Discover 11 Charming Cat Breeds in Singapore for Your Future Companion

Thinking about getting a little feline companion, but unsure about which breed to choose? According to a study done by Vitale et. al., cats are just as strongly bonded to us as dogs or babies. Also, cats have a wide range of personalities such as being mischievous, insistently vocal or affectionate. 

Find out more in our article about 11 different cat breeds you can find in Singapore. We are certain it will help you with your decision of the breed of your future companion!

1. Bengal

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Bengals look like wildcats but are domesticated house cats. They’re super intelligent and have great agility, which also means they’ll need a lot of toys and play areas. You’ll have to prepare for a lot of mischief at home if they have insufficient physical and mental stimulation!

Height	Male: ~38cm Female: ~35cm
Weight	Male: 3.6 - 6.8kg Female: 3.6 - 5.9kg
Life expectancy	12 - 15 years
Coat	Short, dense
Coat colours/patterns	Colour: Brown, silver Pattern: Rosette/spotted tabby, marble tabby, seal lynx point, seal sepia, seal mink point
Personality traits	Intelligent Playful Confident Sweet
Physical characteristics	Large, triangular shaped head Lengthy legs and large feet Long, muscular body Eye colour: Green, gold

2. British Shorthair

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British Shorthairs are known as the chill cats or the gentle giants. They’re great for new cat parents or the elderly as they don’t need 24/7 attention. Additionally, they’re perfectly fine being alone at home even though they love spending time with their humans.

Height	Male: ~35cm Female: ~30cm
Weight	Male: 4 - 8kg Female: 3.1 - 5.4kg
Life expectancy	15 - 20 years
Coat	Short and dense
Coat colours/patterns	Colours: White, blue, black, cream, red, brown, silver Pattern: Cameo, bluecream, tortoiseshell, torbie, smoke, shaded, tabby
Personality traits	Independent Relaxed Devoted Affectionate
Physical characteristics	Broad and sturdy body Round-faced Eye colour: Copper, green, gold, blue

3. Burmese

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There are 2 kinds of Burmeses — the American and the European. They usually need the company of a human or another pet, but another of the same breed will be preferred. You can teach Burmese tricks, and take them out on walks on a leash, just like a dog! 

Burmese want to be part of everything you do and will make themselves heard. They’re so talkative, you can hear them when you return home or when you’re in the kitchen.

Height	Male: ~25cm Female: ~30cm
Weight	Male: 4 - 5.5kg Female: 3.5 - 4.5kg
Life expectancy	15 - 20 years
Coat	Short and glossy
Coat colours/patterns	American: Sable, platinum, champagne, blue European: Brown, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, brown tortoise, blue tortoise, chocolate tortoise, lilac tortoise
Personality traits	Energetic Friendly Sassy Playful
Physical characteristics	Compact and heavy build Eye colour: Gold, yellow, green, gold American: Big round eyes Broader head Shorter muzzle Thick feet with round pads European: Wedge-shaped head Longer muzzle Slightly slanted eyes Thin feet with oval pads

4. Maine Coon

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Maine Coon cats are dog-like, playful and smart! They’re loyal, very affectionate with their families, like snuggles and love talking to you. They don’t just meow, they also chirp and make trilling sounds when communicating with humans. 

Give them a puzzle toy and they’ll be occupied to no end! They get along with everyone, and though they love the attention, they’re completely happy when left alone. If you’re looking for a sweet tempered furchild, Maine Coon cats might just be the one!

Height	Male: ~40cm Female: ~38cm
Weight	Male: 6.8 - 11.3kg Female: 4.5 - 6.8kg
Life expectancy	9 - 15 years
Coat	Long, double coat
Coat colours/patterns	Colour: White, black, red, blue, cream Pattern: Tabby, bi-colour, parti-colour, shaded, smoke
Personality traits	Sociable Friendly Independent Intelligent
Physical characteristics	Muscular body with wide chest Large paws Large pointy ears Oval-shaped eyes Eye colour: Green, gold, green-cold, copper

5. Persian

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Gentle, relaxed and easy-going, Persians are known to be quiet and sweet tempered. They’re quiet cats that enjoy quiet environments and can become annoyed when there are loud children around. 

Persians are not demanding and are happy to be given regular meals and some playtime. They’re as content as can be if they’re able to watch you as you go about your day!

