Pet Wiki

Singapura

Also called Kucinta, Drain Cat, Kopitiam Cat

A lively, people-loving cat that wants to be in the middle of everything and can be a bit bossy about it.

SizeSmall
Weight1.8 to 3.6 kg (4 to 8 lb)males 2.7 to 3.6 kg, females 1.8 to 2.7 kg123
Lifespan9 to 15 years2
CoatVery short, fine, silky ticked coat
OriginDeveloped in the United States from brown ticked cats brought from Singapore in 1975 (with another import in 1980). The breed's origin story has been debated.123
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
tiny, big-eyed and endearing
outgoing, curious and playful for life
soft voice and easy-care coat
12

Personality what they are like

A lively, people-loving cat that wants to be in the middle of everything and can be a bit bossy about it. It stays playful well into old age, yet it is quiet, with a gentle voice.12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Singapura. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Nail trimevery 3 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • Litter scoopevery day
  • Litter changeevery week
  • PlayDaily playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

very short, fine, silky ticked coat

One of the smallest pedigree cats, but sturdy and muscular rather than fragile, with a squarish outline. The head carries very large, deep-cupped ears and huge almond eyes. The close-lying coat is ticked, so each hair shows bands of dark brown over a warm ivory base.123

Colourssepia agouti only: dark brown ticking on warm old ivoryeyes hazel, green or yellow123

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. Active and inquisitive, so it needs daily play and things to explore.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low. A weekly comb removes loose hair; the coat sheds little, though most Singapuras enjoy being groomed.12

Company who they like around

Very people-oriented and prefers company to long hours alone.1

The story where it all began

Americans Hal and Tommy Meadow brought ticked cats back from Singapore in 1975, and a further female, Chiko, was imported in 1980. The story became controversial when paperwork suggested the first cats had travelled to Singapore from the US in 1974, but CFA reviewed the matter and kept the breed's status. The first Singapura reached the UK in 1988.123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Singapore used the breed as a tourism mascot under the name Kucinta, blending the Malay words for cat and love.3

  2. 2

    It is often described as the smallest cat breed widely accepted by registries.3

  3. 3

    Singapuras keep growing until about two years old.2

  4. 4

    The breed comes in just one colour, sepia agouti.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Singapura' is the Malay name for the Anglicized 'Singapore'. In its homeland, it is also known as 'Kucinta, the Love Cat'.4

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

KopiTikusMataBintangKecikCempakaSariGajahPepperMochiButtonPip

A day in the life told by a Singapura

I wake up and immediately demand attention with a soft mew. I follow my human everywhere, supervising breakfast and helping with chores. I love exploring every corner of the house, especially new boxes or bags. Mid-morning, I find a sunbeam and take a quick nap, but I'm soon up again, batting at a dangling toy. I stay playful all day, even as the sun sets. I curl up on my human's lap while they read, purring gently. At bedtime, I insist on sleeping right next to them, keeping watch through the night.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

CFA
Accepted for registration 1981 (some sources say 1982); championship status 19881
TICA
Registered from 1979; eligible for championship3
GCCF
Section 4, Foreign, Group 12
FIFe
Recognised; appears in FIFe registration statistics3

Popularity 44th of 54 breeds in FIFe kitten registrations (0.04% of the total)3

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
  • Extra water as needed

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Singapura, and at what times?

Feeding schedules vary by age, activity, and food type, so it's best to ask your vet for a plan tailored to your cat. A good breeder can also share their routine. In general, most adult cats do well with two meals a day at set times.

What should a Singapura eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality cat food that meets nutritional standards; your vet can recommend a brand and amount. Dangerous foods include chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. Never give raw meat, eggs, or bones.5

Does a Singapura need baths?

Baths are rarely needed for a Singapura; their short coat stays clean with regular brushing. Only bathe if they get very dirty or sticky, as the ASPCA advises. Most cats prefer to groom themselves.6

How often does a Singapura need brushing?

A weekly comb or brush is enough to remove loose hair, as the breed sheds little. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days. Most Singapuras enjoy being groomed, so it can be a nice bonding time.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Singapura's claws, and how often?

Trim the claws every 21 days as a starting point, but some cats need it every 10 days to two weeks. Use a cat nail trimmer and only cut the white tip, avoiding the pink quick. Go slowly and reward your cat for calm behavior.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Singapura need?

This lively cat needs daily play and exploration to stay happy. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily play sessions. Provide toys, climbing spots, and interactive games to satisfy their high activity needs.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Singapura's teeth and ears?

Brush your Singapura's teeth daily if possible, or at least every two days as a starting plan. For ears, check them weekly and gently wipe with a vet-recommended cleaner if needed. Ask your vet for the best dental and ear care routine. Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Singapura live?

Singapuras typically live between 9 and 15 years, with many staying playful into old age. Regular vet checkups and a loving home help them thrive. Senior care usually starts around age 11.2 Pet Wiki plan

Is a Singapura good with children and other pets?

Yes, this people-loving cat enjoys being in the middle of everything and often gets along well with children and other pets. They are quiet and gentle, but can be a bit bossy. Always supervise introductions to ensure harmony.12

Can a Singapura be left alone?

Singapuras are very people-oriented and prefer company, so they do not like long hours alone. If you must leave, provide plenty of toys and enrichment. Consider a pet sitter or another cat for companionship.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. CFA: Singapura cfa.orgused for history, recognition, body, weight, coat, colour, eyes, temperament, grooming
  2. GCCF: Singapura gccfcats.orgused for history, recognition, weight, lifespan, temperament, grooming
  3. Wikipedia: Singapura cat en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history controversy, recognition, weight, popularity, fun facts
  4. cfa.org cfa.org
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.