Singapura

Temperament

The Singapura has more energy than its small frame suggests. It is an extrovert: it greets guests, inspects the contents of bags, climbs onto shoulders and tracks every move its people make from the highest shelf. Its playfulness and curiosity do not fade with age, and adult cats play like kittens. It is usually on the quiet side and happiest in calm surroundings, but when it has something to say, its loud voice can be a surprise. It approaches change cautiously: a new piece of furniture, a move or a new pet can throw it off balance for a few days, so give it time. It gets along well with children and calm dogs. It does not like long hours alone, and the company of a second cat often does it good. It learns quickly, including fetch and tricks.

Energy

calmvery energetic

Affection

independentvelcro pet

With children

not idealgreat

With other pets

difficultgreat

Trainability

stubborneager to learn

For first-time owners

for experienced ownersyes

With strangers

waryoutgoing

Playfulness

dignifiedeternal puppy

Shedding

minimalheavy

Grooming

easydemanding

Being left alone

strugglescopes well

Apartment living

needs a house and yardgreat in a flat

Talkativeness

quietchatterbox

Indoor-only life

needs outdoor accessgreat

Scores of 1–5 compare the breed with other breeds of the same species, based on the sources at the bottom of the page. Every animal is different. How we score traits

Who is the Singapura for?

The Singapura suits apartment dwellers who like an active cat that is small and low-maintenance, and who have time for daily play. It does well in a calm home with children. It is less suited to homes with constant change, frequent guests and a noisy lifestyle, or to people who leave their cat alone for long hours.

Size and looks

Care and exercise

The Singapura's short, close-lying coat needs almost no grooming: combing it once a week or wiping it with a damp cloth is enough. Baths are unnecessary unless the cat is going to a show. Keeping it busy takes much more attention: this little cat needs scratching posts, shelves, tunnels and daily hunting games. Puzzle toys, snuffle mats and clicker tricks all work well. The Singapura grows slowly and reaches full size only at about two years old, so do not judge its size by the kitten. VCA notes a possible risk of obesity, so it is better to measure portions than to leave a full bowl out. Because it is sensitive to change, keep a steady daily routine and introduce new things gradually.

Health and breed-related conditions

The Singapura is considered a breed with few documented health problems, but its gene pool is narrow, since it descends from a handful of cats imported in the 1970s and 1980s. The CFA recommends asking the breeder about progressive retinal atrophy in the line, because this disease can lead to blindness. The authors of a large study of the mutation behind pyruvate kinase deficiency listed Singapuras among the breeds that should be tested; the disease causes recurring anemia. TICA gives a life expectancy of 11–18 years and VCA 9–15 years, so a realistic range is about 11–15 years with good care. As with all small breeds, keep an eye on its weight and check its teeth regularly.

• progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)The CFA names PRA as a disease to ask the breeder about; it can lead to blindness.
• pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK deficiency)The authors of a multi-breed study recommend testing Singapuras; the disease causes anemia.
• small gene poolThe breed descends from a handful of cats imported in the 1970s and 1980s, which raises the risk of recessive diseases.

This is general breed information, not a diagnosis. If something worries you, talk to your veterinarian.

Breed history

Small, ticked cats have long lived on the streets and in the harbor districts of Singapore. In 1975, American breeders Hal and Tommy Meadow returned from Singapore to the United States with five such cats, and one more was imported in 1980. Breeding began with this small group, which still means a narrow gene pool today. The CFA accepted Singapuras for registration in 1981 and granted them championship status in 1988. There has been controversy over whether the first cats really came from the streets of Singapore, but Singapore itself adopted the cat as a symbol; the CFA even calls it a living national monument. Over time the breed also reached Europe, and all the major registries have recognized it.

Fun facts

• A female Singapura often weighs less than 2.5 kg, making the breed one of the smallest in the world.
• The first Singapuras were brought to the US in 1975.
• The only accepted color is sepia agouti.
• In Singapore, the breed was promoted as a symbol of the city.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. 1TICA – Singapura breedtica.org
2. 2CFA – Singapuracfa.org
3. 3VCA Animal Hospitals – Singapuravcahospitals.com
4. 4Grahn et al. 2012 – Erythrocyte pyruvate kinase deficiency mutation in multiple breeds (BMC Vet Res)doaj.org
5. 5FIFe – Breedsfifeweb.org
6. 6WCF – Breed standards shorthairwcf.de

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.