Mid-nineties of the last century turned to be the years of prosperity for Russian felinology. At this time a breeder, Svetlana Pakharnaeva, brought a male cat of rare breed of the Singapura from America — Alexander the Great — from «Sayang» nursery (Sayang Alexander the Great). Soon a female cat, Muka Kuku, was brought from «USAF» nursery (USAF’s Muka Kuku). It was the time when a new star rose in the sky of our felinology. However, it was a «lonely» star.
Singapura’s character needs to be discussed separately. Experience shows that Singapuras feel most comfortable in the company of other cats, not necessarily of their own breed. Their selfless devotion doesn’t prevent them from getting on well with their congeners. As foreign breeders admit, even male cats are friends with each other; they don’t divide territory and sleep embracing one another in a cozy bed place. Female cats take care of their children together. Singapuras are, in fact, very «family» cats. Kittens do not haste to leave the nest and mother-cats are ready to look after their kids for a long time.
You can not only watch Singapuras’ games, but also take part in them. Just like dogs, they are ready to bring you toys and catch balls. Singapuras are always by your side. They take part in all domestic business, and wardrobe shelves are their favourite place. Their main task is to check what lies where. Singapuras are lively, curious, intellectual — one might even say, too intellectual cats. They know they can do everything better than you. Anything can be turned into a toy. Such playful character remains with them for the rest of their life. In spite of being very joyful, Singapuras are also sensitive to people’s mood. You’ve finished your business, sat in an armchair, and Singapura is again with you. It rolls up into a ball in your laps and, looking in its trusting eyes, full of selfless love and admiration, you forget about troubles.
Singapuras prefer to sleep with comfort, better — under a blanket with their beloved master. No one has ever noticed anything like the, so called, cat bitchiness. If a cat is naughty, it is only to draw its master’s attention. An adult cat never expresses aggression towards a human even if he makes her feel uncomfortable with his actions. The Singapura is not fastidious with eating habits and adores treating itself with vegetables and fruit, not typical of cats. The care of these cats is simple. Their short silky fur is looked after by themselves, but they will be pleased if their master helps them with a special brush. It is necessary to take care of eyes and ears, and also regularly cut their claws. Cat toilet is used very neatly and Singapuras are easily taught to use it. You should also keep in mind that these cats came from a hot island, and our winters are not for them. They possess good health, but it would be better to keep them away from draughts.
The cats of Singapura breed have very unusual appearance. Firstly, the Singapura enters The Guinness World Records Book as the smallest cat breed. They are even called «Thumbelinas of the cat world». Singapura’s appearance is amazing and unique. In order to preserve their individuality, it is prohibited to cross them with other breeds. The most unusual in the Singapuras are their eyes, huge, in proportion to the head, deep and charmingly mysterious. The colouring of a Singapura cat is best described by Marge Jackson: «First IT absorbed the sunshine, melted it in a snow-white cloud and took the colour of warm ivory. This colour was sprinkled with golden sand grains and penetrated with chocolate soil stripes. The colours were neatly mixed into tender pastel. Then IT was given the image of an angel and added with a lavish portion of love and devotion, as well as with sparkles of naughtiness and craftiness. Created in the Heaven and presented to humans, this exquisite posy of refined charm, is called THE SINGAPURA...»
The history of the breed has much unknown yet. It is considered that these cats are direct descendants of aboriginal cats from the Singapore Island, who inhabited water intake wells and basements of the city, that’s why they received the name of «drain-cats». However, it is not so sad now, as the breed has been announced to be the common property of the people. Its export is highly restricted, and on the bank of river Singapore you can even see a monument to the cat Kutzinata, which is believed to be the living talisman of the country.
Owing to Hal & Tommy Meadow’s efforts, the first Singapuras appeared in California in 1975. Generally recognized ancestors of the breed are a male cat Ticle and female cats Tes and Pusse. The work on establishment of the breed had begun. Soon other nurseries appeared in the USA. In 1981, after large work done, the breed was officially accepted. In 1988 the standard for the breed was published by CFA. In 1989 the Singapura appeared in England and, later, in other European countries.
Today, when surfing the net, you can find the Singapura nurseries not only in the «New» and «Old Worlds», but also in faraway Australia and exotic Japan. We do hope that Russia stops being among the lagging ones, and this beautiful — in every respect — breed will take its place in Russian felinology on a par with other favourite breeds.
