## The smallest cat in the world

The **Singapura** is officially the **smallest cat breed** recognized:
- **Adult weight: 2-3 kg** (females), 2.5-3.5 kg (males).

**Comparison**:
- Maine Coon: 6-10 kg (3x larger).
- Average domestic: 4-5 kg.

**Characteristics**:
- "Ticked" coat.
- Large ears.
- Delicate appearance.

**History**: controversial.

Let’s take a look at this special breed.

## The history: fantastic or true?

### Official version

**1975**:
- Hal and Tommy Meadow find stray cats in **Singapore**.
- Small, "ticked".
- Bring them back to the USA.
- Develop the Singapura breed.

**Recognition**:
- 1988: CFA.

### The controversy

**Recent discoveries**:
- The Meadows had brought cats to Singapore (not the other way around).
- The breed may have been "created" and then "discovered" in the wild.

**Truth**: probably:
- Similar Singaporean stray cats.
- Developed in the USA through crossbreeding.

**Official recognition**:
- 1991: Singapore adopts as the "national cat" (tourism).

## Physical characteristics

**Size**: **mini**.

**Weight**:
- Males: 2.5-3.5 kg.
- Females: 2-3 kg.

**Body**:
- Compact, athletic.
- Muscular for its size.

**Head**:
- Round.
- Strong chin.

**Eyes**:
- **Large**, oval.
- **Green or yellow**.

**Ears**:
- **Large**, spaced apart.

**Coat**:
- **Short, fine**.
- **"Ticked"** (each hair has bands).
- **Ivory** color with brown ticking shades.

**Life expectancy**: 12-15 years.

## The "ticked" of the Singapura

**Unique feature**:
- Each hair has **light and dark bands**.
- "Sand" effect.
- Similar to **Abyssinian** but lighter.

**Main color**:
- "**Sepia agouti**" (ivory with brown bands).

## The character

### Typical aspects

**Affectionate**:
- "Cat-like dog".
- Always close to its owner.

**Lively**:
- Energetic.
- Playful even as an adult.

**Social**:
- Suitable for families.
- Good with other animals.

**Curious**:
- Explores.

**Moderately vocal**:
- Sweet voice.

**Intelligent**:
- Learns tricks.

## Care

### Coat

**Very easy care**:
- Weekly brushing.

### Nutrition

**Quality food**:
- Small quantities (small size).

### Exercise

**Moderate**:
- 30-45 min/day.
- Mental stimulation.

### Health

**Predispositions**:
- **Pyruvate kinase deficiency** (genetic): DNA test.
- **Dystocia** (difficult birth due to small size of the cat).

**Serious breeders**: test.

**Expectation**: 12-15 years.

## The cost

**Purchase**:
- Registered breeder: 1,500-3,000 €.
- **Rare breed**.
- Often imported.

**Year 1**:
- Vaccinations, sterilization, kit: 500-700 €.

**Annual**:
- Quality food: 300-400 € (small cat).
- Veterinarian: 200-400 €.
- Total: 500-800 €.

**Total life cost**: 8,000-15,000 €.

## The relationship with others

**With other cats**:
- Social.

**With dogs**:
- Possible if the dog is balanced.

**With children**:
- Excellent.

**Notes**:
- Small dog, caution with very small children (may be injured).

## The Singapura is perfect for...

**Suitable** for:
- Apartment living.
- Families with time.
- People who love small cats.
- Seniors (manageable small cat).

**Not suitable** for:
- Families with energetic small children.
- Those looking for a "large" cat.
- Very cold climates without heating (small cat, loses heat).

## Similar breeds

**Abyssinian**:
- Same "ticked" coat.
- Larger.
- More active.

**Burmese**:
- Larger.
- Similar character.

**Devon Rex**:
- Similar "cat-like dog" character.
- Curly fur.

## The breed in Italy

**Availability**:
- **Very rare**.
- Few breeders.
- Often imported.

**Alternatives**:
- Abyssinian (more available).

## Typical stories

**Positive story**:
- An adult couple adopts a Singapura.
- Adorable breed.
- 13 years of "mini" companionship.

**Typical story**:
- Difficult to find them.
- Long waiting lists.

## Myths to debunk

**Myth 1**: "Singapura is a cat from Singapore".
**Partially false**: complex history.

**Myth 2**: "Fragile due to small size".
**Variable**: generally robust.

**Myth 3**: "Only for experts".
**False**: suitable for almost everyone.

## The truth

The **Singapura** is a **fascinating breed**:

✅ **Smallest recognized cat**.

✅ **"Cat-like dog" character**.

✅ **Suitable for apartment living**.

✅ **Generally good health**.

❌ **Rare in Italy**.

❌ **Cost of import**.

❌ **Controversial history**.

**Investment**: 1,500-3,000 € + possible expenses.

**Benefit**: 12-15 years of "mini" companionship.

If you are looking for:
- A small cat (truly small).
- A unique "ticked" coat.
- A social character.
- A unique breed.

The Singapura could be your choice.

And remember: behind the small size, there is a **loving and intelligent cat-like dog**. Treat it with the respect that its unique breed deserves.

Singapore, USA, your home: an adventurous story for a magnificent cat.