Singapura

Breed Type: Asian
Common nicknames: Puras, Drain Cats, Love Cat, Kucinta, Lions of Love
Coat: Short-haired
Hypoallergenic: No, they will likely trigger allergies.
Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, energetic, playful
Life expectancy: 11-15 years
Color & patterns: Sepia agouti
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Singapura - Sepia agouti
Singapura - Sepia agouti
The Singapura cat breed has strikingly large eyes, big ears, and a sleek brown coat with a ticked tabby pattern, meaning each hair has three or four bands of color. They may be tiny, but they are mighty with an energetic and curious nature that keeps their owners on their toes; they always want to explore their surroundings and get into all sorts of mischief. The exact origin of these cats is unknown, but they were brought from the streets of Singapore to the United States in the 1970s and quickly became a favorite among cat lovers for their affectionate nature and playful antics. They are also quite intelligent and can be trained to perform tricks or even walk on a leash. Singapura cats are also low-maintenance, as their short coat requires minimal grooming. So if you’re looking for a loving and lively cat, the Singapura is the perfect choice.

Singapura characteristics

Learn about about Singapura basics like their fur colors, shedding levels, how much grooming they need, and other Singapura facts.

Average height

7-8 inches (17.8-20.3cm)

Average weight

4-8 pounds (1.8-3.6 kg)

Average lifespan

11-15 years

Good with other cats
Needs spaceSocial butterly
Good with dogs
Scaredy catHey, new pal!
Affection
Independent spiritLoves attention
Shedding
Bare-skinnedSuper shedder
Health
Prone to issuesGenerally healthy
Exercise needs
Low-key activityHigh-energy workouts
What colors do Singapura cats come in?

Singapuras only come in one official color: sepia agouti. This color features dark brown ticking on a warm, old ivory background color. The Singapura’s chest, chin, and belly typically show a lighter ivory color without the brown ticking.

What eye colors can a Singapura have?

Singapuras have green, gold, hazel, or copper-colored eyes. There might be slight variations in eye color, but the color typically remains within the hazel or green spectrum.

What is the maximum size of a Singapura cat?

A fully grown male Singapura will typically reach a maximum of eight pounds, while females will be slightly smaller, with a maximum weight of around six pounds.

How long do Singapura cats live?

Singapura cats have a typical lifespan of 11 to 15 years, but some have been known to live even longer than 15 years. Their relatively long lifespan is thought to be due in part to their possible ancestry from stray cats, which may have made them harder.

When do Singapura cats stop growing?

Most Singapuras reach their full size by around 15 months, but some might continue growing until they’re 18 months old. Singapuras are known for their slow development compared to other cat breeds.

Singapura history

Learn about where this Singapura came from!

Where are Singapura cats from?

The Singapura breed as it’s known today originated in 1975 when two cat breeders brought three Singapuras back to America from a trip to Singapore and began a breeding program. However, another American cat breeder later discovered that those original cats may have actually been registered as Abyssinians, and others speculate that the Singapura was a cross between an Abyssinian and a Burmese.

Singapura temperament

Learn about about the Singapura temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.

Do Singapura cats meow a lot?

Yes, Singapuras meow a lot. Despite their small size, Singapuras have big personalities and love to communicate with their humans. They are affectionate and crave attention, so they might meow to greet you, ask for playtime, or chat and maintain a connection.

Are Singapura cats friendly?

Yes, Singapura cats are friendly — they are known as “little lions of love” because of their affectionate natures.

Are Singapura cats good with other cats?

Yes, Singapuras are usually quite friendly with other cats, and happy for a playmate. Their energetic and playful nature can make them great companions for other cats who share their love for games and exploration. But not all Singapuras will automatically get along with other cats so take care with slow introductions.

Are Singapura cats good with dogs?

Yes, Singapuras are known to be good with dogs and other pets if properly introduced. Always introduce a Singapura to a dog in a controlled and supervised manner. Start slow, allowing them to get accustomed to each other’s scents and presence before direct interaction.

Are Singapura cats good hunters?

No, Singapura cats aren’t typically hunters. While any cat can have a high prey drive for rodents, Singapuras are not descended from working mousers. Their development focused on companionship and living alongside humans.

Are Singapura cats good indoor cats?

Yes, Singapuras make great indoor cats. For safety reasons, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that all cats be kept indoors. The outdoors can be dangerous for small cats like Singapuras who are vulnerable to predators like coyotes, hawks, or even larger cats. Traffic, exposure to the elements, and potential illnesses pose additional threats.

Are Singapura cats active?

Yes, Singapura cats are active. They love to show off their playful antics and retain kitten-like sensibilities well into adulthood.

Are Singapura cats cuddly?

Yes, Singapura cats are cuddly. They have incredibly social and people-oriented personalities. They crave attention and enjoy spending time with their humans. Cuddling is a natural way for them to express their affection and bond with you.

Do Singapura cats like to be held?

Yes, Singapura cats like to be held, but it depends on the individual cat and the way they’re held. While they might love to nuzzle you, this doesn’t always mean they enjoy being fully picked up and held in a restrictive way. Allow your Singapura to approach you, then scoop them up gently. Supporting their body weight securely and comfortably is crucial.

Are Singapura cats good lap-cats?

Yes, Singapuras make good lap-cats. In fact, the only thing that can make Singapuras pause their busy, playful antics is the sight of an empty lap — this breed positively loves a good snuggle.

Singapura health

Learn about about the Singapura health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.

Do you need to groom a Singapura cat?

Yes, you do need to groom a Singapura cat, but they don’t require much grooming; a weekly brushing will do just fine. In addition to brushing, all cats should have their claws trimmed every two weeks or so. Cats are also prone to periodontal disease and should have their teeth brushed two to three times a week.

Are Singapura cats hypoallergenic?

No, Singapura cats are not considered hypoallergenic. Cat allergies are primarily triggered by dander, which is microscopic flakes of shed skin, not fur itself. All cats produce dander, regardless of how much they shed. While they might be a better choice than high-shedding breeds for people with mild allergies, it’s important to manage expectations.

Do Singapuras have a lot of health problems?

Yes, Singapuras have some health problems. A small genetic pool has led to some health issues for this breed, including:

  • Pyruvate kinase deficiency: This condition is characterized by a deficiency in the enzyme pyruvate kinase, which impairs the red blood cell’s ability to metabolize properly and leads to anemia. Affected cats may experience fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a fast heartbeat.

  • Others: Singapuras are also prone to uterine inertia, which is when it becomes difficult for mothers to deliver litters. This breed usually needs caesarian sections for healthy deliveries.

Do Singapura cats shed?

Yes, Singapura cats shed. They have very short, fine, soft coats and are light to moderate shedders. Their short fur also means there’s simply less hair to shed compared to long-haired breeds.

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Adopting a Singapura

We don't see any Singapuras available for adoption in your exact location or cities near you, but here are some adorable similar breeds in Columbus, OH.