovering them in Singapore. They brought three brown ticked cats to use in their breeding program.
However, in 1987, another breeder, Jerry Mayes, came across importation papers suggesting that the cats initially registered as Abyssinians were originally imported to Singapore from Michigan, in the United States. Some belief the Singapuras resulted from a cross between a Burmese and Abyssinian since the Meadow brothers had been breeding Siamese, Burmese, and Abyssinian. There is also striking resemblance between the cross of a Burmese and Abyssinian to the Singapura’s which added more doubt to the Meadow’s story. This prompted for an investigation by the CFA at the request of the breed’s club.
After carrying out the investigation, CFA found no wrongdoing with the Meadows and kept the status of the Singapura Cat as a natural breed. From a research conducted in 2007 based on the Singapura DNA, it was discovered that they were minimal genetic differences between a Burmese and Singapura further fueling the claim Singapura is not a naturally occurring cat breed. The Singapuras were recognized as a breed by TICA and CFA in 1979 and 1982 respectively.
Singapura Cat Lifespan
The Singapuras have a life expectancy of 11 to 15 years although, some may live up to the age of nine years.
Grooming
They are self-cleaning cats that require an occasional bath using a suitable feline shampoo, conditioner, and lukewarm water. They have a short, fine, and dense coat that sheds at minimal levels. Once a week brushing using a grooming mitt will suffice. Trim the nails fortnightly especially if the nails do not worn out naturally when the cat is scratching against wooden surfaces. Using a damp cotton ball and ear cleanser, wipe the ears once a week. Clean the teeth using a finger toothbrush and cat-formulated toothpaste to enhance a fresh breath and remove food particles at least once or twice every week.
Shedding
They are light shedders all-year round.
Coat
They have a short and fine coat described as sepia agouti.
Hypoallergenic
Although they shed lightly producing less feline d 1 protein in the dander and fur, Singapuras are not hypoallergenic. This is because the protein is also present in the saliva, urine, and mucus which aggravates allergies. However, they may make good pets for owners who have mild cat allergies. Parents should spend lots of time with the breed before adopting to decipher whether they can tolerate the cat.
Training
They are intelligent, outgoing, and friendly cats that can be trained to respond to commands and tricks like fetch. They easily get along and make friends with humans, cats, and other animals. This makes socialization easy. Owners should also gradually introduce them to different settings, places, experiences, sounds, smell, and sights. Due to their curiosity, they will explore drawers, cabinets, vases, and other nooks in the house.
Owners should cat-proof their homes to avoid damages. Teaching commands words like No and sit will also come in handy. The training sessions should be brief and accompanied with treats to encourage good feline behaviors. Litter training, crate training, and creating a feeding schedule will go along way in ensuring the cat has been housebroken.
Singapura Cat Personality
- Intelligent.
- Curious.
- Friendly.
- Playful.
- Outgoing.
- Affectionate.
- Loyal.
- Energetic.
- Active.
Exercise
They are active, playful, and athletic cats that will tend to create their own exercise routine by climbing and scratching. Providing cat trees and interactive toys will keep them engaged.
Meow
They are vocal cats that have a habit of meowing for no reason. Fortunately, they have sweet voices which makes the meows more pleasant than annoying.
Singapura Cat Size
Recognized as the smallest of the cat breeds by the Guinness Book of World Records, Singapura cats are pint-sized weighing 4 to 8 pounds ( approx. 1.8 to 3.6 kg ) and stand at a height of 6 to 8 inches ( approx. 15 to 20 cm ) when they are fully grown.
Weight
The weight range of Singapuras is 4 to 8 pounds. Mature size females have a weight of 4 pounds ( approx. 1.8 kg) while their male counterparts have a weight of 6 pounds ( approx. 2.7 kg ).
Height
They have a height of 6 to 8 inches ( approx. 15 to 20 cm ).
