Singapore cat: breed description and photo

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Recognizing the Singaporean cat is not difficult, because this feline has three distinctive characteristics: large eyes and ears, small size, and an amazing sepia color that gives the impression that the animal has stepped out of a 19th century photograph.

Historical background

Even professional breeders still cannot unequivocally answer the question of which country is the birthplace of Singaporean cats: the USA or the city-state of Singapore. Judging by the name, the answer is quite obvious. However, in reality, everything is much more complicated. The baby Singapura in Asia has other names: "child of sewers" or "cat of love." Isn't it contradictory? Blame the origin of the breed.

On the island of Singapore, miniature cats have always been enough, crowds of homeless animals huddled in canals and drainpipes. After the reconstruction of the sewer system, the population of homeless animals has noticeably decreased and, probably, over time, fluffy babies would have disappeared altogether, but a happy accident intervened. ATIn 1975, an American tourist named Meadow was fascinated by these unusual cats and sent four to his girlfriend in the United States at once (three cats and one cat). At that time, breeders were very interested in dwarf breeds. For the first time, Singapore was presented to the public in 1976 at an exhibition, and a year later it was brought to Europe. Despite this, the breed is still considered one of the rarest and most expensive.

Officially, the International Organization for the Breeding and Breeding of New Cat Breeds recognized the breed in 1981, and most associations have confirmed this. In 1990, Singapore became the official symbol of the city-state.

General information

Singapore cat, or Singapura is a rare, unique and very unusual breed. Due to its small size (an adult animal looks like a 5-month-old kitten of medium-sized purebred cats), it is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest cat in the world. An adult female weighs an average of up to 2 kg, and a male weighs 2.5-3 kg.

Not a single photo can convey the amazing color that seems to be illuminated from the inside. This shade is not found in any other breed. Creamy golden coat with dark brown ticking on the back and head. Add to this huge almond-shaped eyes and big ears.

Despite its size, the Singapura has strong bones, it is a strong and agile animal, easily mastering vertical and horizontal surfaces.

Standard

Singapuras are small to medium sized cats. Animals are distinguished by a squat, strong and muscular body, but at the same time they are not "loose" and not lean. The body together with the front and hind limbs forms a square.

The skull of a Singaporean cat (see photo of the individual's head below) has a rounded shape. A distinctive feature is wide and rounded eye sockets. The muzzle of cats is wide and rounded, moderately elongated, the pads under the whiskers are pronounced. The chin of the Singapura is developed, with a straight line connecting it with the tip of the nose. The smooth noble profile of cats of this breed has rounded lines, and a slight transition is noticeable only at eye level.

Widely spaced large and wide ears have a deep auricle.

Piercing almond-shaped eyes open wide, slightly slanted. Only hazel, yellow and green eyes with a characteristic sheen fall under the standard. Small eyes are considered a significant drawback.

Singapore's body-proportionate limbs are strong and muscular. The paws are oval, petite and short.

The tail can be described as short, barely reaching the shoulder blades when stretched along the body.

Singapore's luxurious fur, close to the body, is her pride. It is short, shiny, soft and silky to the touch. Having a thick undercoat is a disadvantage.

The requirements of the standard are very strict, breeders do their best to keep the purity of the breed. Crossbreeding with cats of other breedsforbidden. There are not so many catteries of Singaporean cats in the USA, let alone Russia, but they still exist. For example, Jouet-Couguar, LIMESIN, Vidi Vici, etc.

Disqualification

Serious faults are considered to be gray or cold coat tone, gray undercoat located close to the skin, invisible tail defects and a straight profile, various “necklace” shapes.

Singapore can be disqualified from the exhibition on the following grounds:

• "necklace" closed around the neck and/or "bracelets" on paws;
• small eyes and/or ears;
• tail rings;
• noticeable tail defects;
• white spots;
• blue eyes;
• no ticking;
• any color except true - sepia agouti.

Color options

Only sepia agouti and alternating patches of dark brown on an old ivory undercoat fall under the standard. Each hair should have at least two dark areas alternating with light ones. Moreover, closer to the skin, the wool should be light, and the tip of the hair should be dark. The muzzle, chin, belly and chest, as well as the paws (inner surface) have a light shade. Striping is allowed, but only on the inside of the forelegs and in the area of the knees of the hind limbs. The fur on the paws (between the toes) should be dark brown. The pattern is pronounced on the muzzle: lines of dark color diverge from the outer corner of the eyes and eyebrows, as well as from the inner corner along the nose. Because of this, the cat resembles a domestic cheetah. lip liner,eyes, vibrissa exit points and nose - dark brown. The nose is a salmon shade, the intensity of which can vary. The pads on the paws are brown-pink.

Singapore cat: character

Singapore kittens have a very thin and quiet voice, but this mischievous animal will let you know about itself in a different way: chasing a ball along the corridor, climbing curtains, jumping to a height or climbing onto the owner's shoulder. Singaporeans retain their playfulness into adulthood.

Representatives of the breed are very fond of people and are not afraid of meeting them. They feel great on the owner's lap and will definitely get under the covers on cold winter evenings. Infinitely loving a person, they will share absolutely everything with him: cooking, walking, sleeping, watching TV and even a long journey. This is a true and gentle friend who, despite his innate natural independence, will always support the saddened owner. And they are skillful seducers, real masters. Believe me, when a Singaporean looks at you with her huge and adoring eyes, you will not be able to refuse her anything.

Singaporeans are not the cats that walk by themselves, they prefer the company of people to everything else. Therefore, remaining alone for a long time, they are very bored and longing. Other pets will help them pass the hours.

Relationships with children and other pets

Singapore cats are absolutely devoid of aggression. Playful and smarta kitten will become a wonderful companion for your child, provided that you instill in your child a love for animals. Partnerships are the most important thing. Singapura will selflessly frolic, mastering new tricks and techniques. Also, cats of this breed are very happy when there are other pets in the house: cats, dogs, etc. They get along well with other animals, because they prefer a large company, rather than loneliness.

He alth

Singapore cats are distinguished by good he alth, they do not have diseases that are peculiar only to their breed. The only thing they need to be protected from is hypothermia. Singapuras have a thin and short coat, devoid of a thick undercoat (which is understandable, because their ancestors lived in tropical countries), so they need additional protection in the cold. In the house, the cat will always choose the warmest place: near the radiator, behind the TV, on the laptop or under your blanket.

Care

The owners of Singaporean cats in the reviews one of the main advantages of the breed is the simplicity of keeping these animals. And indeed it is. Singapuras are unpretentious. They will feel equally good in a large house or a small apartment, the main thing is a bowl of water and food, a tray and a loving owner. By purchasing a kitten in a cattery, you are guaranteed to get a fully socialized animal that will not write on the carpet and sharpen its claws on the sofa, but cases of petty hooliganism (in the good sense of the word) are not excluded - the kids are too playful. Kittens adjust to their new home1-1, 5 weeks.

Singapore, like any other cat, must be provided with clean water, food and a tray with fresh filler, as well as a scratching post. Experts recommend combing cats with a special brush 2-3 times a month, cutting their nails in a timely manner, washing the coat as it gets dirty, and keeping the ears, nose and eyes clean.

Bred in the USA, the Singaporean cat is considered the smallest domestic pedigreed cat. This is a muscular, graceful, vigorous animal with large bewitching eyes and ears. High requirements for the standard ensured the purity of the breed. Singapuras have a noble ivory color with transverse stripes on each hair. Naturally shy, cautious and very sensitive, the Singapore cat becomes affectionate, trusting and very sociable in the family circle.