10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Singapura Cat
The Singapura Cat is one of the lesser known breeds of cat, but it has an interesting history. It is also a notable breed in the sense that it is one of the smallest cat breeds in the world. If you do not know much about this breed, then you may find the following fun facts very interesting. Here are ten things you probably didn’t know about the Singapura Cat.
1. Officially, They Are from Singapore
Tommy and Hal Meadow returned to the United States after working in Singapore in 1975. They took with them three kittens, two male and one female, who they believed were local brown-ticked cats. These cats were used as the foundation for the Singapura breed. A fourth cat was adopted into the breeding program in 1981 after a breeder found a cat fitting the breed’s profile in Singapore. The name of the breed comes from the Malayan word for Singapore.
2. They Were Accepted by TICA for Competition in 1979
The TICA accepted the Singapura Cat for registration for championship competition in 1981 and the breed was accepted by the CFA the following year. In 1988, the Singapura Cat was granted championship status.
3. Their Origins Have Caused Controversy
Although they are officially known to have come from Singapore, this is a subject that has caused controversy as the original cats used for breeding may have originated in the United States. Cat breeder Jerry Mayes was visiting Singapore on a cat finding trip in 1987. While he was there, he came across the documentation relating to the three cats originally used for the foundation of the Singapura Cat breed. He learned that the three cats had originated in the United States and were only taken to Singapore in 1974. As the cats had been born in the United States, lived in Singapore, and then returned to the United States to found the breed, there was controversy around the fact that the breed should be classified as having originated in the United States.
4. They Can Weigh as Little as Four Pounds
This is one of the smallest cat breeds and a healthy adult female can weigh as little as four pounds. A healthy male cat will usually weigh around six pounds. Heavier examples of the Singapura Cat can weigh up to eight pounds.
5. Cats with a Recessive Gene Are a Single Color
Most Singapura Cats have a tabby patternation to their coats and this is usually in two colors. However, if a recessive gene is present, the coat will be a single color. Breeders have attempted to eliminate the recessive gene from the breeding pool to prevent the birth of single colored Singapura Cats. They discovered that two of the three cats originally used for breeding were carriers of this recessive gene.
6. They Like High Perches
A quirky feature of this cat’s personality is that it likes to be in high places, so owner should get a high cat perch for them. This is because the Singapura cat likes to have a good view of everything that is going on around them.
7. It is the Mascot Cat of Singapore
The Singaporeans are extremely proud of this cat and have even chosen it as the mascot for the country. It was selected by the Singapore Tourist and Promotion Board.
8. They Need Little Grooming
One of the benefits of choosing this cat is that they need very little grooming and do not shed a lot of hair. Brushing once or twice a month is sufficient and you do not need to bathe these cats. Generally, they will self-groom to an adequate standard with very little effort required on the part of the owner.
9. There Are Some Health Conditions Associated with This Breed
Like most cat breeds, there are some health conditions with which this cat is associated. The most serious problem with which they can suffer is pyruvate kinase deficiency. This is a genetic disease where cats have a deficiency in producing an enzyme that supports red blood cell energy metabolism and can lead to hemolytic anemia.
10. They Are Sociable Cats
People often choose this cat breed because of their pleasant nature. The Singapura Cat is known as a sociable creature that enjoys the company of humans and other animals. They are loyal to their owners and love being stroked affectionately.
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