
Singapura
One of the smallest breeds. Sepia agouti coat. Curious and active temperament.
Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA
Ideal for
- ✓Families with time to stroke it
- ✓Flats
- ✓Those looking for a sociable cat
Reconsider if
- ×Homes where it would be alone for many hours
Notify me when a Singapura is up for adoption
We'll only email you when a verified rescue posts one available. No spam, unsubscribe in 1 click.
We'll only use your email for this alert. More info in our privacy policy.
Is the Singapura a good match for you?
Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).
💶 Estimated cost of ownership
40-65 €/month
Premium food (small portions) 18-26 €, litter 10-15 €, vet and vaccines pro-rated 12-18 €, antiparasitics 4-6 €, contingency fund 6-10 €.
History and origin
One of the smallest domestic breeds, originating in Singapore; it carries hereditary pyruvate kinase deficiency and a certain tendency to uterine inertia because of its small size.
Temperament and character
Typical of its breed. Sociable or reserved depending on the individual. Early neutering (4-6 months) is the best preventive measure.
Living together
Children: good with respectful ones. **Other cats:** sociable if raised together from a young age. **Dogs:** possible if calm.
Life stages of the Singapura
Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 11-15 años.
Kitten
0-6 months
Socialisation, vaccination and deworming; a very small breed that requires careful handling.
Junior
6 months-2 years
Neutering, adult diet, weight control and dental routine.
Adult
3-10 years
Haematological check-up (pyruvate kinase deficiency), weight control and annual check-up.
Senior
11+ years
Six-monthly check-ups, renal and cardiac monitoring, joint and dental health.
Care
Brushing: according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).
Litter tray: N+1 trays (decision 70).
Feeding: quality wet + dry food.
Vet: annual check-up + blood work from 7 years of age.
Care in detail
🍽️ Nutrition
Premium food with a good protein density in small but sufficient portions for its active metabolism. Wet food for hydration; watch that it doesn't lose too much weight given its tiny size.
✂️ Grooming
Minimal: its short, fine coat only needs a weekly brush or a rubber grooming glove. It barely sheds. Dental hygiene and ear and nail checks.
🎓 Training
Curious, clever and sociable. It learns routines and games with positive reinforcement. It is a 'lap cat' as well as mischievous; it demands company and interaction.
🏃 Exercise
Medium-high energy despite its small size. It enjoys climbing, exploring and daily play. It needs stimulation and company; prolonged solitude affects it.
Breed-specific health
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is common in many breeds — genetic testing recommended. PKD in Persian and derived breeds. Life expectancy 11-15 years.
🩺 Health predispositions of this breed
Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.
Common diseases in cats
Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Screening and prevention for the Singapura
Recommended tests and screenings
- ✓Genetic test for pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK-Def)
- ✓Echocardiography for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- ✓Obstetric monitoring (uterine inertia in queens, common because of its small size)
- ✓General blood work prior to breeding
- ✓Dental check-up
Prevention
Genetic screening for PK-Def before breeding. Neutering, vaccination and deworming. Because of its very small size, protection against cold and monitoring during pregnancy. Quality diet and dental hygiene.
Check-up schedule
Annual check-up with cardiac auscultation; blood work from 7 years of age. Genetic and cardiac screening recommended in breeding cats; close veterinary monitoring of births.
Warning signs
- !Weakness, lethargy or pale gums (anaemia from PK-Def)
- !Lethargy or rapid breathing (heart)
- !Difficulties during birth (uterine inertia)
- !Seeking warmth or shivering from cold
- !Inflamed gums or bad breath
Frequently asked questions about the Singapura
- How long does a Singapura live? ▾
- The life expectancy of the Singapura is 11-15 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.
- How much does a Singapura weigh? ▾
- An adult Singapura weighs between 2-4 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is pequeño.
- Where does the Singapura breed come from? ▾
- The Singapura originates from Singapur. One of the smallest domestic breeds, originating in Singapore; it carries hereditary pyruvate kinase deficiency and a certain tendency to uterine inertia because of its small size.
- How much exercise does a Singapura need? ▾
- The Singapura has media energy. **Brushing:** according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).
- Is the Singapura good with children? ▾
- **Children:** good with respectful ones. **Other cats:** sociable if raised together from a young age. **Dogs:** possible if calm.
- Who is the Singapura NOT recommended for? ▾
- It isn't the right breed for: Homes where it would be alone for many hours. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.
- What health problems does the Singapura have? ▾
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is common in many breeds — genetic testing recommended. PKD in Persian and derived breeds. Life expectancy 11-15 years.
- Is it true that it is one of the smallest breeds? ▾
- Yes. The Singapura is one of the smallest cat breeds, with females that can weigh around 2 kg and slightly larger males. Despite its size, it is muscular, active and very energetic.
- Which health test is important to ask the breeder for? ▾
- The genetic test for pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK-Def), present in the breed, as well as cardiac screening. This avoids acquiring an affected kitten or one from uncontrolled carrier parents.
- Does it cope well with being alone? ▾
- Not really. It is very sociable, curious and attached; it enjoys company and is affected by spending many hours alone. A second cat or frequent presence suits it well.
- Does it need a lot of maintenance? ▾
- Very little in terms of grooming: a short coat that only needs a weekly brush and barely sheds. Its greatest need is attention, play and warmth, as it feels the cold somewhat.
- Is it good with children and other animals? ▾
- Yes, it is playful and sociable. It is worth supervising contact with small children because of its fragile size, but it lives well with other cats and calm dogs.
Learn more about cats
Practical veterinary guides to support your Singapura.
Sources and references
Content compiled from official breed standards and leading veterinary sources.
Want to adopt a singapura?
There are singapuras in rescue shelters looking for a family. Filter by breed in the catalogue.

