The Singapura is a pretty little cat, elegant, muscular and lithe but not extreme or harshly angular in build. Their head is rounded with a short broad muzzle, eyes are large, almond shaped, and come in hazel, green or yellow, with a strong black outline or eyeliner.
The Singapura coat is short and smooth, with agouti banded hairs that give the cat an attractively shaded coat.
Singapura cats can suffer from:
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency which is a disease that causes anaemia (death of red blood cells).
- Progressive retinal atrophy which is an inherited disorder where part of the eye degenerates and wastes away which can result in blindness.
Testing available:
- DNA testing for pyruvate kinase deficiency and progressive retinal atrophy which tests whether or not a cat has the potential to be affected by these conditions.
Often described as ‘impish’, this little cat with the large eyes and curious, extroverted nature is endlessly appealing. This is a ‘helpful’ cat, not quite the full chaos levels of many other oriental type cats, but very much inclined to be involved in your business, whatever that may be. Expect them to be sat on your paperwork, on your laptop or climbing around your shoulders or practicing the ancient feline art of ‘pushing things from high places’. Choose your household décor with caution when there is a Singapura around!
Friendly and affectionate with family and familiar friends, they can be a little aloof with strangers to begin with. Playful and lively, they are good with respectful children but will find a chaotic or loud household rather stressful.
Country of Origin: Singapore
Descended from the feral and ships’ cats brought to Singapore by traders throughout the centuries, the Singapura (Malaysian for ‘Singapore’) evolved into a naturally robust, intelligent and tough little cat. Fending for themselves in the gutters and drains of the city and harbour, the cats hunted vermin and at times, were considered vermin themselves and almost wiped out by the authorities.
Several cats caught the attention of USAF members, and they were taken back to the US, where they founded the recognised pedigree breed. Whilst still rare in the US and the UK, they are rapidly gaining in popularity due to their cheerful, friendly nature and appealing looks.
