Singapura

The Singapura is regarded as one of the smallest domestic cat breeds, and its name refers to Singapore, with which its origins are linked. Adults typically weigh around 2 to 3.5 kilograms, with a small but muscular body and large eyes and ears. The short, smooth coat is ticked, with darker bands on each hair, which gives it a warm ivory and brownish look. Little grooming is needed, and an occasional stroke is enough. The breed is usually playful, curious and strongly attached to people. Its small size suits even a compact flat. Life expectancy is typically around 11 to 15 years.

Singapura: how old in human years?

2–3.5 kgWeight
11–15 yrsLife expectancy

Kurilian Bobtail Shorthair

FIFe category: Category III — Shorthair
Recognition: Recognised
FIFe: SIN
Country of origin: Singapore

Energy level

4/5
Playfulness

4/5
Family friendly

4/5
Grooming need

1/5

At a glance

Weight

Males 2.7–3.5 kg

Females 2–3 kg

Life expectancy

11–15 yrs

Coat

smooth (short)

Temperament & Family Life

Singapura: average score for sociability and trainability is moderate.

Family friendly 4/5
Good with children 4/5
Good with dogs 4/5
Friendly with strangers 3/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 3/5

Activity & Living Space

Singapura: average score for activity and living space is high.

Energy level 4/5
Playfulness 4/5
Hunting instinct 2/5
Apartment friendly 5/5

Personality & Communication

Singapura: average score for personality and communication is moderate.

Affection 5/5
Independence 2/5
Vocality 2/5

Grooming & Shedding

Singapura: grooming and shedding demands are low.

Shedding 1/5
Grooming need 1/5

The 1–5 trait scores are editorial estimates, not measurements. Every cat is an individual, so treat them as a general guide.

Living with the Singapura

On the scales a Singapura is one of the smallest cats around, but at home you will feel it everywhere: on your shoulder, on your laptop keyboard, on top of the tallest bookcase. Big eyes and ears give it the look of a permanent kitten, and its curiosity only adds to the impression.

It stays lively and playful as an adult: chasing feathers, inspecting every bag, getting up to places that looked out of reach. It is not an independent cat, so long days alone don't suit it, and a second cat or someone who works from home suits it best. A flat is quite enough, provided there is somewhere to climb and something to scratch.

Its voice is quiet and soft; it would rather follow you than shout. It gets on well with children, friendly dogs and other cats, and watches strangers first, coming over for a sniff only later. A small body does not mean a fragile one, but it is worth showing young children how to pick it up gently.

Grooming and coat

A Singapura's coat is very short, fine and silky, lying so close to the body that you can feel every muscle as you stroke it. Each hair is banded dark and light, which gives the coat its warm glow of ivory and brown. It sheds very little: a weekly pass with a soft brush or a damp hand is all it takes.

With so thin a coat the skin is easier to see than on a longhaired cat, and as you stroke you will readily notice dryness, scabs or redness, which are worth showing to a vet. The big, wide-open ears collect dust, so look into them once a week and gently wipe away any visible dirt with a dry cotton pad. Clean the corners of those large eyes when needed with a damp pad, a fresh one for each eye.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

Every extra hundred grams shows more on a Singapura than on a big cat, because this one weighs only two to three and a half kilos. It lives eleven to fifteen years, and the two things worth watching all that time are its weight and its teeth. You will notice the changes at home; what they mean is for a vet to decide.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own cat's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Obesity (excess weight)

Obesity is a surplus of body fat that weighs on the joints, the heart and the whole body. For a small, lively Singapura it takes away what makes it so charming: the lightness, and the leaps to the highest shelves. If you can no longer feel the ribs under the thin coat, or it starts avoiding jumps, ask a vet what weight is right for it.
Dental disease

Plaque, tartar and inflamed gums, any of which can leave the mouth sore. The teeth are small in a small mouth and a cat hides pain expertly, so watch the little things: more careful eating, chewing on one side, or bad breath. A look in the mouth belongs in every yearly vet visit.

Cheapest cat food per kg

This list is the same on every cat breed page. Shops do not label cat food by breed, so it simply shows the cheapest cat food we track per kilogram. Check the label for your cat's age and health needs. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 47 g of dry food a day, from €2,71 a month For a neutered, normally active 2,8 kg cat. Calculate for your cat