Singapura
Singapura
Singapura
Singapura is a breed of cat that is not often seen in Japan, so it may be known only to those who know it. What is particularly characteristic of this breed is its small size! It is sometimes called a “little fairy” because of its appearance. But there are many secrets hidden in its small body. Would you like to take a look at the story of how Singapura was born?
Singapura Basic Infomation
Country of origin Singapore.
Length 30cm.
Weight 2-3.5kg.
Singapura’s ancestors were originally stray cats, or “drain cats,” that lived in places such as sewer pipes.
One day in the 1970s, an American couple visiting Singapore on a business trip rescued three kittens from the side of the road. When the kittens grew up, they were smaller than adults. They also noticed that these cats had a rare color called brown ticked tabby.
After returning to their home in the United States with the cats, the couple wanted to breed cats that took advantage of this characteristic and began working on breeding them in earnest.
About seven years later, Singapura was officially registered as a breed by CFA and TICA.
In 1987, breeder Jerry Mayes also wanted to breed Singapura and received basic cats from the Medu couple. However, Mayes discovered a surprising record later.
It was that “the Medu couple brought in a breed called Abyssinian to Singapore. And they also had a cat called Burmese at home.”
Abyssinians are very similar to Singapura cats, but if this is true, Singapura may not be a purebred cat from Singapore but rather “a cat born from a cross between Abyssinians and Burmese?” This is highly likely.
CFA investigated this question and concluded that “it is true that the Medu couple brought in Abyssinians and kept Burmese at home, but it is also true that they rescued three kittens in Singapore and used them as the basis for creating a new breed of Singapura.”
Singapura is said to be very small among purebred breeds, but it can change depending on the growth environment. Even among Singapuras, those raised in America tend to be larger than those raised in Asia, but the exact cause is not well understood.
Singapura Q&A
What is the origin of the name Singapura?
It is said that Singapore is called “Singapura” in Malay, and it was named after that.
What are the color variations of Singapura?
Singapuras come in only one color, which is sable (dark brown or blackish-brow).
・Tikdotubby. There is only a pattern with dark steps on each coat color.
Eye colors include yellow, green, and hazel.
Singapuras are only available in short hair.
What does Singapura look like?
The head is generally round, and the body type is called semi-cobby. The large almond-shaped eyes are beautiful and slightly upturned, and the ears are relatively large for the size of the head, with a wide base and pointed tips.
The legs are slender but moderately muscular and sturdy. The body is slender but has a robust build.
The coat has a soft and smooth texture, and is said to be like silk. Due to the ticking pattern, you can enjoy subtle changes in color depending on the movement of the coat.
Why is Singapura's body so small?
Singapuras are said to be the smallest cats in the world, but the reason why their bodies remain small even when they become adults is not well understood, as their ancestors were originally stray cats that occurred naturally.
In recent years, smaller cats than Singapuras, Skiff-toed Bobtail and Kuroashi Neko, have been discovered. To give you an idea of how small they are, adult Singapuras have an average weight of 2.5 kg (females), while Skiff-toed Bobtails weigh only 1.7 kg (females) and Kuroashi Nekos weigh only 1.3 kg (females).
To put it simply, 1.3 kg for a typical domestic cat is equivalent to 3 months old. Therefore, even when they become adults, Skiff-toed Bobtails and Kuroashi Nekos grow only to the size of a typical kitten.
Skiff-toed Bobtails are the smallest cats that can be kept at home in the world. However, Kuroashi Nekos are animals that are registered on the Red List and protected, so they cannot be kept as pets.
How much does it take to buy Singapura?
If you want to keep an animal, you need to follow the laws set by the country. This time, I will talk about keeping Singapuras at home in Japan. If you buy from a breeder or cattery, it will cost around 150,000 yen. The advantage is that you can check what kind of environment they grew up in and what kind of cats their parents are.
Also, since the reliability varies depending on the personality of the breeder, it is desirable to make a reservation and visit them.
