fellfolioShorthair · Singapore
Singapura
The Singapura is small, fond of climbing and often seeks out people. Individual hairs in its sand-coloured coat have darker bands.
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 1.8 to 3.6 kg
- Lifespan
- 11 to 18 yearsTICA cat breed profile
- Activity
- Very high
- Care needs
- Low
- Enrichment
- Enjoys learning together
- Owner experience
- First cat with preparation
Climbs readily and seeks company
A Singapura likes investigating open drawers and appearing wherever something is happening. It seeks plenty of company and often rests near people. Its small size may tempt children to pick it up often. A better start is to play with it on the floor and let it walk away when it has had enough. It can get along with other cat-friendly animals when both have time to become accustomed to each other.
The best view is up high
Create safe routes upwards, as many Singapuras choose shelves or cupboards for a view. Alternate short play sessions with search games using part of the daily food ration. Keep cabinets containing cleaning products securely shut. Plan daily time together. Before getting a cat, consider who can spend time with it during longer absences. A compatible second cat may offer company; introduce the animals gradually.
For practical play, food searches and quiet retreats, read Indoor Cat Enrichment: Play, Food Puzzles and Safe Retreats ↗
Short coat, close observation
Brush the short, smooth coat about once a week with a soft grooming mitt. This removes loose hair and gives you a chance to check the skin for changes. Check claws, teeth and gums too. Weigh the cat regularly and record the results so you can spot changes. Your veterinary team can help assess food portions and body condition at routine visits.
Small body, large eyes
The Singapura is among the smallest cat breeds. TICA’s weight overview lists 4 to 6 pounds for adult females and 6 to 8 pounds for males. Together these give a rounded range of about 1.8 to 3.6 kilograms. Adults have compact, muscular bodies. Each hair of the warm ivory-to-sand coat carries darker brown bands, known as ticking. Large ears and strikingly large eyes dominate the face. TICA notes that a Singapura can take almost two years to reach its full size.
Ask about family health
The International Cat Association (TICA) recommends genetic tests and heart checks for Singapuras because health risks differ between family lines. Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency affects an enzyme in red blood cells. The cells may break down too quickly, causing anaemia. The form of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) called rdAc damages the light-sensitive cells of the retina in the eye and can lead to blindness.
Genetic tests are available for PK deficiency and PRA-rdAc. They check particular changes in DNA, the inherited genetic information. For these two conditions, carriers have one copy of the relevant change and do not develop that condition themselves. Two carriers of the same change can, however, produce affected kittens. Ask for both parents’ written results. A clear result does not rule out other causes of anaemia or impaired vision.
Ask for dated heart examination records too. A heart ultrasound can show, among other findings, whether the heart muscle is thickened. The genetic tests described above cannot assess that. Have your vet explain the findings and arrange regular health checks for your own cat.
Could this breed fit your life?
Could work well if …
- You like a very small, active cat and can play with it every day.
- You can secure high climbing routes and offer reliable company.
May be more difficult if …
- You expect size to make this a particularly quiet cat.
- Young kittens would face frequent rough handling in your home.
Meet other cat breeds.
Selected by size, activity, care and play needs.
Curly-coated cat · Great Britain
Cornish Rex
A slender, highly active cat with close waves in its coat. The Cornish Rex seeks games, warmth and often a place close to its people.
Shorthair cat · spotted or marbled
Bengal
Bengals are active, curious cats with a muscular build. Climbing opportunities and daily enrichment are part of life with the breed.
Shorthair cat · Great Britain
Abyssinian
An agile, curious cat that enjoys climbing and joining in household life. Light and dark bands on individual hairs give its short coat a finely shaded appearance.
Sources and photograph credit
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Used in this profile for: Health
- Singapura
Used in this profile for: Size / Weight, Temperament, Everyday life, Day-to-day care, Size and build, Health, Lifespan, Could this breed fit your life?
- Erythrocyte Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency
Used in this profile for: Health
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA rdAc) in Cats
Used in this profile for: Health
Portrait · Moonwalker the Singapura · Straits Singapuras · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Edited
Body shape at eight months · Singapura cat · AnneAllier · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Edited
Head in profile · Beauty of looking around · Takashi Hososhima · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Edited
Young male · Сингапурский кот Billy-Boy (Singapura male Billy-Boy) · Nickolas Titkov · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Edited
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