Singapura
The Singapura is the smallest recognised domestic cat breed — adults typically weigh only 2–3.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Singapore
Lifespan
11–15 years
Weight
2–3.5 kg (4.5–8 lbs)
Height
15–20 cm (6–8 in)
Diet
Obligate carnivore — high-quality food. Small body size means caloric needs are lower than average cats.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
The Story
The Singapura is the smallest recognised domestic cat breed — adults typically weigh only 2–3.5 kg. They originate from Singapore's street cat population and were imported to the USA in 1975 by Hal and Tommy Meadow (though the exact origin story is disputed and has been the subject of controversy). The Singapura is Singapore's national cat and appears on tourist promotional materials — the "Kucinta" or Love Cat of Singapore. Despite their tiny size, Singapuras are active, curious, and playful. They come in a single colour — the sepia agouti ticked pattern.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Singapura is a tiny, fine-boned cat with a rounded head, large, slightly almond-shaped eyes, and notably large ears relative to the small face. The coat is very short, silky, and fine. The colour is exclusively sepia agouti — a warm ivory base with dark brown ticking on each hair, giving a subtly shaded effect. Distinctive "cheetah lines" run from the inner eye corner down the muzzle.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Singapuras are active, curious, and people-oriented despite their tiny size. They are playful and love to be involved in everything their owner does — sitting on shoulders and observing from high perches. They are gentle and good with children. They are less vocal than Siamese.
Living Profile
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Minimal grooming — occasional brushing. Small body size means they fit through surprisingly small spaces — ensure environment is safe. Regular dental care.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Health Overview
Uterine inertia (difficulty giving birth) is elevated in females — veterinary monitoring of queens during delivery recommended. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) has been documented. Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK Def) — DNA test available. Generally healthy.
Common Conditions
Fun Facts
The Singapura is the world's smallest recognised domestic cat breed — adult females can weigh as little as 1.8 kg, lighter than many domestic rabbits.
Singapore adopted the Singapura as a tourism mascot in the 1990s — the "Kucinta" statue in Singapore's Cavenagh Bridge area depicts a Singapura cat and is a tourist attraction.
The origin of the Singapura is disputed — documents suggest that the founding cats may have originally come from the USA to Singapore before being brought back by the Meadows, rather than being true Singapore street cats.
