Singapura cat is the smallest known domestic cat breed as of now and the pet is an attractive creature that charms cat lovers with its short size and a lively character.
This breed weighed between 4 to 6 pounds as an adult and was a native of Singapore and was formally registered by big cat fancier associations such as the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA).
Origins and History of Singapura Cat
Started with an origination in the streets of Singapore in the 1970s, the Singapura, literally meaning lion in Malay, has its origins. The basic stock of breeders imported to the United States were so-called drain cats, which caused controversy over its natural origins early on.
Research by the CFA established it as a natural breed even after it was revealed that the cats had temporarily been in the U.S. prior to being exported back to Singapore.
This small cat became a champion in 1982 and has since been a favorite show cat because of its naturalness as being one of the few naturally small breeds not genetically dwarf.
Physical Characteristics of Singapura Cat
Singapuras are strong but sensitive in nature with females weighing 4-5 pounds and males weighing a maximum of 6 pounds in height of approximately 6-8 inches at the shoulders. They have a short, ticked sepia coat, with a warm brown agouti pattern, and are accented by dark brown ticking, which adds a glowing effect.
It has distinctive features such as large eyes, which are almond-shaped and either hazel, green or yellow; large ears; and a blunt and slender tail, shorter than the body.
The Singapura is the best in overall small size, compared to short-legged breeds such as the Munchkin, which has records of single-breed height (e.g., Lilieput, at 5.25 inches tall), and which has health-damaging mutations.
Personality and Temperament
Singapuras are affectionate, also called people cats, and they are very attached to their owners, and tend to follow them around the house. They are playful and curious, fond of climbing and toys and of amusing games, and have been called, on account of their gentle dog-like fidelity, Mary Sunshine.
They are very small, but full of mischievous vitality, and should be kept in small apartments, or they get bored and need to be amused.
They are also very active, they can easily get along with children and other pets and do not meow but speak softly.
Care and Health
The grooming is minimal, as they have a short, fine coat grooming after every week is enough. Feed small breeds on good quality food, keeping the portions small to keep them slim. They must play often to remain agile and to have mental puzzles to be enriched.
Typically healthy with the life expectancy of 13-15 years, Singapuras can be endangered by such conditions as patellar luxation or pyruvate kinase deficiency, so you should make sure that the breeders it is bred by have a good reputation and test their dogs in order to detect genetic problems. They are kept healthy by an annual vet check-up.
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