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The Scratching Post
Singapura 
The Singapura is said to be listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world?s smallest breed of domestic cat. The Singapura is a smaller than average, shorthaired cat with very large eyes and ears. The head is round with a broad muzzle and a blunt nose. The large ears are slightly pointed and wide open at the base. The eye colors should only be hazel, green or yellow. No other color is permitted. The body is small to medium with a short and thick neck. The paws are small and short. The short tail is slender but not whippy and has a blunt tip. The coat on this breed is very short with a silky texture. Only one coat color, sepia and one pattern, agouti is accepted.
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Temperament
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All who know these feisty little mouse slayers agree that Puras are lively, intelligent and loving. These cats thrive on attention and interactive play. They want to be in the middle of every activity in the household. They learn new tricks easily and love getting into places that they are not suppose to. In order to keep their eye on the action, you can often find them on the tallest perch in the room. They can defy gravity by leaping effortlessly on to the top of the refrigerator or your shoulders. After an afternoon of streaking around the house and dangling from the top of their cat tree, your Pura will find your lap to rest on. This breed gets along well with other cats and cat-friendly dogs, as long as they have been properly introduced. Their favorite playmate will always be their humans. They dislike loud noises so this may not be the best breed for a busy household. They also dislike the cold and prefer to be indoors where it is warm.
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Weight
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Male: 6-7 lbs.; Female: 4-5 lbs.
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Health Problems
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Singapuras are a tough and sturdy breed of cat. They do not have any specific health problems, but of course, do need regular vaccination and worming like all cats.
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Living Conditions
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Keeping your cat indoors, neutering or spaying and providing acceptable surfaces (e.g. scratching posts) for the natural behavior of scratching are essential elements for maintaining a healthy, long and joyful life.
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Exercise
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Singapuras are eternal kittens, prone to mischief and always willing to play.
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Life Expectancy
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About 9-15 years
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Grooming
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Puras require very little grooming since they have a short coat that lies close to the body. Nail clipping and brushing every other week is usually enough.
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Origin
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The Singapura is descended from a type of cat native to Singapore, sometimes referred to as the "drain cat" of Singapore. These small cats with their distinctive appearance and coloring caught the eye of Hal Meadow while he was living in Singapore. The original Singapuras were imported to the United States in the early 1970?s with an additional cat found at the Singapore SPCA and subsequently imported in 1980 by Barbara Gilbertson.
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