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| Singapura Cat |
Singapura cat
The Singapura cat is native to Singapore. He is known as the
smallest cat in the world.
Origins of the Singapura cat
The origins of the Singapura cat or kitten are very
controversial. In 1975, Tommy and Hal Meadow returned to the United States
after a period of work in Singapore. They return with three cats discovered a
year earlier on the street. These three cats, called Tess, Tickle and Puss, are
considered to be the founding cats of the breed.
However, in 1987, during a trip to Singapore, the American
breeder Jerry Mayes discovered import papers showing that the three cats had in
fact been imported from the United States in 1974. Since this discovery, the origins of Singapura have been
widely discussed.
From 1976, the future breed is exposed to the general
public, and will be recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in 1988
as a natural breed, originating in Singapore.
In 1984, it was the turn of the TICA (The International Cat
Association) to recognize the breed.
Even today, the breed is not always considered natural.
Indeed, studies carried out on its DNA show that the genetic difference between
Singapura and Burmese is extremely small. This could therefore indicate that it
is not a natural race.
The first specimens of Singapura arrived in France between
1988 and 1989, but the breed is still very rare in the country, with only
around thirty registrations in the LOOF (Official Book of Feline Origins). Read also: Cymric Cat Breed Information.
look
The Singapura cat is considered to be the smallest breed of
cat in the world. Semi-cobby type, it has a compact body and has an open and
rounded rib cage. Its musculature is well developed and its neck is short and
thick.
The legs of the Singapura cat are thick and powerful, and
they narrow down towards the body.
Its tail is quite long (ideally it reaches the scapula when
folded). It is slightly thick at the base and tapers to its rounded end.
The Singapura cat's head is quite small and round. From the
front, his skull is rounded.
His eyes are large, very expressive and nut-shaped. They are
well spaced from each other and should not be too round. The standard color of
choice is green, all shades of which are accepted. Blue is however prohibited.
The ears of Singapura are large and slightly pointed. They
are well spaced from each other and the interior is well furnished. Their base
is well flared.
The Singapura has a short, silky coat and has no undercoat. Even
if it is short, the hair must however be long enough to be able to present
several alternating bands, light and dark (the ticking ). We note that they are
slightly longer on the spine.
As an adult, the Singapura cat measures approximately 25cm
and weighs 2 to 4 kilos.
Coat
The coat recognized by breed standards is brown ticked tabby
. The hairs are therefore alternated between light and dark color. Only one
color is recognized: agouti sepia. Certain parts of the body, such as the legs,
chest, muzzle and chin, are lighter. Read also: Exotic Shorthair Cat Breed Information.
Character
- The Singapura cat is described as an active, curious and playful cat. But that does not prevent him from being equally affectionate and tender.
- He is a great hunter, so it is important to provide him with toys and space outside to meet his needs.
- Very close to man, he likes to sit on the shoulders of his masters and sleep in their bed.
- Even if he is not a big talker, he does not hesitate to complain as soon as he has the opportunity.
- He enjoys the company of other cats and even dogs.
Health and care
The Singapura cat is a solid animal. It is therefore not subject to any particular pathologies. The Singapura cat has a life expectancy of around 15 to 20
years.
Interview
Caring for the Singapura cat is very easy. His coat, short
and almost self-cleaning, requires only a gentle brushing once a week. However,
during the moulting period, it is important to renew brushing frequently in
order to remove dead hair and thus avoid any skin problem. For more details and information about Singapura Cat Breed, click here.