Singapura Cat
This dainty, attractive cat is one of the smaller breeds. What it lacks in size, however, it certainly makes up for in personality. This has to be one of the most people-orientated cats ever bred — it just loves everyone it meets.
OriginsThe Singapura cat does not have much of a history as it has only been around since the 1970s. The breed first came about when two people who were working in Singapore, brought home three brown-ticked cats from the area. These cats are considered to be the key originators of the Singapura breed, as they are known to be the first ones to have been taken out from Singapore and other regions around the country.
This breed was named for the Malay word used to describe Singapore. In 1981, a cat breeder who was visiting Singapore imported another cat into the U.S.
While the cat breed has been familiar outside Singapore since then, it is believed that the Singapura cat has been around for generations well before then. The breed has been around since at least the 1960s according to historic reports within Singapore.
While the cat breed has a few similarities here and there to the Aby cats and Burmese cats, there were claims suggesting that the cats were created after crossing those two types together. However, these claims have been unsubstantiated for the most part.
The Burmese cat has been found to be genetically similar to the Singapura cat. It is believed that the Burmese gene is a big part of what gives the cat its colour.
The cat received its official recognition from the CFA in 1988.
It is thought that similar cats existed in Singapore 300 years ago. The modern Singapura traces back to the early 1970s, when an American serviceman brought three home. His wife, a cat breeder, recognized the potential of this petite, sweet-natured cat and, with the help of further imports, started to develop the breed. By the 1980s Singapuras had gained official recognition in the U.S. and, in 1988, were imported into Britain where they initially received little enthusiasm. In 1993, a breeder, Debbie van den Berg, rekindled the interest and formed a club dedicated to this breed.
AppearanceThe Singapura cat is a relatively new cat breed but it is one that is truly worth exploring thanks to its appealing physical characteristics. Many of these characteristics are based on the standards that were provided by the CFA.
The Singapura has a head that is rounded. It features ears that really stand out and are a little more noteworthy. The muzzle is rather small and blunt while the cheekbones are full. The eyes are large and are typically yellow, hazel or green in colour. These are the only colours that the CFA and other related organizations will accept. Also, the eyes need to be rather clear.
A cat's fur is more than a beautiful style. It is also a source of insulation. The Singapura cat has a close-lying coat that is short in length. It also has two bands of ticking on average. The cat does not shed as much as other breeds but it should still be taken care of with plenty of caution in mind when shedding is considered.
The Singapura cat is typically found in a brownish colour. Some of these cats have lighter colours and others have some tortoise shell patterns to them but these are not as common. In fact, the only real colour that is officially recognised is the sepia agouti color. This is one that uses a dark brown ticking around an ivory colour at the base of the coat. The cat will typically have a pink or dark-coloured nose and brownish pads. Also, the hair within the toes tends to be rather dark in its tone.
PersonalityOrigin: Singapore
Grooming: 2/5
Activity: 5/5
GCCF Group: Foreign Shorthairs
The Singapura is an intelligent, adorable cat that is especially active. It will continue to stay athletic and strong well into old age.
Needless to say, more research is needed to determine the exact points of a Singapura's behaviour due to how it is a rather new breed when compared with others. One thing that is for certain is that it is a breed that is known to be very happy and is very comfortable around most people and other animals; this is all according to what many Singapura owners have reported over the years.
It is very friendly to others and can particularly fit in with other pets in the home and with older children. It especially enjoys toys that allow the cat to recreate hunting activities. That is, the cat will go after items and pounce on them, possibly biting them.
This cat is especially one that will be active at all times of the day. It will enjoy getting plenty of attention and is willing to be active at night. However, it will also enjoy a bit of time to relax in one's lap at night. It is known to be rather affectionate without being overly needy.
A bored Singapura can cause a lot of mischief, thus it's important not to leave the cat alone for many hours. It's affectionate and always ready to help and participate in all of your activities. When it wants to play, the Singapura can be very persistent and can be destructive just to get the desired attention. The cat is also known for being verbal on a number of occasions.
They have a tendency of concealing themselves in unexpected places including closets or even in the cloth basket, which for them is play.
The Singapura may be interpreted as a lap cat as well. It is small enough to lie down on your lap and will be patient enough to be with you for a while. It will prefer to stay close to you or at least remain in the room with you. In addition, the Singapura cat loves to snuggle but is willing to get off your lap every once in a while.
The Singapura is one breed that loves to be verbal. It can be very vocal and can carry out an animated conversation for the longest time. Its meows tend to be low-pitched and can be loud at times.
Singapura cats are capable of living in outdoor and indoor situations but they are more comfortable with indoor spaces for the most part. It is comfortable in a majority of conditions but it is best to keep such a cat indoors in a space where the climate is under control.
In addition, it tends to enjoy being up in high places around the home. Don't be surprised to find it perched up on top of an appliance in your home, for instance.
Even if you do take your Singapura cat outside on occasion, you must make sure that you are around it all the time, as these cats tend to feel a sense of despair when they are alone. However, you might want to watch out when trying to get a leash. Not all Singapura cats are totally comfortable with leashes.
Suitability as a petThe Singapura cat is probably best suited to a lively and athletic household; even as it gets older, it keeps up its kittenlike activities. Singapuras are fascinated by high places and will often be found on the tops of doors and cabinets. They can also be rather clumsy, so ornaments should be watched!