It will not be difficult to get to know a Singaporean cat, because this representative of the cat family has three distinctive characteristics: large eyes and ears, small size, and an amazing color - sepia, which gives the impression that the animal has left the 19th century photograph.
Historical reference
Even professional breeders still cannot unambiguously answer the question of which country is the birthplace of cats of the Singapore breed: the USA or the city-state of Singapore. Judging by the name, the answer is quite obvious. However, in reality, everything is much more complicated. The Singaporean baby in Asia has other names: “sewage canal child” or “love cat”. Isn't that contradictory? The origin of the breed is to blame.
On the island of Singapore, miniature cats have always been enough, crowds of stray animals huddled in canals and downspouts. After the reconstruction of the sewer system, the population of stray animals decreased markedly and, probably, with time, fluffy babies would completely disappear, but a happy accident intervened. In 1975, an American tourist named Midow was fascinated by these unusual cats and sent four of his friends (three cats and one cat) to his girlfriend in the USA. At that time, breeders were very interested in dwarf breeds. For the first time, Singapore was presented to the public in 1976 at the exhibition, and a year later it was brought to Europe. Despite this, the breed is still considered one of the rarest and most expensive.
Officially, the international organization for the breeding and breeding of new cat breeds recognized the breed in 1981, and this was confirmed by most associations. In 1990, Singapore became the official symbol of the city-state.
General information
Singaporean cat, or Singapore - the breed is rare, unique and very unusual. Due to its small size (an adult animal looks like a 5-month-old medium sized pedigree cat kitten), it is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest cat in the world. An adult female weighs up to 2 kg on average, and a male weighs 2.5-3 kg.
Not a single photo can convey an amazing color, which seems to be highlighted from the inside. This shade is not found in any other breed. Golden cream coat with a dark brown ticking on the back and head. Add to this the huge almond-shaped eyes and large ears.
Despite its size, Singapore has a strong skeleton, it is a strong and agile animal, easily mastering vertical and horizontal surfaces.
Standard
Singapore is a small to medium sized cat. Animals are distinguished by a squat, strong and muscular body, but at the same time they are not “loose” and not lean. The body, together with the front and hind limbs, forms a square.
The skull of a Singapore cat (photo with the image of an individual's head, see below) has a rounded shape. A distinctive feature - wide and rounded eye sockets. The muzzle of cats is wide and round, moderately elongated, pads for vibrissae are pronounced. The chin of Singapore is developed, with a straight line connects it with the tip of the nose. The smooth noble profile of cats of this breed has rounded lines, and only at eye level is a slight transition visible.
Widely spaced large and wide ears have a deep auricle.
The piercing eyes of the amygdala are wide open, slightly slanting. Only walnut, yellow and green eye shades with a characteristic shine fall under the standard. A significant drawback is small eyes.
Proportional to the body, Singapore limbs are strong and muscular. The legs are oval, miniature and short.
The tail can be described as short, barely reaching the shoulder blades, if you extend it along the body.
Luxurious Singaporean fur, tight-fitting to the body, is her pride. It is short, shiny, soft and silky to the touch. The presence of thick undercoat is a drawback.
The requirements of the standard are very strict, breeders do their best to keep the breed clean. Crossbreeding with cats of other breeds is prohibited. There are not so many cattery of Singapore cats in the USA, to say nothing of Russia, but still they are. For example, Jouet-Couguar, LIMESIN, Vidi Vici, etc.
Disqualification
A serious shortcoming is considered to be gray or cold tone of hair, gray undercoat located close to the skin, invisible tail defects and a straight profile, various shapes of the “necklace”.
Disqualify Singapore at the exhibition can on such grounds:
- A “necklace” closed on the neck and / or “bracelets” on the legs;
- small eyes and / or ears;
- rings on the tail;
- noticeable tail defects;
- White spots;
- blue eyes;
- lack of ticking;
- any color other than true is sepia agouti.
Color options
Only sepia agouti, as well as alternating areas of dark brown color on the undercoat of the shade of the old ivory, falls under the standard. Each hair should have at least two dark areas, alternating with light. And closer to the skin, the coat should be light, and the tip of the coat should be dark. The muzzle, chin, belly and chest, as well as the paws (inner surface) have a light shade. Striping is allowed, but exclusively on the inside of the forelegs and in the area of the knees of the hind limbs. The fur on the paws (between the fingers) should be dark brown. On the face, a pattern is expressed: the lines of dark color diverge from the outer corner of the eyes and eyebrows, as well as from the inner corner along the nose. Because of this, the cat resembles a domestic cheetah. The stroke of the lips, eyes, exit points of the vibrissae and nose is dark brown. The nose is a salmon shade, the intensity of which can vary. Paw pads are brownish pink.
Singapore cat: character
Singapore kittens have a very thin and quiet voice, but this mischievous animal will make itself felt differently: chasing a ball along the corridor, climbing the curtains, jumping to heights or climbing onto the owner’s shoulder. Singapore also retains its playfulness in adulthood.
Representatives of the breed are very fond of people and are not afraid to meet with them. They feel great on the owner’s lap and will surely climb under the covers on cold winter evenings. Infinitely loving a person, they will share absolutely everything with him: cooking, walking, sleeping, watching TV and even a long trip. This is a real and gentle friend who, despite his innate natural independence, will always support the sad owner. And they are skilled seducers, real masters. Believe me, when Singapore looks at you with its huge and adoring eyes, you cannot refuse her anything.
Singaporeans are not cats that walk on their own, they will prefer a society of people to everything else. Therefore, being alone for a long time, they are very bored and homesick. Other pets will help them pass the clock.
Relationships with children and other pets
Singapore cats are completely devoid of aggression. A playful and smart kitten will become a wonderful companion for your child, provided that you instill a love for animals in your child. Partnerships are the most important thing. Singapore will be selflessly frolic, mastering new tricks and tricks. And cats of this breed are very happy when there are other pets in the house: cats, dogs, etc. They get along well with other animals, because they prefer a big company, rather than loneliness.
Health
Singaporean cats are in good health, they do not have diseases that are peculiar only to their breed. The only thing they need to be protected from is hypothermia. Singaporeans have thin and short hair, deprived of a thick undercoat (this is understandable, because their ancestors lived in tropical countries), so they need additional protection in the cold. In the house, the cat will always choose the warmest place: near the battery, behind the TV, on the laptop or under your blanket.
Care
Owners of Singaporean cats in reviews call one of the main advantages of the breed the simplicity of keeping these animals. And indeed it is. Singapore is unpretentious. They will feel equally good in a large house or small apartment, most importantly - a bowl of water and food, a tray and a loving owner. By purchasing a kitten in the nursery, you are guaranteed to get a fully socialized animal that will not write on the carpet and sharpen its claws on the sofa, but cases of petty hooliganism (in the good sense of the word) are not excluded - the kids are too playful. Kittens adapt to a new home in 1-1.5 weeks.
Singapore, like any other cat, needs to be provided with clean water, food and a tray with fresh filling, as well as a claw brush. Experts recommend combing cats with a special brush 2-3 times a month, timely cutting their nails, washing as the coat becomes dirty, and keeping ears, nose and eyes clean.
A Singaporean cat bred in the USA is considered the smallest among domestic purebred cats. This muscular, graceful, peppy animal with large bewitching eyes and ears. High standard requirements ensured the breed is clean. Singapore has a noble ivory color with transverse stripes on each hair. By nature, shy, cautious and very sensitive, the Singaporean cat in the family circle becomes affectionate, trusting and very sociable.