In the case of pet shops, they cost 150,000 to 200,000 yen, and in some cases, they can be slightly cheaper than buying from a breeder. However, some pet shops breed cats indiscriminately, so it may be better to avoid purchasing from shops where the breeding source is unclear.
Singapuras are relatively consistent in price, but some may cost more than 300,000 yen.
・Being a kitten. ・Having excellent parental lineage. ・Having good appearance such as coat.
Although there are other conditions, it seems that the price tends to be higher mainly when these conditions are met.
Unfortunately, there are breeders and pet shops that try to sell fake Singapuras.
Although being small is an absolute requirement for Singapuras, if they are not obese but weigh more than 4 kg as adults, they may not be genuine Singapuras. Therefore, if the price of a kitten is too low, it may be necessary to be careful.
I want to know more about Singapura's personality and characteristics!
They are curious, energetic, and have excellent athletic ability. They used to chase mice, so their reflexes for toys are very quick, and they are interested in various things, so they may be thought of as mischievous pranksters.
Their meows are small, so they are easy to keep in apartments and condominiums. They also have a gentle side and are affectionate to their owners. However, they may be wary of strangers as they are a little shy.
Singapuras are prone to jealousy and may have a desire for their owners to look only at them, so they may not be suitable for multi-pet households.
Also, if the owner is only taking care of small children, it may be stressful for affectionate Singapuras.
It is not impossible to keep them with small children, but it is better to avoid it if possible. It is preferable to keep them in a quiet environment with a small number of people rather than in a large family or noisy environment.
Singapuras, which are said to be intelligent, often learn obedience well.
Males tend to be more affectionate and gentle, while females tend to be cooler and more reserved.
If you want to play with an affectionate Singapura, you may want a male, and if you want to live moderately at a distance, you may want a female.
Of course, there are individual differences in personality, so it is good to remember that the temperament of males and females may be reversed. ※If you want to keep an animal, you need to follow the laws set by the country.
What are the diseases that Singapura is susceptible to?
Singapuras are susceptible to “pyruvate kinase deficiency,” “dermatitis,” and “hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.”
“Pyruvate kinase deficiency” is a disease in which red blood cells are destroyed due to a lack of the enzyme “pyruvate kinase,” causing anemia.
Visible symptoms include fatigue and loss of appetite. Although it often leads to anemia in about 2-3 months, many cats do not notice the symptoms until they become adults if the symptoms are mild, and they may die as a result.
However, not all Singapuras have pyruvate kinase deficiency, and the likelihood of developing this disease is low.
Since it is a hereditary disease, there is no specific prevention method, and bone marrow transplantation is one treatment option. However, it is not a recommended treatment because of the cost and burden on the cat’s body.
Singapore, the country of origin, is a hot and humid country all year round. Therefore, they are not good at cold weather, and they have a sensitive constitution to dryness.
Especially in winter, it is easy to dry out, and they may be more susceptible to skin diseases. If you notice that their skin is itchy or red, it may be a sign of illness, so it is desirable to take them to the hospital.
“Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy” is a disease in which the heart muscle thickens, making it difficult for the heart to contract properly.
Since it often develops due to heredity, there is no specific prevention method yet. Symptoms may not appear even after onset.
Therefore, when you notice it, it may be complicated with thrombosis and there is a risk of dying as it is.
So what should you do to detect the disease early? It is important to have regular health checkups.
Since there is no groundbreaking treatment for this disease, it is difficult to cure completely. However, the progression can be slowed down by symptomatic treatment as early as possible.
※Hereditary diseases are diseases that occur due to mutations in chromosomes or genes.
What is the lifespan of Singapura?
According to the source, Singapuras are said to have a lifespan of 13-16 years, which is longer than the average lifespan of cats, which is 12-16 years.
If you take care of them and pay attention to diseases that they are prone to, they can live for more than 16 years. So please keep that in mind.
Would you like to become a part of the 'Animalbook.jp'?
Turn your knowledge into Q&A and share it with the world. ※Publication will be activated after purchase. Let's share information together!
