Singapura
Meoww!!
Singapura is a small to medium sized cat that should have the illusion of refined and delicate coloring. The coat is fine, very short and silky, and lies close to the body.
In 5 Words
- Agile
- Active
- Frisky
- Intelligent
- Curious
Snapshot
Size: small
Weight: 4-7 lbs
Origin: Singapore
Life Span: 12- 15 years
Colour: Ivory and Brown
Characteristics
Learn About the Singapura
Singapura’s history. He’s said to be a street cat from the island nation of Singapore that was brought to the United States and developed as a breed in the 1970s by American couple Hal and Tommy Meadows. In 1971, Hal Meadow, a geophysicist working in Singapore, noticed three unusual looking brown-ticked cats. He sent these cats back to his friend Tommy (they weren’t married at this time) in America aboard a company ship. Later, a fourth brown ticked cat was also shipped back to America. These cats were sent without export or import papers. Tommy who had an interest in genetics bred with these ticked cats.
During checks on the historical background of the breed, records by the Primary Production Department (PPD) and the Singapore Cat Club showed that the Meadows already had the three cats when they arrived in Singapore in 1974. Hal and Tommy Meadow of California brought the first four Singapurasto the United States in 1975 after moving back here from living in Singapore. Tommy was a top cat breeder of Abyssinians, Burmese and Siamese and an all-breed judge who worked hard with her husband, Hal to promote the Singapura breed in North America. Competition results were announced on 5 December 1990 and the first posters appeared in May of 1991.
A “Name the Singapore River Cats” competition was held by the STPB, in which, Mdm Ang Lian Tin submitted the winning entry of “Kucinta”. Following this, plans were made to grace the Singapore River with 15 special sculptures of the Kucinta. They then set about obtaining official recognition for the breed & in 1981 presented the Singapuras to the American CFA as a natural breed, in 1988 they were were accepted for championship status with the American CFA.The International Cat Association recognized the Singapura in 1979. The Cat Fanciers Association accepted the breed in 1981 and gave it full recognition in 1988. The Singapura is also recognized by the American Cat Fanciers Association. In 1991, the government of Singapore named the breed a national living treasure.
Singapura is a small to medium sized cat that should have the illusion of refined and delicate coloring. The coat is fine, very short and silky, and lies close to the body. Only one color is accepted; the sepia agouti. It is a dark brown ticking on an old ivory background color. There must be at least two dark colored bands on every hair, beginning with the lighter ground color and ending with a dark tip. Chin, muzzle, chest and undersides should be an unbleached muslin color. The coat is short, fine-textured and comes in sepia brown or warm ivory colours with some barring present on the inner front legs and back knees.
It has large ears and strikingly beautiful eyes, which seem to be accentuated by eyeliner. “Cheetah” lines continue down to its whisker pad and stop before its nose, which must have a clear, dark outline. The head is rounded with a medium short, broad muzzle and blunt nose. Ears are large and slightly pointed with a deep cup. They should be medium set. This breed should not have small ears. Eyes should be large and almond shaped, set no less than one eye width apart. The chin is well-developed and rounded. The muzzle is medium or short in length; it is broad with a blunt nose. An adult female weighs 5-6 pounds whereas an adult male weighs 6-8 pounds.
This is a frisky cat, full of affection and companionship. It is not a floor cat. The Singapura is an extrovert to the fullest degree, thriving on attention and seeking it constantly. In fact, the Singapura is often chosen as a show cat for circuses because of its love of performing and being with people. Curious and frisky, this breed loves to play, but does not bound around the house destroying things in its excitement.
They are lively, curious, mischievous and intelligent cats that genuinely seem to enjoy the company of their human companions. Agile and active, Singapura cats love high places and are known to be climbers.They are rarely shy, even with strangers, and like to be involved in whatever people are doing. Singapuras tend to enjoy lap sitting or perching on the shoulders of their favourite humans.Furthermore, Singapuras are extremely sensitive to their owners’ moods and will usually adjust their behavior to the circumstances.
Singapura breeders is the condition known as uterine inertia, an inability to expel the foetus due to weak muscles. This condition was present in one of the foundation cats and appears in some Singapura females today.Individuals with uterine inertia may require deliveries to be made by Caesarean section.
The Singapura’s short, smooth coat is easy to care for with a quick weekly combing. Polishing it with a chamois will make it shine. A bath is rarely necessary.
Brush the teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Trim the nails every couple of weeks. Wipe the corners of the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate area of the cloth for each eye so you don’t run the risk of spreading any infection.
Check the ears weekly. If they look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball or soft damp cloth moistened with a 50-50 mixture of cider vinegar and warm water. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the interior of the ear.
Keep the litter box spotlessly clean. Cats are very particular about bathroom hygiene.
