The Singapura is the worlds smallest domestic cat. They were only recognised as a breed in 1974 when the first Singapura was found living wild as a street cat on the island of Singapore. It is from the local word for the island of their origin, Singapura, that the breed takes it's name.
It seems likely that the breed has existed in its current type for perhaps 300 years, being descended from cats arriving from all parts of the world on trading ships, and perhaps even crossed with already resident feral, or wild cats. They are one of three typical 'types' living in Singapore, the other two be akin to the Abyssinian and the Japanese bob-tail. Singapuras lived in small colonies throughout the city, and were periodically culled by the authorities who considered them to be vermin. It was one such cull prior to a Royal visit in 1974 that would have appeared to have almost wiped out the breed, and meant that only three cats matching the description of the breed could be found and exported to the States. It is from these three cats, and a fourth found in 1980, that the entire breed has descended.
Because of the fact that the breed was considered as vermin in its native country, many of the cats lived in the sewers and gutters of the city, earning themselves the nickname of 'Drainpipe Cats'.
At first glance the Singapura resembles a smal Abyssinian, however there are obvious differences. Below is a photograph of a Singapura female and a Ragdoll male taken when both cats were one year of age. The Ragdoll male is immature and only half grown whereas the Singapura has reached her full adult size. Note the difference in the head size of the two cats and it will give you some idea as to the small size of the Singapura.
After the size difference, a male Singapura weighs 6 pounds, and a female just 4 pounds, the next noticeable difference is the coat and colour. Imagine a basic background colour of antique ivory. It is pale and almost translucent, but there is a subtle warmth. The ivory is overlaid with delicate bands of sable ticking over the whole of the cat, though there is a paling of the colour on the underparts. The cat also has barring on the face and inner parts of the legs and a solid charcoal tip to the tail. The coat is short, silky, and close lying. There is only one permitted colour in the breed, and any solid colour is banned.
The Singapura is, and is not, typically oriental. Affectionate and outwardly friendly, they treat no-one as strangers. They are, however, very quiet cats, with soft gentle voices, unlike the orientals. They love human company, and are content to sit on their owner's knee or shoulder. They seem to prefer to be off the ground and at a height that puts them on a level, or above their owners, so will often climb onto bookshelves, kitchen units etc. anywhere that gives them a good view of the world around them.
Being vigorous cats, they are active and lively, with a love of warm areas. They make perfect housecats with no interest in going outside. Their small size makes them gentle cats, but they are also playful, remaining so for their entire lives. They are mischievous and inquisitive, so will investigate everything.
They are slow to mature, though reach the adult size quite quickly, don't let the size worry you as these cats have developed in a harsh environment under constant persecution, they are keen hunters, quick-witted and able to adapt and learn quickly.
For anyone interested in a Singapura cat or kitten, or more information about them, then please contact my friend Lynn Anderson, by snail mail I'm afraid, her address is:
Mrs L Anderson
17 Barkla Close
Clifton
Nottingham
England
Phone: (+44) 0115-9405646
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