Singapura is the Malaysian word for Singapore. The streets of Singapore are the origin of this breed. The government of Singapore has officially recognized the breed as a "living national monument." The Singapura's small size gives it a deceptively delicate appearance even though the body is moderately stocky and muscular. They are nature's combination of both the ticked coat pattern and the dark brown color, both of which are indigenous to South East Asia.

Native Country

Singapore Island

Breed Description

Head: Small, round. Jowls allowed in adult males. Short, broad muzzle. Delicately domed nose with a slight stop below the line of the eyes. Well-developed, rounded chin. Well-defined whisker pads.
Eyes: Large, almond-shaped, accentuated by dark outlines. Separated by one eye-width. Color: green, gold, or copper. Blue is not allowed.
Neck: Short and thick.
Body: Small to medium-sized, moderately stocky, compact. Well-built, muscular. Rounded rib cage, slightly arched back, round croup.
Paw: Muscular, fine-boned legs. Small, oval paws.
Tail: Moderately long, fairly thin but not excessively tapered. Rounded tip.
Coat: Fine, very short hair, not fluffy, lying flat against the body. Ticking of four or more alternating bands of dark brown to ivory except on the belly, throat, and inside of the legs, which are antique ivory. “M” on the forehead, dark outline around nose, eyes, and paw pads. Broken bracelets on the legs. Sepia agouti coloring with dark brown ticking on a warm antique ivory background (brown ticked tabby). Dark salmon pink nose, pinkish-brown paw pads. The inside of the ears is salmon-colored with ivory hair. Hair along the spine and on the tail tip may be dark.

History

The lightest of the domestic cats “Singapura” is the Malaysian name for Singapore Island and also designates a true common cat who walks the streets of the capital. American tourists Tommy and Hal Meadows noticed the cats in 1974. The following year, they became the first to import the breed to California. They acquired three cats (Tess, Tickle, and Puss) who were being shown by 1976. T. and S. Svenson were among the ardent supporters of the breed. In 1980, more Singapuras were brought to the United States. T.I.C.A. and then the C.F.A. recognized them in 1984 and 1988, respectively. The first specimens of the breed were reported in France and Great Britain around 1988-1989. The F.I.Fe. has not yet recognized it. Although the Singapura was developed in the United States, it is not common there. It is rare in France.

Behavior

Singapuras are naturally inquisitive, active and very intelligent. An owner is often amazed at the cat's ability to figure out how to open regular doorknobs by grabbing and swinging on them until they turn. Helping with any human activity also seems to be high on the Singapura list of things to do. Cooking is a favorite pastime. While these cats may slow down some with age, they never lose their sense of adventure.