Height	Male: ~25cm Female: ~20cm
Weight	Male: 3.3 - 4.7kg Female: 2.4 - 3.8kg
Life expectancy	10 - 18 years
Coat	Long haired
Coat colours/patterns	Colour: Black, cream, blue, red Pattern: Tortoiseshell, blue-cream smoke
Personality traits	Gentle Relaxed Shy Lazy
Physical characteristics	Muscular, heavy-boned Short, thick legs with round paws Round face, flat muzzle Large, round eyes Eye colour: Blue, green, blue-green, hazel, copper

6. Ragamuffin

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Ragamuffins are big kitties with big eyes, big bodies and big hearts. They’re beautiful, sweet and easy-going. Best known for their patience for children, they also make excellent companions for the elderly and physically impaired.

Height	Male: ~28cm Female: ~26cm
Weight	Male: 5.4 - 9.1kg Female: 3.6 - 6.8kg
Life expectancy	15 - 18 years
Coat	Long
Coat colours/patterns	Colour: Black, blue, chocolate, cream, fawn, lilac, red, white Pattern: Tortoiseshell, tabby, mink, calico, bi-colour, tuxedo, smoke, point
Personality traits	Sweet Friendly Docile Placid
Physical characteristics	Broad-chested body Short neck Plush coats Eye colour: Blue, green

7. Ragdoll

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Ragdolls are commonly known as puppy cats and are the most dog-like amongst other cats. They have a gentle nature, are very interested in what their humans do and want to help them with everything.

Ragdolls will make superb family pets because they get along with anyone, even dogs, and are extremely patient with children.

Height	Male: ~28cm Female: ~23cm
Weight	Male: 5.4 - 9.1kg Female: 3.6 - 6.8kg
Life expectancy	12 - 15 years
Coat	Soft and silky, semi-long fur
Coat colours/patterns	Colour: Frost, blue, chocolate, seal, red, lilac, bluecream, cream Pattern: Bicolour, points, mitted
Personality traits	Affectionate Obedient Docile Patient
Physical characteristics	Large and muscular White or cream-coloured bodies Points of colour on the face, legs, and tail Eye colour: Blue

8. Russian Blue

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Russian Blues are a balanced mix of being loving and loyal, yet independent and playful at the same time. Even though they’re affectionate to the whole family, they’re often attached to one pet parent of their choice. 

Though they need a lot of time for play, they also need their alone time in a quiet spot. As social as they’re, Russian Blues are innately shy and may hide with strangers present.

Height	Male: ~25cm Female: ~20cm
Weight	Male: 4.5 - 5.4kg Female: 3 - 4.5kg
Life expectancy	15 - 20 years
Coat	Short straight, double-coat, dense
Coat colours/patterns	Colour: Blue, grey
Personality traits	Gentle Loving Shy
Physical characteristics	Slender body with long, slim legs Long, tapering tail Large ears with pointed tips Eye colour: Green

9. Siamese

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Choose a Siamese if you like to spend time having lengthy conversations with your furchildren. Siamese are very talkative and opinionated, they want your full attention and want things done their way. They’ll make sure they’re heard if little or no attention is given!

Height	Male: ~31cm Female: ~31cm
Weight	Male: 4 - 6kg Female: 2.5 - 4.5kg
Life expectancy	11 - 15 years
Coat	Short
Coat colours/patterns	Colour: Pale fawn, ivory Pattern: Seal point, chocolate point, blue point, lilac point, tabby point
Personality traits	Talkative Extroverted Highly intelligent Athletic
Physical characteristics	Slender and muscular body Long, slim legs Triangular shaped head Almond-shaped eyes, with a slight slant Eye colour: Blue

10. Siberian

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Siberian cats have the perfect combination of beauty, agility and playfulness. They don’t just have amazing fur, they’re also lovable and loyal family companions. Even though they have high energy levels like other breeds, they’re typically mellow and quiet.

If you are looking for a cat that purrs only when showing affection to you, Siberians might be a perfect fit!