Singapura Type of List
Abyssinian
Which cat embodies a certain elegance and beauty? That's right! The 'Abyssinian.' While it's not certain, there is a legend that the Abyssinian was one of the cats loved by Cleopatra, who is counted among the world's three great beauties. They may not be flashy, but they have a unique fur color that is absolutely beautiful! Why not delve into the secrets of the Abyssinian on this page right away?
American Curl
This article introduces the American Curl, a cat breed with charming curled ears! It is also called “the Peter Pan of cats”. It is a rare breed that is not often seen in pet shops, so only a few people know about it. But we hope that this page will spark your interest in the American Curl!
American Shorthair
The American Shorthair, known for its beautiful tabby patterns, is popular in Japan too! Even if you're not familiar with cats, you've likely heard the name. While many know of its popularity, details about its personality or history may be less familiar. So, let's dive into the charm of the cat often called 'Amesho' together!
Bengal
Have you heard of Bengal cats? You may not have seen them in pet shops, so many people may be hearing their name for the first time. The most distinctive feature of Bengal cats is their rosette pattern on their body, which can be described as a leopard pattern. The Bengal cat, with its wild appearance, is one of the popular breeds among cat lovers! Let’s take a look at the personality and history of Bengal cats!
Birman
Do you know about the Birman cat? It sounds like a breed name that might appear in a manga, but there's no connection. However, there are fascinating legends associated with Birmans in their country of origin, Myanmar, that sound almost like they are straight out of a manga. This page introduces various characteristics of the Birman. Why not delve into its secrets with us?
Bombay
Are you familiar with the Bombay cat, a breed not well known in Japan? At first glance, it might seem like just an ordinary black cat, but the origin story of the Bombay involves a significant contribution from one woman. What secrets lie in the history of the Bombay, and how did it get its name? Let's dive into the excitement and uncover these mysteries together!
British Shorthair
Do you know the story of “Alice in Wonderland”? There is a character called the Cheshire Cat in it, and the British Shorthair is said to be the cat that became the model for it! It has become popular in Japan recently, so some of you may have heard the name! Let’s explore the cute secrets of the British Shorthair!
Cat
The cat café boom has been ignited, and cats are becoming more and more popular as pets these days! Cats are famous for their fickle and self-paced nature. I know it's popular, but I'm sure there are many things you don't know much about the original ecology of cats. Why don't you join us in exploring the secrets of cats filled with wonders?
Cattle
f you were asked, "What are the characteristics of cows" ?What would you explain. Cows are very famous animals, and many people have seen them in ranches and zoos. However, when you think about it again, there are many things you may not know, such as what kind of cows there are and why they can grow so big by eating grass. Now let's take a sneak peek at some of the characteristics and secrets of cows that you may not be aware of!
Chartreux
Name a stylish cat? That's right, it's the Chartreux! However, many people may think, 'Chartreux? I've never heard of it. It's a cat that isn't very familiar in Japan, but in France, it's described as an interesting and cute cat that looks like a potato with toothpicks stuck in it. It is also called the "Blue Three" along with the Russian Blue and Korat. Would you like to take a look at the mysterious secrets and slightly sad history of Chartreux together?
Cornish Rex
Here’s a quiz for you: What animal is known for its slender limbs, small face, and is also called the “greyhound of cats”? The answer is the Cornish Rex! You may not have heard of it before since it’s not often seen in Japan. In addition to having a good style, it also has curly hair as a feature. There are many other secrets about the Cornish Rex hidden on this page. Why don’t you go and explore those secrets right away?
Devon Rex
Are you looking for a cat breed that is not only cute but also unique? If so, the Devon Rex might be the perfect breed for you! In this article, we will introduce the Devon Rex, which has a slightly mysterious appearance. Although there are other breeds with unique appearances, the Devon Rex is one of them. Like the Selkirk Rex, it has curly hair, but unlike the Selkirk Rex, it is not very fluffy and has a more restrained volume. Although it is still not very well-known in Japan, this breed of cat has many secrets. Let’s explore those secrets right away!
Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is a cat with the name of Egypt, featuring a wild beauty reminiscent of leopards and cheetahs. This breed has a long history, and it is said that few cat lovers in Japan are familiar with it. Would you like to explore the secrets of the Egyptian Mau with us?
Exotic Shorthair
Have you heard of the Exotic Shorthair cat? Even if the name doesn’t ring a bell, you might remember seeing its charming face somewhere! Recently, it has been active as a pet talent in TV commercials and other media! It is sometimes called “Ugly but cute cat” due to its unique facial features. Why don’t we explore the secrets of this Exotic Shorthair cat that is more than just Ugly but cute?
Genetta
The Genetta is a small, short-legged cat with strikingly wild patterns reminiscent of a leopard (though occasionally, long-legged Genettas can also be found). Their mesmerizing, beautiful eyes are another popular charm of the Genetta. As a new breed that was only established in 2006, the Genetta is expected to gain more popularity in the future. This time, we introduce the Genetta, a small cat with exotic fur and beautiful eyes.
Himalayan
Hey, this animal looks like a raccoon! And it’s fluffy! No, no, that’s a Himalayan cat. By the way, there is also a Himalayan breed of rabbit, but it seems that the rabbit was discovered first. The Himalayan has a similar appearance to the Persian cat, but it has a unique and elegant atmosphere that sets it apart from the Persian. Would you like to take a peek at the little-known secrets of the Himalayan?
Iriomote Cat
Do you know the iriomote cat, a rare wildcat that lives only on Iriomote Island in Okinawa Prefecture in Japan? The iriomote cat has a small population and is at risk of extinction, so it is designated as an endangered species and a special natural monument of Japan. In fact, the iriomote wildcat has only been discovered for about 50 years, and it is still an animal with many mysteries. Let's take a peek at what characteristics and secrets iriomote cats have in this article!
Japanese Bobtail
Do you know the cat that is said to be the model of the “beckoning cat”? Actually, the Japanese bobtail that I introduce on this page is said to be the model! Recently, Western cats tend to attract popularity, but why don’t we explore the birth secret story of the precious cat born in Japan?
Korat
Famous in Japan, the Russian Blue, the slightly plump Chartreux, and now we introduce the 'Korat'. These three types are collectively known as the 'Blue Cat Big Three'. The Korat has a long history of being cherished as a 'cat that brings good luck'. In addition to this, this page compiles many secrets about the Korat. Let's delve into them!
Kurilian Bobtail
The Kurilian Bobtail is a cat with beautiful fur, a rabbit-like short tail, and notably short legs. While it has a calm demeanor and a refined appearance, it actually possesses an active side and is skilled at swimming. Let's introduce this cat with surprising traits.
LaPerm
Do you know a cat called LaPerm? It is still not very well known in Japan, and many of you may have heard the name for the first time. To explain briefly, it is a curly-haired cat that looks very similar to the Selkirk Rex, but there is also a photo book called “The World’s Most Beautiful Cats, LaPerm”, and some people are fascinated by its appearance. Why don’t we go and explore the attractive features and secrets of LaPerm right away?
Maine Coon
Well, here’s a sudden question. What breed of cat is known as the “gentle giant” or the “world’s largest cat”? The answer is “Maine Coon”! It is often mistaken for “makein”, but makein is a type of potato. By the way, these two have nothing to do with each other. Maine Coon is one of the breeds that has become popular in Japan recently. Let’s take a look at the secrets of Maine Coon, which are filled with surprises, such as their unexpected personality and characteristics!
Manx
Speaking of cats with short tails, there is a breed called Japanese Bobtail. In fact, there is another breed called Manx, which also has a very short tail. However, it is almost impossible to see them in Japan, so many people may be hearing the name for the first time! What mysteries are hidden behind the birth of Manx? And what is the reason for their short tails? Let’s unravel their secrets right away!
