The Breed History
This diminutive and rare breed derives its name from Singapore
where this breed originated. An informal synonym used for them is
"drain" or "river" cat because of their previous feral life in the city
streets by the waters of Singapore River where they were renowned
for controlling vermin. This is their national cat.
In Singapore the cat is now affectionately known as "Kucinta",
deriving from their words for cat and love. Three specimens were
first imported into the USA in the early 1970s. Another from a
Singapore SPCA came to the US in 1980. The Singapura breed was
accepted for championship status by CFA in 1988 and by TICA in
1984. The modern registered Singapura cat breed in North America
is thought to have arisen from only the four progenitor cats
mentioned above, and another pair imported in 1987. No outcrosses
are allowed in CFA.
Physical Characteristics
Weight: Females 4-7 lb (2-3 kg), males 5-8 (2.5-3.5 kg); average
less than 3 kg.
Coat: Haircoat is dense and very short and lies close to the body.
Hair has a fine texture. Sepia brown agouti is the sole acceptable
color and it is ivory body color with warm dark brown ticking
(genetically a sable ticked tabby). Each hair has banding with a
minimum of two dark bands; light next to body and a dark tipped
extremity. Tail tip and upper topline aspect are darker. Barring
pattern may be present inside the legs and lightly on the face.
Mascara eyeliner, and dark lines from inner canthus to nose
(cheetah lines) and nose liner marks are present. Lighter non-agouti
color coat is evident on the chest and underside.
Eyes: Coloring of the eyes includes green, yellow or hazel. Eyes are
very large in size and almond-rounded in shape.
Points of Conformation: This is the smallest domestic cat; a
moderately built cat. Head is rounded with blunt nose and broad
muzzle, with well-defined whisker pads and prominent chin. Ears
are large and wide set, lightly pointed, with little hair covering.
Neck is short and thick. Small oval feet are present. Tail is short to
medium in length, and blunt tipped but slender.
Grooming: Low grooming needs for the Singapura cat-just a
chamois cloth or hand petting is sufficient.
Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits
Reported breed characteristics include: A playful, friendly, curious
and intelligent cat with a strong need for close human contact. They
possess a soft quiet voice with low tendency to vocalization and are
gentle lap cats. Some can open doorknobs; are quite trainable, and
most remain playful until late in their lifespan. They get along well
with other cats-an unusual observation is that some stud cats get
along well and sleep together peacefully.
Normal Breed Variations
Reportedly slow to fully mature; up to two years of age; females
may not reach sexual maturity until past one year of age and males
may not breed until 15 months of age.
Queens are good at mothering, and kittens may not leave nesting
boxes until about four weeks of age.
Drug Sensitivities
More than expected adverse vaccine reactions reported in one
source.
Inherited Diseases
None reported in the literature
Disease Predispositions
None reported in the literature
Genetic Tests
None commercially available
Miscellaneous
- Breed name synonyms: Pura, National Cat of Singapore,
Singapore, Sing, drain cat, river cat
- Registries: TICA, CFA, ACFA, ACF, GCCF, WCF (provisional), CCA
- Breed resources: Singapura Fancier's Society: CFA, 1805 Atlantic
Avenue, Manasquan NJ 08736
The International Singapura Alliance (CFA):
http://singapura-alliance.org/pageID_5906292.html
United Singapura Society and Founders' International
Singapuras (CFA): 82 W Catalina Dr. Oak View CA 93022
Independent Singapura Fanciers:
http://sh1.webring.com/people/fs/singapuracats/
Progressive Singapura Cat Club (UK):
http://www.singapuracatclub.co.uk/
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