Cat breed
The Singapura, or Kucinta in Singapore, is the smallest breed of cat, noted for its large eyes and ears, ticked coat, and blunt tail. Reportedly established from three "drain cats" imported from Singapore in the 1970s, it was later revealed that the cats were originally sent to Singapore from the United States before being exported back to the US. Investigations by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) concluded that no wrongdoing had occurred and the Singapura kept its status as a natural breed.
Appearance: The Singapura is moderately stocky and muscular with a very short and fine coat. The world's smallest cat breed, a full-grown female usually weighs 1.8 kilograms (4.0 lb) while the male weighs 2.7 kilograms (6.0 lb). The large, slightly pointed, and deep cupped ears together with the large almond-shaped eyes are characteristics of the breed. The tail is slender, slightly shorter than the length of the body and has a blunt tip.
The breed's coat pattern is that of a ticked tabby. That is, individual hair strands have alternating sections of dark and light colour, typically two dark bands separated by two light bands, with a dark colour at the tip. The underside, including the chest, muzzle and chin, takes the colour of the light bands. The Singapura is recognized by cat registries in only one colour, the sepia agouti, described as "dark brown ticking on a warm old ivory ground colour".
Health: Of concern to breeders is the condition known as uterine inertia, an inability to expel the foetus due to weak muscles. This condition was present in one of the foundation cats and appears in some Singapura females today. Individuals with uterine inertia may require deliveries to be made by caesarean section. Another issue that affects the breed is pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD), which leads to haemolytic anaemia. Typical symptoms includes lethargy, diarrhoea, lack of appetite, poor coat quality, weight loss and jaundice. A test is available that can determine whether a cat is affected, a carrier, or clear of the disease. Singapuras with PKD can usually live a normal life.
Some breeders have shown concern regarding the lack of genetic diversity in the breed due to inbreeding caused by a small gene pool. Researchers who completed the 2007 DNA study found that the Singapura (along with the Burmese) have the least genetic diversity among the 22 breeds studied. The possibility of outcrossing with another breed to increase the genetic diversity had been raised among CFA breeders, but not many were receptive to the idea, preferring to use Singapuras from around the world that are not so closely related to the CFA line. In April 2013, UK's Governing Council of the Cat Fancy started allowing outcrossing for the breed. Individuals chosen have to meet certain health and appearance requirements.
The Singapura has one of the lowest heterozygosity values.
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