Minuet
Here’s a question for you: What do you call a cat that combines the best of Munchkin and Persian breeds and is rapidly gaining popularity? That’s right, it’s the Minuet! Some of you may be hearing this name for the first time. In fact, this cat is a relatively new breed that has only recently been registered. There is also an interesting history behind its name. Let me introduce you to the world of Minuets, which you may not have seen yet!
Munchkin
Munchkins are known for their cute cat punches and walking with their butts wiggling! One of the attractions is their unique appearance that other cats don’t have. You may not know much about them, such as why they have short legs. Whether you know a lot about Munchkins or not, why don’t we explore their secrets together?
Norwegian Forest Cat
Now, here’s a quiz. What is the name of the cat that is also called the “fairy living in the forest”? The correct answer is “Norwegian Forest Cat”! It’s becoming more and more popular in Japan these days, so some of you may have seen it before. Would you like to explore the hidden secrets of Norwegian Forest Cats, which are large cat breeds like Maine Coons and Siberians?
Ocicat
Wild in appearance, it looks like a wild cat. Since it is not often seen in Japan, few people may know its name. This time, we will introduce you to the “Ocicat”! The Ocicat, which gives the impression of living in a grassy field or forest, actually has a surprising personality and secrets. Let’s take a closer look at the detailed ecology of the Ocicat right away!
Oriental Shorthair
While round and fluffy cats are lovely, how about a cat with a slender body and stylish look? Introducing the 'Oriental Shorthair'. Its appearance is akin to a model in the cat world! This breed is gradually gaining recognition, but there is still much to discover about it. Let's delve into the various mysteries of the Oriental Shorthair!
Persian
Manga, anime, etc… What cat do you think of when you imagine a pet that is kept in a rich family’s house? That’s right, it’s Persian! Persian, which often appears in cat food commercials, has a strong image of being an elegant cat, doesn’t it? Why don’t we explore together the surprising personality of Persian and the reason why it is actually called ‘the king of cats’?
Ragamuffin
This page introduces the 'Ragamuffin' cat. As a relatively new cat breed, you might not see it often at home. The first impression is that of a fluffy, soft-looking cat, which is significantly related to the Ragdoll. Would you like to sneak a peek into the secrets of the Ragamuffin and its connection to the Ragdoll?
Ragdoll
When you think of a cat with fluffy fur and a fluffy tail… That’s right! It’s a ragdoll! The cat has a soft-looking body and beautiful blue eyes that are very cute. How about exploring some surprising history and secrets of the name of such a ragdoll?
Russian Blue
With its luxurious fur and slender, graceful body, the Russian Blue cat is a breed that you may have heard of before. It is one of the most popular breeds that you can find in pet shops. At first glance, it seems to have a calm and cool demeanor that can handle anything, but the Russian Blue cat actually has… a surprising personality hidden behind its appearance!
Savannah
When you think of wild-looking cats, you might think of Bengals, Toygers, and Ocicats. Today, let's introduce the 'Savannah' cat! The name itself evokes an image of a wild-looking cat, though it's rarely seen in Japan, and many may have never heard of it before. Why not secretly delve into the secrets of the Savannah cat?
Scottish Fold
Scottish Fold is a breed of cat that has been dominating the rankings of cats people want to live with in recent years! They are famous for their cute round faces and folded ears. However, Scottish Folds are not only cute but also have various difficult aspects. If you see them next time, I would be happy if you could observe them with reference to this page!
Selkirk Rex
Also known as the “cat in sheep’s clothing,” the Selkirk Rex is a cat with curly hair like a toy poodle. It has recently gained attention from people who want a cat that doesn’t look like everyone else’s. While there are other cats with curly hair, such as the Cornish Rex and Devon Rex, the Selkirk Rex is the most voluminous of all curly-haired cats. Let’s take a look at the secrets of this somewhat mysterious Selkirk Rex!
Siamese
Have you ever seen a "Siamese cat"? Actually, this cat is known as the "Siamese" breed worldwide. Interestingly, only Japan calls it the "Sham cat". On this page, I will introduce the Siamese breed, which was once popular in Japan. However, there are still many things that are not well known about their history and personality. Let’s explore the secrets of the Siamese cat!