Next To Normal Cat
They are tiny cats when compared to the normal sized cats. They have a weight range of 4 to 8 pounds while the average weight of normal cats is 10 pounds.
Smallest Cat Breed
They are small-sized cats especially when compared to large-sized cats like Norwegian Forest Cats. For this reason, they have been listed by the Guinness Book of World Records as the smallest domesticated cat breed.
Singapura Cat Next To Human
When compared to humans, Singapuras are tiny cats that make adorable lap cats.
Health Issues
They are susceptible to uterine inertia (this is the inability to kitten the foetus due to weak muscles). This condition was present in the foundation stock and still recurs in some Queen cats today. Cats with this health problem may require C-section. The Singapuras also suffer from Pyruvate kinase deficiency which causes hemolytic anemia. This condition manifests as poor quality coat, lack of appetite, lethargy, weight loss, diarrhea, and jaundice. Other health issues include diabetes, renal failure, and hypothyroidism.
Names
Parents may name a cat before adopting it or days after it settles down following adoption to better understand its personality. You may source name inspirations from the origin of the cat, coat color, movies, celebrities, books, films, nature, food, and historical figures. The name chosen should not be rhythmic with the common words used as commands. Some of the suitable names for Singapura include:
- Pepper.
- Willow.
- Oscar.
- Leo.
- Jasper.
- Nala.
- Coco.
- Winston.
- Smokey.
- Suki.
- Zeus.
Food
They will thrive on commercial wet or dry food as well as raw food. The purchased food should be formulated for small-sized cats. The Singapura Cats will not eat their food at a go but will keep taking small portions of food throughout the day. Owners who choose to feed their felines with raw diet, should consult the Vet to ensure the cat is getting the required fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Singapura Cat Colors
The acceptable coat color is Sepia Agouti. This is where the hair strands have alternating color sections of light and dark color. The chin, muzzle, and chest has the color of the light bands. Purely bred Singapuras are not available in black coat colors.
Allergies
Rarely, they may be affected by contact, food, and environmental allergies which causes itchiness, scratching, sores, diarrhea, and excessive licking.
Tail
They have a blunt tipped tail that is slightly shorter than the length of the body. The tail is also slender.
Munchkin Cat
They may be crossed with Munchkin Cats that have a gene mutation for short-legs. The offspring sired will have fitty percent chance of either having short legs or normal cat legs.
Kitten
After kittening, the Singapura kitties will take two years before they fully attain their adult size. However, they will still maintain their kitten behavior and energy into their adult years.
Singapura Cat Prices
The Singapura Cats are relatively rare since the kittened litter has one to four kitties. Therefore, a potential pet parent may stay in the waiting list for a year or so. This makes the purchase of this breed to be a bit expensive. The average price of Singapuras is $1000 to $2200.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Is A Singapura Cat
It is a small-sized domesticated cat breed that originated in the 1970s in Singapore. Though small, it has a big personality since it is outgoing, curious, playful, intelligent, affectionate, friendly, and athletic.
Do Singapura Cats Shed
Yes. Singapura Cats shed throughout the year at minimal levels due to their short and fine coat.
How Big Is A Singapura Cat
They are pint-sized cats with a body length of 9 to 12 inches, a height of 6 to 8 inches, and weigh 4 to 8 pounds.
Are Singapura Cats Hypoallergenic
No. Although they have a less molting coat that releases F d 1 protein, they are not regarded hypoallergenic. This is because the protein is also present in the saliva, urine, and mucus of the cat which will trigger inflammation in people who suffer from allergies.
Quick Facts
- They have been the tourism mascot cat of Singapore since the CFA finished conducting investigation on the origin of the cat in the 20th century.
- The Singapore Zoo hosted an exhibit of Singapura Cats temporarily in 2004 during the celebration of the 39th National Day.
- They are mainly recognizable as small-sized cats with large almond-shaped eyes and large, deep cupped, and slightly pointed ears.
