Singapura
Also called Kucinta, Drain Cat, Kopitiam Cat
From Developed 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
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
CFA gives males 6-7 lb and females 4-5 lb; GCCF gives males 6-8 lb and females 5-6 lb. Wikipedia gives averages of about 2.7 kg (male) and 1.8 kg (female).
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
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
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
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
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Singapura. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
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.4
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.5
How often does a Singapura need brushing?
A weekly comb or brush is enough to remove loose hair, as the breed sheds little. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days. Most Singapuras enjoy being groomed, so it can be a nice bonding time.12 Furry Diary 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.5 Furry Diary plan
How much play does a Singapura need?
This lively cat needs daily play and exploration to stay happy. Furry Diary's plan includes daily play sessions. Provide toys, climbing spots, and interactive games to satisfy their high activity needs.12 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- CFA: Singapura cfa.orgused for history, recognition, body, weight, coat, colour, eyes, temperament, grooming
- GCCF: Singapura gccfcats.orgused for history, recognition, weight, lifespan, temperament, grooming
- Wikipedia: Singapura cat en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history controversy, recognition, weight, popularity, fun facts
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.