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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.