Cat breed · Shorthair
Singapura
One of the smallest cat breeds — a tiny ticked cat with huge eyes and an outsized, busy personality.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Shorthair
- Origin
- Singapore / United States (developed)
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 1.8–3.5 kg
- Height
- 20–25 cm
- Lifespan
- 11–15 years
- Coat
- Short, fine sepia-agouti ticked coat — the only colour allowed
- Temperament
- BusyAffectionateMischievousPeople-loving
History
Brought to the US from Singapore in the 1970s; its exact origins are debated, but the breed was developed and standardised in America.
Appearance
Very small, fine-boned cat with a warm ivory ticked coat, huge hazel or green eyes and large ears.
Exercise and activity
Active and climb-happy despite its size; provide vertical space.
Care and grooming
Minimal grooming; feels the cold, so warm sleeping spots are appreciated.
Health considerations
- Generally healthy
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency (tested)
- Uterine inertia in breeding queens
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Singapura
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Active and climb-happy despite its size; provide vertical space. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Pyruvate kinase deficiency (tested), Uterine inertia in breeding queens), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Sources on this topic
Pages on this specific subject from recognised organisations. They are cited for further reading and do not mean the organisation has reviewed this page.
- Singapura breed profile — Cat Fanciers' Association
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- International Cat Care — cat health, behaviour and welfare advice