At only 4-8 pounds, the Singapura is the smallest house cat, but their personality is anything but small. These lively, curious and highly extroverted cats often have twice the energy of many larger cat breeds.
Singapura is said to have first been brought from Singapore to UD in 1975 by American breeders Hal and Tommy Meadow. However, the breed's origins are debated: the Singapore Tourism Board speculates that native Singapore street cats were brought to the United States in the past, where they were crossed with Abyssinian and Burmese cats to create today's small, tick-coated breed.
Nevertheless, in 1991 the Singapura cat was named the mascot of the Singapore Tourism Board – a remarkable step from the cat's humble beginnings as the island's street cats.
Caring for a Singapura
Singapura cats are small, weighing only 4-8 pounds and standing 6-8 inches tall at the shoulder. Females are usually smaller than males.
Singapuras rarely seek solitude and don't just stay small – they retain a kitten-like energy, which can be a handful for some cat parents. They are not shy about literally weaving their way into your daily activities.
But with plenty of mental stimulation, exercise, play, and cat-friendly vertical spaces to climb, this lively little breed can be an affectionate and endlessly entertaining companion.
Their fur has sepia agouti ticking, meaning that each individual hair has two shades: ivory at the base of the hair and brown towards the tip. This makes the little Singapura look a bit like a miniature cougar.
But with eyes as big as saucers, you can never mistake them for anything other than the Singapura cat breed.
Singapura health issues
In addition to the costs of adopting a cat or kitten, it is important to consider long-term medical costs. Accidents and age-related diseases can affect any cat, regardless of breed.
Investing in pet health insurance for your new kitten is a smart way to shoulder the financial burden of unexpected vet bills.
That said, the Singapura is a relatively healthy cat breed with no known genetic conditions. Their average lifespan is 9–15 years. If you are buying a Singapura kitten from a breeder, choose a reputable kitten who prioritizes genetic health testing and maintains a healthy gene pool.
Here are some potential health problems your Singapura cat may face.
Obesity
Although keeping your cat indoors at all times is important for their safety, indoor cats are prone to weight gain and obesity because they are often less active, even with access to cat trees and perches.
The best way to manage your cat's weight—and help them live a longer, healthier life—is to portion out meals to meet their daily caloric needs.
If you are unsure about how many calories your cat needs, talk to your vet. They will assess your Singapura's health and body score to help you create a customized feeding plan.
Dental disease
According to Cornell University, 50-90% of cats over the age of 4 are affected by dental disease. When left untreated, serious dental problems can cause pain, swelling and inflammation, which can lead to eating difficulties, tooth loss and even organ damage.
One of the best ways to prevent dental disease is to routinely brush your cat's teeth with a cat-safe toothpaste, such as Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste with Poultry Flavor.
Your vet may also recommend a dental foot case, such as Hill's Dental Care t/d, which reduces plaque-forming bacteria and uses the friction of chewing to help clean the teeth.
What to feed a Singapura
Healthy Singapura cats and kittens do not require a special diet. You also don't have to think too much about cat food ingredients because commercial cat food with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement on the label meets the nutritional requirements for your cat's life stage (kitten, adult or senior).
The best cat food for your Singapura will depend on their age, health, lifestyle and preferences, as well as your own budget and lifestyle. Your veterinarian can help you decide what is best for you and your cat.
How to feed a Singapura
Give adult cats three small meals during the day: morning, afternoon and evening. This mimics a cat's natural hunting routine. If you are away from home, an automatic feeder can help by dispensing fixed portions of wet or dry food according to the schedule.
To keep mealtimes engaging – especially for an active kitten like Singapura – try including lick mats, puzzle feeders or foraging toys at meal and snack times. They make the meal more stimulating by harnessing the cat's natural hunting and foraging instincts.
How much should you feed a Singapura?
Instead of free-feeding your cat, measure out their meals using a measuring cup or kitchen scale. Check the calorie content on the bag or can to make sure you're serving the right amount.
If you are unsure of how much your cat should eat each day, your vet can provide guidance.
