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PURRFECT PEDIGREE
We are family!
Singapuras may be one of the smallest breeds
in the cat fancy, but there’s nothing little about
the personalities of these live-wires!
Your Cat Magazine, November 2014.
Big softies, naughty children, expert climbers — the Singapura has many personas packed into one petite frame!
One of the smallest breeds in the cat fancy, Singapuras have a big personality for such a tiny cat — one minute you’ll see them scurrying up curtains and investigating the contents of every cupboard, then the next minute they will curl up on your lap for cuddles.
One thing that many breeders say is that Singapuras will become a big part of your life and your family — whether you like it or not! Jean Bates, chairman of the Singapura Cat Club, says: “I always call them interactive cats who want to be involved with everything you do. Every time you open a door they are through it — in the wardrobe, airing cupboard and kitchen cupboards! They need lots of love and attention and they remain kitten-like even when they get older.
Singapuras are mischievous and inquisitive, so you may need eyes in the back of your head to make sure they don’t accidentally get themselves locked inside cupboards!
Jane Brooks of the Progressive Singapura Cat Club says: “You are not so much an owner of a Singapura but more a member of their family. They will be a caring and affectionate friend wanting to be involved in all that you do with lots of love to give. Once owned by a Singapura, you will never want to be without one. They have a charm and personality all of their own.
“They like to be off the ground and can often be found on the top of furniture, on shelves or sitting on their owner’s shoulders — anywhere to get a better view of the world! They also enjoy warmth and if not with their owners, they can be found in the warmest spots.”
In brief
Breed number: 77.
Availability: reasonable.
Life span: 13 to 17 years.
Average weight: males 2.7kg to 3.2kg, females 1.8kg to 2.3kg.
Personality: lively, intelligent, affectionate and friendly
Singapuras are a small breed but have medium-sized bodies with beautifully large eyes that are either hazel, green or yellow. Their big
eyes are complimented by their large, wide ears. They have a short, fine and silky coat which is a golden ivory colour ticked with sepia brown — each hair has two bands of ticking which gives them a lovely shimmery tone.
The nose and eyes have a dark outline and their faces have cheetah lines which extend from the inner corner of the eye to the nose.
“YOU ARE NOT SO MUCH AN OWNER
OF A SINGAPURA BUT MORE
A MEMBER OF THEIR FAMILY.”
Did you know?
Singapura kittens cost around £450.
Health & welfare
Grooming these shorthaired cats is easy as just a quick brush every few days is more than enough to keep them
looking their best. Some owners will give them a wipe with a silk cloth if they are going to a show.
Jane adds: “Indoor cats may require their claws to be clipped as they quickly grow
to sharp points, so a strong scratch post is a must.”
Recently it was found that the breed was carrying Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD), a genetic disorder
that can cause anaemia. There are two stages to the disease — a carrier who will not show any symptoms, or
an affected cat which can become anaemic if he or she has any other underlying illness. Jean adds: “We do not
encourage breeding from any affected cats as they should be neutered and removed from the gene pool.
“Cats used for breeding should be tested to ensure that they are clear.”
Expect to pay a minimum of £450 for a kitten and he should be registered, fully vaccinated and come with a fi ve-generation pedigree.
Jean says: “A responsible breeder will also provide you with a diet sheet and food, and I always
send a comfort blanket and some toys.
“A decent breeder will ask lots of questions — this is not because they are being nosey but because they are looking
for the best possible home for their kittens, be it as pets, show or breeding animals.”
Did you know?
The Singapura was named a National Treasure by the Singapore Government
Breed history
Singapuras originate from the Southeast Asian island of Singapore, and take their name from the local Malay name for the island — meaning ‘Lion City’. The first Singapura cat was imported into America by Hal and Tommy Meadow in the mid-1970s, then in 1980 another cat, Chiko, was imported from the SPCA (Singapore equivalent to RSPCA) into America.
Singapuras were first imported into the UK from the USA in 1988 by Carole Thompson, who brought
in a pregnant female called Imagos Faye Raye of Usaf. She subsequently gave birth to three kittens, Muffy, Mimi,
and Kuan. Kuan later went to Canada and became a Quadruple Grand Champion with the American Cat Fanciers Association.
The look of the breed has not changed since these early days.
Living with a Singapura
Ann Rathbone from Chester is quite a recent convert to the breed! After sharing her home with Maine Coons and Pug dogs over the years, she has now added three Singapuras — Moja, Tasha and Oscar — to the mix!
“We’ve got three Maine Coons and wanted another breed, but something smaller,” says Ann. “I did a bit of research
and came across the Singapura. They’ve got the most fantastic eyes and personalities, and we fell in love.”
After an 18-month wait to bring home her first Singapura, Moja, Ann was hooked so Tasha and Oscar soon followed.
“The breeder said they would not be like any other breed I’ve had before and it’s so true!” she says. “They
like to get up as high as they can, and as kittens they will run up your leg to sit on your shoulder. When he was
smaller, Oscar liked walking across picture frames on the wall and once he managed to get into our coal fi re — he
came out covered in soot! They are little tinkers!
Want a Singapura?
Singapuras are quite energetic cats and owners will need to give them plenty of attention to keep them from getting into
mischief. Jane adds that unless you have time to spend with your Singapura, another feline friend — preferably another
Singapura — is a must or they will get bored.
“They love going into cupboards and playing games. They also love retrieving their
mouse toys; they’ll drop them at your feet and expect you to play with them!”
Ann says that her naughty Singapuras are always getting into mischief — but would she have them any other way? Of course not!
“They love to be with people — Tasha will sit on my lap all night and not move, and they even follow me into the toilet! They really like
company and wouldn’t be suited to being a single cat — ours love our three Pug dogs and will sit right in the middle of them!”
Singapura Cat Breed Profile
A full feature about the Singapura cat breed was published in
the November 2014 issue of Your Cat magazine