Siberian
Siberians are a breed with a voluminous and fluffy coat that is their charm point! Many people may not have heard of Siberians before. It is certainly one of the breeds that is not often seen in pet shops, but I would be happy if this page could help people learn about the cuteness of Siberians!
Somali
Speaking of cats with beautiful fur colors and fluffy tails, it’s the Somali! It is also a popular cat that is known to many people. However, it seems that in the history of Somali’s birth, it was sometimes thought of as a “failure.” At first, the Somali was not very well-regarded, but it became popular after a small incident. Would you like to unravel the secrets of the Somali?
Sphynx
Have you heard of the Sphinx cat? Whether you’ve heard the name before or not, you might be surprised by its striking appearance! You might even hear someone say, “What! Is it really a cat?” The Sphinx cat’s appearance is likely to be a love-it-or-hate-it situation, but it’s a breed that some people can’t resist. So what are the hidden charms of the Sphinx cat? Let’s introduce them right away!
Tonkinese
Do you know about the cat called 'Tonkinese'? Compared to more mainstream breeds, it might be a bit unusual in Japan. It looks somewhat similar to the Siamese, but actually, there lies the secret of the Tonkinese. What exactly is this secret? Let's delve into the world of the Tonkinese right away!
Toyger
「Toyger??」 It is one of the breeds that cat lovers may not be familiar with, so many people may not have heard or seen it. That’s because Toyger is a new breed that was recently born, so it is still a rare cat with low name recognition in Japan! However, its appearance, which looks just like a tiger, is very impressive and unforgettable. Why don’t you explore the secrets of the little-known Toyger?
Turkish Angora
"Turkish Angora” is a breed of cat that is known for its beautiful fur and elegant appearance. Its appearance exudes an atmosphere that seems to belong to a wealthy household. However, it is rare to see them in pet shops, so many people may not have heard of them before. Although the Turkish Angora is not a well-known breed, its history is very ancient and there are many secrets hidden within it. Let’s explore the world of the Turkish Angora right away!
Turkish Van
Many people associate cats with being afraid of water. However, did you know that there are cats that are good at swimming? That’s the Turkish Van! It is rare to see them in Japan, so if you find one at a breeder’s or an acquaintance’s house, you can consider yourself very lucky. The history of the Turkish Van is interesting and full of mysteries. Let’s explore its secrets together!
Information
Congratulations! You are the first commenter!
Would you like to leave a comment?
※Please note: This is for the purchase of rights to post comments within the article.
Find Your Favorites!
Our shop offers a unique and attractive selection of goods themed around various animals.
Singapura References
- まるごとわかる猫種大図鑑 監修：CFA公認審査員 早田由貴子
- 世界中で愛される美しすぎる猫図鑑 監修 今泉忠明
- The Cat Fancier's Association, Inc. https://cfa.org/singapura/
- 猫との暮らし大百科 https://www.anicom-sompo.co.jp/nekonoshiori/
- みんなの猫図鑑 https://www.min-nekozukan.com/
- Pet Smile news for ネコちゃん http://psnews.jp/cat/
- 子猫のへや https://www.konekono-heya.com/sitemap.html
- Cat Press https://cat-press.com/breeds
- MOFFME ペット保険 https://moffme.com/article/618
- pepy https://pepy.xsrv.jp/80917
- ねこちゃんホンポ https://nekochan.jp/
- 公益社団法人 埼玉県獣医師会 https://www.saitama-vma.org/topics/猫の遺伝性疾患について/
Singapura Introduction of media used
出典：https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Singapura_Cats.jpg
出典：https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Raw_Singapura.jpg
出典：https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Curious_Singapura.jpg
Help Enrich Our Animalbook.jp with Your Media!
We are constantly looking to expand and enrich our Animalbook.jp with amazing photos and videos of animals. If you have any media that you'd like to share, please contribute and help us showcase the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom. Your submissions will be credited and featured in our encyclopedia, reaching a wide audience of animal lovers.