Nutrition tips for Singapura
A complete and balanced cat food provides your Singapura with all the nutrients they need. That said, specific ingredients or supplements may be beneficial for cats with specific health needs.
If your cat often has hairballs, your vet may recommend a high-fiber diet, such as Hill's Science Diet Hairball Control, to help move the hair through the gastrointestinal tract. A diet rich in omega fatty acids can also help by improving coat health and reducing shedding.
As cats age, arthritis and cognitive decline can become concerns. In these cases, your veterinarian may recommend joint support supplements or a diet rich in antioxidants to support brain health and protect against degenerative diseases. Many senior cat food diets are formulated with these needs in mind.
Before adding anything new to your cat's diet, consult your veterinarian.
Behavior and training tips for the Singapura
Singapura personality and temperament
Singapuras are playful, curious and endlessly entertaining, but they are also sweet cats who form strong bonds with their human caregivers.
These social extroverts are happiest when they can be part of the action, whether it's riding on your shoulder from room to room, sprawling across your keyboard, or simply snuggling up after game time.
Singapura cats can thrive in single-person households (as long as they get plenty of attention) or in busy families with children and other pets.
Singapura behavior
Like all extroverts, the Singapura does not like to be left alone for too long. While other pets, including cats and dogs, can make good companions, this breed thrives in households where there is plenty of human interaction. Without it, these cats can become lonely.
Despite their high energy, Singapura are gentle by nature. However, like all cats, they can develop unwanted behaviors such as scratching furniture or excessive meowing if they feel stressed or understimulated. When a Singapura meows, however, it's usually a soft, delicate sound that perfectly matches their petite build.
>Anywhere but the floor is Singapura's favorite place to be. This means that the kitchen counter, dining table and other elevated surfaces can be particularly attractive.
However, many Singaporeans are just as happy to sit on your shoulder, jump from cat tree to shelf or even crawl up next to you in bed.
Training
Encourage your cat to choose cat-friendly perches by offering options such as cat trees, and reinforce the behavior you want with clicker training and positive reinforcement. Singapuras are smart cats that are eager to please, so training exercises are often one of their favorite activities to share with their humans.
Fun activities for Singapura
Fur care
Singapura cats have short, silky fur. While short-haired cats are generally easier to care for than long-haired cats because they don't tend to tangle or mat easily, their dander can still irritate those with allergies.
Their shedding isn't excessive, but brushing your cat once a week can help catch loose hairs before they end up around your home or on your clothes.
Eye care
The large eyes of Singapura cats do not require special care. However, if you notice changes in their appearance (such as watery or brown discharge, redness or cloudiness), take your cat to the vet for a check-up.
Ear care
Singapura cats do not require special ear care. However, if you notice signs of an ear infection (an unpleasant odor, discharge or irritation), take your cat to the vet.
Considerations for pet parents
Singapura are small cats that love socialization and play. Although their size may indicate that they need less space, it is important to consider the energy level of a breed, rather than just their size.
Singapura cats love to climb and be up high, so although apartment living is entirely possible, they should have access to cat trees, perches and shelves.
Before welcoming a Singapura into your home, make sure you can provide enough socialization, as they don't like to spend the day alone.
>It is often recommended to adopt or buy two kittens to prevent single kitten syndrome, which can lead to behavioral problems. Having a companion helps keep your cat happy, even when you're not around.
Frequently Asked Questions about Singapore
How much does a Singapura cat cost?
Singapura kittens usually start at $2,500 each from a reputable breeder.
When considering the cost of a kitten, it's important to factor in all upfront expenses such as supplies, as well as ongoing costs such as food, litter and medical care. Although it is recommended to adopt two kittens instead of one, they do not necessarily have to be of the same breed.
Are Singapura cats good pets?
Yes, Singapura cats are excellent pets for those looking for a small cat with a kitten-like personality. They can live in both houses and apartments, as long as there are vertical spaces and toys. Whether in single or family homes, they thrive on lots of social interaction.
Do Singapura cats shed a lot?
Singapura cats have short, silky coats that do not shed much. But they are not considered hypoallergenic cats, as their dander and saliva can still irritate them with allergies.
