Singapura cat breed: facts, temperament and care
One of the smallest cat breeds, with a short ticked sepia coat, big eyes and ears, and an outgoing, curious nature.
Also known as Singapura cat, Singapore cat, Drain cat, Kucinta
Quick facts
| Origin | Singapore, developed in the United States |
|---|---|
| Size | Small |
| Typical weight | 4-7 lb (1.8-3.2 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short |
| Coat | Very short, fine, close-lying coat with ticked bands |
| Colours and patterns | One colour only, sepia agouti: dark brown ticking on a warm old ivory ground |
Recognition
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1988 |
|---|---|
| How common | Rare |
Temperament and care (1 low, 5 high)
| Affection | 4 |
|---|---|
| Energy | 4 |
| Playfulness | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 1 |
| Shedding | 1 |
| Good with children | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 |
| Happy alone | 2 |
| Trainability | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 5 |
Best suited to
| Suits | A household that wants a tiny, lively, people-loving cat in a small home, and is happy to wait for a kitten. |
|---|---|
| Less suited to | Anyone out for long hours, anyone who wants a large lap cat, or a home with rough handling. |
Registries that recognise it
- CFA
- TICA
- FIFe
- GCCF
Health conditions to watch
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency
- Uterine inertia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
About the Singapura
The Singapura is a very small cat with a very short coat, large eyes and large ears. The breed was built in the United States in the 1970s from cats said to have come from the streets of Singapore, where the local name is Kucinta. The story of the original three cats has been disputed. Records later showed that cats of the foundation line had been taken from the US to Singapore, and then brought back, but the CFA investigated and concluded that the breed should stay as a natural breed. Another cat was imported from Singapore in 1981.
The TICA accepted the breed for championship in 1979, and the CFA did so in 1988. Its coat comes in only one colour, sepia agouti, in which every hair carries dark ticking on a warm ivory ground.
Temperament and living with one
Singapuras are curious, playful, affectionate and active into adulthood. They are people-oriented, follow their owners, climb shelves and investigate every drawer. They are normally quiet but can be surprisingly loud when they speak. A Singapura may take time to adjust to change, so introduce new homes or pets slowly. They enjoy company and usually do well with other pets and gentle children, although a cat this size should not be handled roughly.
Care: coat, food and play
The coat sheds very little, and a weekly comb or rub with a soft cloth is enough. Teeth and nails need the usual care. The main job is entertainment: offer climbing trees, window perches, puzzle feeders and several play sessions a day. Because of its size, a Singapura needs little food and weight is easy to gain, so measure meals and ask your vet for advice on portions.
Health
Few health problems have been recorded. Pyruvate kinase deficiency, an inherited blood disorder, can be tested for, and breeders test parents. Uterine inertia, a weakness of the womb muscles that can make caesarean sections necessary, has been seen in the breed. Progressive retinal atrophy, which can cause blindness, may appear in some lines. The gene pool is small, so ask any breeder about testing and about the parents. Your vet can help with a check-up plan.
Is it right for you?
A Singapura fits a small home and a family that can give it attention. It is rare, so expect a wait for a kitten. If you want a similar active small cat with more availability, look at the Burmese or the Abyssinian.
Profile last reviewed November 7, 2026