Cat breed guide

Singapura

Tiny, curious, and quietly affectionate

Quick answer: The Singapura is one of the smallest cat breeds, known for its big eyes, short sepia-toned coat, and curious, people-focused personality.

Very small Curious Affectionate Big eyes People-oriented
Researched Fact-checked Updated Jan 2026
Singapura cat with large eyes and short sepia coat

Personality Traits

Playfulness 4/5
Affection level 4/5
Activity level 3/5
Friendliness 4/5
Intelligence 4/5

Quick Facts

Size
small
Weight
4–8 lb (about 1.8–3.6 kg)
Lifespan
11–15 years
Origin
Singapore
Coat
Short, fine, close-lying
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low

Overview

The Singapura may be tiny, but it has a big personality. Curious and observant, they like to be involved in daily life without being loud or demanding. If you want a small cat that stays close and quietly follows you around, the Singapura is a great fit.

Personality & Temperament

Very affectionate

Usually enjoys cuddles and being near people.

Playful & curious

Likes interactive toys and learning games.

Medium energy

Adapts well to most households.

Smart & trainable

Learns routines fast; puzzle toys help a lot.

Personality in real life

Singapuras are curious and alert.

They enjoy affection and often choose a favorite person.

They like to be near their people but are not overly demanding.

They are playful in gentle, frequent bursts.

Many prefer warm laps and cozy spots.

History

The Singapura is associated with cats found in Singapore during the mid-20th century.

Small, short-haired cats with sepia coats were noticed and later introduced to breeding programs outside Asia.

Breeders worked to preserve the compact size, large eyes, and gentle personality.

Today, the Singapura is known as a rare breed and is often described as one of the smallest domestic cats.

Appearance

Very small, compact body.

Large, expressive eyes that give a wide-eyed look.

Short, fine coat with a warm sepia tone.

Slim legs and delicate paws.

Overall look is petite, alert, and elegant.

Is a Singapura right for you?

Good fit if:

  • You want a small, gentle cat.
  • You enjoy a quiet but people-focused companion.
  • You live in an apartment or smaller space.
  • You want an easy-care coat.

Not ideal if:

  • You want a very active or high-energy cat.
  • You prefer a very independent breed.
  • You want a loud, talkative pet.

Daily life with a Singapura

Energy level

Low to moderate. Enjoys gentle play and lots of rest.

Noise level

Quiet. Rarely vocal.

Attention needs

Affectionate and attentive, but not demanding.

Grooming

Very easy. Occasional brushing is enough.

Things to Know Before Adopting

  • Can be shy around strangers at first.
  • Very small size makes them more delicate.
  • Not ideal for rough play with very young children.
  • Rare breed, so finding one can take time.

Interesting Facts

Fact 1 of 4

Often called the smallest cat breed in the world.

Reviewed Researched by CatsLib Team Regularly updated
C

CatsLib Team

Editorial & Research Team

CatsLib content is written and reviewed by our editorial team. We focus on clear, practical guidance for cat owners and regularly update articles when recommendations change.

About our editorial process
Plain-language
Source-backed
Regularly updated
Sources & References (2)

All information on CatsLib is backed by reputable sources. We regularly review and update our content to ensure accuracy.

1
Singapura – Wikipedia
Last checked: Jan 20, 2026
en.wikipedia.org
2
Singapura – CFA Breed Profile
Last checked: Jan 20, 2026
cfa.org

Our editorial process: Every article is reviewed by veterinarians and feline behavior experts. We cross-reference multiple sources and update content regularly to maintain accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the most common questions about this topic

1
What is a Singapura cat?

The Singapura is a very small cat breed known for its big eyes, short coat, and affectionate personality.

2
Are Singapura cats friendly?

Yes. They are typically gentle, affectionate, and enjoy close contact with their people.

3
Are Singapura cats rare?

Yes. They are considered a rare breed, especially outside Asia.

4
Do Singapura cats shed a lot?

No. Their short coat sheds lightly and is easy to maintain.

5
How big do Singapura cats get?

They are one of the smallest breeds, usually weighing between 4–8 lb (about 1.8–3.6 kg).

Still have questions? We're here to help!