The Singapura
The Little Lion of Singapore

History

The Singapura cat breed is a natural breed, with the distinction of being the world's smallest cat breed. This little beauty has its roots in Singapore, Malaysia.

The cat's name is the Malay name for Singapore, the smallest city-state in South East Asia. The word Singapore means 'lion city', which has also given rise to the cat being called the 'little lion'.

The Pura originates from feral cats, found in the streets and drains of Singapore. As a result of this they are often named 'Drain or River Cats' - how unflattering for such a beautiful little cat which today is considered the official mascot of Singapore! We much prefer their other nicknames - 'Kucinta, the Love Cat' or as some fondly call them - 'Puras.'

There was some debate, or rather controversy, as to how and when the first Pura arrived in the USA.

Tommy and Hal Meadow were Americans who lived in Singapore in the 1970's. On their return to the USA in 1975, they brought with them three 'drain cats', Ticle, Tess and Pusse, which they aptly named - Singapura.

Later, import documents were found that suggested that the Meadows had in fact brought these cats into Singapore, from the USA, in 1974. When confronted, Tommy Meadow explained that the cats of '75 were in fact the offspring of cats that her husband, Hal had sent back to the USA, in 1971. He had not 'declared' these cats due to possible political or security sensitivities. But all were assured that the cats of '75 were the 'genuine article'.

This explanation was accepted by the CFA, but some cat breeders refuted this. Many believed that these domestic cats were in fact a cross between an Abyssinian cat and Burmese cat which the Meadow family had owned.

In 1980, Sheila Bowers obtained a cat called Chico, from the SPCA in Singapore. This 'drain cat', which resembled the Meadow cats, was returned to the USA to further establish and develop the Singapura cat breed.

Despite the controversy and the rift that developed amongst the cat breeders, the cat breed continued to gain popularity. Whist the cat is still uncommon in the USA and rare in
Europe, it is recognized by most associations
and bred in many countries.

If this cat breed interests you and you need additional cat information and cat facts on these domestic cats:

Singapura Cat - fast facts

Small Cat Breeds - features and characteristics

Return to Types of Cats

Return from Singapura to Cat Breeds Home Page

Cat Pictures Courtesy of :

© Sarah Thexton Photography. www.sarahthextonphotography.com

Java Gino Giolette. Breeder and Owner: Tracy Nairn.of Java Cattery