July 8, 2025, 9:11 am | Read time: 6 minutes
The Singapura captivates with its exotic origins, silky coat color, and distinct social behavior. It is the smallest recognized cat breed in the world, but there’s more to its adorable appearance than just charm. To truly understand this miniature cat, one must also be familiar with its intriguing history and unique needs.
The Singapura is not only one of the rarest cat breeds worldwide but also one of the most controversial–at least regarding its origin. While some sources trace it directly to Singapore, others speak of deliberate breeding in the U.S. The truth likely lies in between: The first animals were discovered on the streets and in the sewers of Singapore in 1970 and came into the hands of American breeders in 1975, who significantly shaped their development. Today, the Singapura is officially recognized and has established itself as an intelligent, people-oriented indoor cat, winning over with its gentle nature and playful temperament. However, due to its unique genetics, size, and care needs, the Singapura is not suitable for every home.
Origin
The Singapura cat has an unusual breeding history that fluctuates between myth and documented history. Its roots can be traced back to the Southeast Asian city-state of Singapore, which is also reflected in the breed’s name (“Singapura” means “Singapore” in Malay). There, the small, sepia-colored cats lived in drainage pipes and were thus nicknamed “Drain Cats.” In 1970, American expatriates Hal and Tommy Meadow discovered several of these cats–including ones named Ticle, Pusse, Tes, George, Gladys, and Chiko. These cats formed the basis for later breeding. After returning to the U.S., the Meadows began targeted breeding in 1975.
In 1982, the breed was officially recognized in the U.S. and allowed to participate in competitions in 1988. It wasn’t until the late 1980s that the Singapura reached Europe, initially through the United Kingdom. Comprehensive recognition by the “Fédération Internationale Féline” (FIFé) occurred in 2014. Genetically, the breed shows similarities with Abyssinians, Burmese, and Siamese cats. Due to the small breeding base, genetic diversity is limited, necessitating targeted breeding control.
Appearance & Coat
The Singapura is considered the smallest cat breed in the world. Its shoulder height is a maximum of 20 centimeters, and its weight typically ranges between two and three kilograms–nearly identical for both genders. Despite its petite stature, its body is muscular and athletic, giving it surprisingly high jumping ability. It reaches physical maturity at about 15 to 24 months of age.
Characteristic of the breed are its large, wide-open, almond-shaped eyes with black rims. Eye color varies between green, hazel, yellow, or brown. The ears are also notably large, with a broad base. The tail is medium-length, slender, and ends bluntly. Overall, the Singapura’s appearance conveys elegance, harmony, and a certain exoticism.
Its coat is short, silky, close-lying, and lacks an undercoat–making grooming significantly easier. The only officially recognized coat color is “sepia agouti,” a light-dark banded pattern (known as “ticking”), where each hair is banded multiple times. This coat pattern is genetically based on partial albinism, known as acromelanism, which causes darker coloring on cooler body parts–such as the face, ears, tail, and legs. Singapura kittens are initially born light and darken over time. After one to two years, the cats have achieved their final coat color.
Character & Temperament
The Singapura is a sensitive and perceptive cat with a gentle nature. Upon moving into a new home, it often appears shy and needs time to build trust. With patience and empathy, however, it develops a very close bond with its humans and often follows them everywhere. It is considered extremely people-oriented, loves physical contact, and actively seeks the company of its caregivers–whether on the lap, shoulder, or simply in the same room.
Characteristically, the Singapura is intelligent, curious, and playful. It loves to explore its surroundings but is not overly demanding. Its friendly nature and balanced character make it an ideal indoor cat–as long as its social and mental needs are met.
It initially approaches strangers cautiously but friendly. Its social nature is particularly evident in its interactions with other cats. Keeping a Singapura alone is not appropriate for this breed: Singapuras need the company of other cats to play and cuddle with. They usually get along well with cat-friendly dogs, too.
Training & Activity
The Singapura is a keen learner and active cat, well-suited for clicker training, intelligence toys, and interactive play. It requires mental stimulation to feel balanced and content. Hunting games, string games, and interactive activities with humans are particularly popular. A structured daily routine with set playtimes is recommended to satisfy its need for interaction. Due to its physical agility, it also benefits from vertical movement opportunities like climbing walls, tall scratching posts, or shelves. Its high intelligence and attachment make it a pleasant training partner–even simple tricks can be taught easily.
Proper Care & Maintenance
The Singapura is suitable for indoor living, provided there are enough retreats, activities, and companionship available. A cat partner is especially important, as this social breed quickly suffers from loneliness. In households with small children, consideration is required–it is recommended to keep them with children from about six years old.
Although the Singapura is curious, it is not considered a typical outdoor cat. Secured access to a balcony or terrace is gladly accepted.
Its coat care is straightforward: Due to the lack of an undercoat, weekly brushing is sufficient. The low hair loss makes it an easy-care companion. Besides coat care, regular vaccinations and parasite prevention are essential.
Nutrition
As an active and muscular cat, the Singapura has an increased energy requirement. Therefore, a protein-rich diet with a high meat content is important. High-quality wet or dry food should be free of sugar, grains, and artificial additives. Alternatively, a BARF diet (biologically appropriate raw feeding) is possible, provided it is supplemented with necessary nutrients.
Since most pet food manufacturers only consider a weight of four kilograms in their specifications, the correct amount of food for the Singapura should be determined by a veterinarian in case of doubt or existing overweight.
Susceptibility to Certain Diseases
In general, the Singapura is considered a robust cat breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years–with good care, even longer. However, there is a genetically predisposed condition that should be particularly monitored: pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK deficiency). This is an enzyme deficiency that can lead to anemia. A genetic test for this defect is strongly recommended before breeding.
Due to its fine coat without an undercoat, the Singapura is sensitive to cold–outdoor access in fall and winter is therefore not recommended. Apart from that, no breed-specific diseases occur frequently. As with all cats, vaccinations against cat flu, feline distemper, leukemia, and possibly rabies should be ensured. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to detect health problems early.
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The Singapura at a Glance
- Character: affectionate, playful, intelligent, people-oriented, social
- Size: shoulder height up to 20 cm
- Weight: 2–3 kg
- Coat: short, silky, without undercoat
- Color: exclusively sepia agouti (ticked)
- Care Effort: low, weekly brushing sufficient
- Special Features: smallest recognized cat breed in the world; needs companions