Height	Male: ~30cm Female: ~25cm
Weight	Male: 6.8 - 9.1kg Female: 5.4 - 6.8kg
Life expectancy	10 - 18 years
Coat	Varies from coarse to soft Moderately long to longhaired triple coat
Coat colours/patterns	Colour: White, black, red, blue, silver Pattern: Smoke, point, calico, tabby, tortoiseshell, bi-colour
Personality traits	Personable Affectionate Friendly Bold
Physical characteristics	Muscular, stocky body Arched back Stocky build Eye colour: Golden, green, copper, blue eyes

11. Singapura Cat

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Singapuras will get along well with you, your family and other animals. They like to be involved in your daily activities, and are the happiest when they’re with their family. 

These little creatures are tiny but are full of character! They’re playful, curious and very affectionate, but are afraid of loud sudden noises. It’s also best not to leave them alone for long periods of time.

Height	Male: ~20cm Female: ~15cm
Weight	Male: 2.7 - 3.6kg Female: 1.8 - 2.7kg
Life expectancy	11 - 15 years
Coat	Short and fine
Coat colours/patterns	Colour: Cream Pattern: Dark brown ticking
Personality traits	Inquisitive Intelligent Frisky
Physical characteristics	Large ears Almond eyes Stocky body Eye colour: Hazel, green, yellow

What Cat Breed Is Suitable For Me?

There are many factors to consider before deciding which cat breed is right for you and your family. 

Here are 5 factors you can consider before bringing your cat home:

1. Are you often home?
Consider how long your cat will have to be alone at home each day as some breeds are very sociable and need human companionship.  

2. Does your home have the appropriate company for your ideal cat?
Some breeds are better with company and some cats prefer to be alone.

3. Find a breed that best matches your energy level.
You’ll need to consider if you prefer an active or a laid back cat. If you like to constantly be around your cat or have playtime every day, then an active cat will fit you. 

4. Do you have the time to maintain your cat’s coat? 
If you don’t have time, a short-haired cat might be more suitable as their coats are rather low maintenance and can be easily brushed. Whereas you’ll have to brush a long-haired cat regularly, and constantly check for knots and mats. 

5. Do you prefer a talkative cat?
Some cats are known for being vocal and can have very loud voices. 

Where To Get A Cat in Singapore

Adopting A Cat 

Adoption fees range between $0 to $250, depending on the cat’s age and the duration they’ve been listed for adoption. 

Here’s a list of cat adoption centres, together with the adoption fees for your consideration. 

Cat Adoption Centre	Adoption Fee	Fee Covers
Animal Lovers League	Free	-
Cat Welfare Society	$40 – $80 (To be confirmed with fosterer)	Depends on fosterer
Causes for Animals Singapore	$100 - $150	Vaccination De-worming Flea and tick treatment Microchipping
Love Kuching Project	$65	-
Mutts & Mittens	$250	Vaccination Sterilisation Microchipping
Project Save Our Street Kittens	Free	Vaccination De-worming and de-fleaing Vet-checked Sterilisation
Purely Adoptions	$100 - $250	Sterilisation
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)	$25 - $200	Vaccination Sterilisation De-worming Microchipping Registration Licensing
The Cat Museum / Kitten Sanctuary	$80 - $150	Vaccination De-worming and de-fleaing Medication Sterilisation

Buying A Cat

There are many pet shops in Singapore you can visit if you prefer to purchase a cat. If you’re concerned about ethical breeding, you can check if the shop is licensed by the Animal Veterinary Services (AVS). 

FAQs About Owning a Cat in Singapore

Are cats allowed in HDB?

No, cats are not allowed in HDB flats. Some cats require more space and prefer to roam around, instead of being cooped up at home. Furthermore, your neighbours might be allergic to cat fur or be disturbed by their loud meowing. 

Should I get a kitten or a cat?

Caring for a kitten can be very different from caring for an adult cat. A cat is no longer a kitten when it turns 1 year old. Kittens require more time for socialisation, and will need more medical attention initially. 

You should consider your lifestyle and how much time, effort and money you’re willing to devote to your furchild.

If you have a busy working family, an adult cat can be a better option. Kittens have endless energy and kitten-proofing your home in case of accidents is a must. 

How much does it cost to own a cat in Singapore?

There are items such as food, sterilisation, microchipping, cat-proofing, vaccinations, and grooming to consider. Some of these costs will be recurring for the entire lifespan of your furchild. 

A preliminary calculation of the initial and yearly recurring costs for the first year will sum up to approximately $3,000. You may want to put aside an emergency fund of $1,000 – $5,000 in case your furchild falls ill.