Originating from the vibrant streets of Singapore, the Singapura cat proudly holds the coveted title of the world’s smallest pedigreed breed. Weighing in at less than 8 pounds when fully grown, these diminutive felines boast personalities that far surpass their petite stature.
Introduction to the Singapura Cat Breed
The roots of Singapuras can be traced back to the streets of Singapore, where they thrived as natural landrace cats. In 1975, an American named Tommy Meadow brought three of these cats home, laying the foundation for a new breed. Named after their native country, Singapuras are globally recognized for their small size, distinctive sepia ticked coats, and lively, extroverted nature. Despite their size, these cats exhibit dynamic and entertaining personalities, making them devoted companions.
- Very small and dainty build, yet surprisingly muscular
- Short, fine coat with distinct sepia ticking
- Large, expressive eyes and prominent ears
- Playful, curious, high-energy personality
- Lifespan of 9-15 years
- Ticking color pattern code
Singapuras originated as natural landrace cats of Singapore and do not have any recent deliberately introduced breed mixes.
Caring for Your Singapura Cat Breed
1. Diet:
- High-protein, meat-focused adult cat foods
- Canned food for hydration
- Urinary and dental care formulas
2. Habitat:
- Cat towers and wall-mounted cat shelves
- Interactive feeding puzzles
- Birdfeeder viewing
3. Grooming:
- Weekly light brushing
- Routine nail trims
- Periodic ear cleaning
4. Enrichment:
- Engage their curious nature through play sessions, exposure to new sights and sounds.
Acquiring a Singapura
1. Popularity:
- North America, Scandinavia, UK
2. Price Range:
- $800 – $1200
3. Adoption/Rescue:
- The International Cat Association (TICA)
- Local general cat rescues
4. Checks Before Adoption:
- Overall health/energy
- Vaccination records
- Past medical history
Preparing for Your Singapura
1. Tips:
- Cat-proof your home
- Set up food/water stations
- Stock toys that encourage chasing/pouncing
2. Care:
- Provide premium nutrition tailored for their size
- Schedule annual vet care
- Administer preventatives
3. Essentials:
- Small collar, bowls, litter box, nail clippers, interactive wand toys
4. Health Issues:
- Heart conditions, bladder stones, skin cancer
5. Key Vaccines:
- Feline leukemia, panleukopenia, calicivirus, rabies
Common Singapura Names
Names reflecting their petite size or Asian heritage suit them nicely.
Examples: Dumpling, Tiny, Littlefoot, Bonsai, Sammy, Jade
Source https://blogcatsmeow.blogspot.com/2023/12/the-charming-singapura-cat-breed.html