Developed in the United States from brown ticked cats brought from Singapore in 1975 (with another import in 1980). The breed's origin story has been debated.123
Ranges cover males and females and every standard linked on the line, so one standard alone may give a narrower range.
A lively, people-loving cat that wants to be in the middle of everything and can be a bit bossy about it. It stays playful well into old age, yet it is quiet, with a gentle voice.12
how to spot oneSingapura coat and colours
very short, fine, silky ticked coat
One of the smallest pedigree cats, but sturdy and muscular rather than fragile, with a squarish outline. The head carries very large, deep-cupped ears and huge almond eyes. The close-lying coat is ticked, so each hair shows bands of dark brown over a warm ivory base.123
Comes insepia agouti only: dark brown ticking on warm old ivoryeyes hazel, green or yellow123
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Singapura. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Nail trimevery 3 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Litter scoopevery day
Litter changeevery week
PlayDaily playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
how busy a day looksSingapura exercise needs
High. Active and inquisitive, so it needs daily play and things to explore.12
who they like aroundSingapura with people and other pets
Very people-oriented and prefers company to long hours alone.1
the hands-on bitsSingapura grooming and care
Low. A weekly comb removes loose hair; the coat sheds little, though most Singapuras enjoy being groomed.12
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Singapura, and at what times?
Feeding schedules vary by age, activity, and food type, so it's best to ask your vet for a plan tailored to your cat. A good breeder can also share their routine. In general, most adult cats do well with two meals a day at set times.
What should a Singapura eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality cat food that meets nutritional standards; your vet can recommend a brand and amount. Dangerous foods include chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. Never give raw meat, eggs, or bones.4
Does a Singapura need baths?
Baths are rarely needed for a Singapura; their short coat stays clean with regular brushing. Only bathe if they get very dirty or sticky, as the ASPCA advises. Most cats prefer to groom themselves.5
How often does a Singapura need brushing?
A weekly comb or brush is enough to remove loose hair, as the breed sheds little. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days. Most Singapuras enjoy being groomed, so it can be a nice bonding time.12
How do I trim a Singapura's claws, and how often?
Trim the claws every 21 days as a starting point, but some cats need it every 10 days to two weeks. Use a cat nail trimmer and only cut the white tip, avoiding the pink quick. Go slowly and reward your cat for calm behavior.5
How much play does a Singapura need?
This lively cat needs daily play and exploration to stay happy. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily play sessions. Provide toys, climbing spots, and interactive games to satisfy their high activity needs.12
How do I look after a Singapura's teeth and ears?
Brush your Singapura's teeth daily if possible, or at least every two days as a starting plan. For ears, check them weekly and gently wipe with a vet-recommended cleaner if needed. Ask your vet for the best dental and ear care routine.
How long does a Singapura live?
Singapuras typically live between 9 and 15 years, with many staying playful into old age. Regular vet checkups and a loving home help them thrive. Senior care usually starts around age 11.2
Is a Singapura good with children and other pets?
Yes, this people-loving cat enjoys being in the middle of everything and often gets along well with children and other pets. They are quiet and gentle, but can be a bit bossy. Always supervise introductions to ensure harmony.12
Can a Singapura be left alone?
Singapuras are very people-oriented and prefer company, so they do not like long hours alone. If you must leave, provide plenty of toys and enrichment. Consider a pet sitter or another cat for companionship.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchSingapura health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Singapura. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency
An inherited red-blood-cell defect causing anaemia, tiredness and weight loss; ask the breeder for both parents' DNA test results. GCCF says it was found in Singapuras and advises buyers to confirm both parents were tested; no published rate ↗
Difficult births (uterine inertia)
Queens may fail to push during labour and need a caesarean; a breeding concern rather than a pet-owner one. Named on the GCCF breed page; no published rate ↗
Low genetic diversity
A very small gene pool raises the general risk of inherited problems; the UK registry runs an outcross programme to widen it. GCCF cites a 2007 DNA study ranking the Singapura lowest in diversity of 22 breeds ↗
Dental disease
Gum inflammation and tooth resorption are very common in cats; brushing and dental checks help. Generic for all cats: Cornell cites 50 to 90% of cats over four affected; no breed rate ↗
Tests a good breeder can show you
PK deficiency DNA test (both parents) GCCF Singapura breed page / Langford Vets ↗
From the breed club or a health scheme. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Singapura costs
Running costs for a Singapura, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Singapura tip
As the smallest cat breed, a Singapura needs very few calories, so measure meals and keep treats tiny. Dental disease is common in cats, so regular brushing or a vet-recommended dental kibble helps.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Singapore used the breed as a tourism mascot under the name Kucinta, blending the Malay words for cat and love.3
2
It is often described as the smallest cat breed widely accepted by registries.3
3
Singapuras keep growing until about two years old.2
4
The breed comes in just one colour, sepia agouti.1
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed name 'Singapura' is the Malay name for the Anglicized 'Singapore'. In its homeland, it is also known as 'Kucinta, the Love Cat'.6
stars of the breedFamous ones
Chiko A female cat imported from Singapore in 1980 that helped confirm the breed existed on the streets of Singapore and contributed to the breeding program.2
Faye Raye The first Singapura to come to the UK in July 1988.2
I wake up and immediately demand attention with a soft mew. I follow my human everywhere, supervising breakfast and helping with chores. I love exploring every corner of the house, especially new boxes or bags. Mid-morning, I find a sunbeam and take a quick nap, but I'm soon up again, batting at a dangling toy. I stay playful all day, even as the sun sets. I curl up on my human's lap while they read, purring gently. At bedtime, I insist on sleeping right next to them, keeping watch through the night.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganSingapura history
Americans Hal and Tommy Meadow brought ticked cats back from Singapore in 1975, and a further female, Chiko, was imported in 1980. The story became controversial when paperwork suggested the first cats had travelled to Singapore from the US in 1974, but CFA reviewed the matter and kept the breed's status. The first Singapura reached the UK in 1988.123
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