17+ SMALL SIZE CAT BREEDS YOU WILL ADORE!
Are you wondering which small size cat breeds exist? Small sized cats are adorable and easier to manage in a household. Everyone like kittens, and everyone wishes kittens would stay the same forever.
But cats grow up and become beautiful in so many other ways. However, for those who love the cuddly kitten stage, many cat breeds do not grow a lot, and some will continue to look etenal kittens.
Below are some of the best small size cat breeds.
WHAT IS MEANT BY SMALL-SIZED CATS?
When referring to a small-sized cat, it typically means a cat that weighs less than 10 pounds (4.5 kg) and has a petite body frame. However, the definition of a small-sized cat can vary depending on the breed, as some breeds tend to be smaller than others.
For example, a Siamese cat can be considered small even if it weighs more than 10 pounds, while a Maine Coon, which is a larger breed, can still be considered small if it weighs less than 10 pounds.
Generally, smaller cat breeds tend to have a more delicate bone structure, shorter legs, and a more slender body shape. However, it’s important to note that there can be a lot of variation within a breed, and even cats of the same breed can have different sizes and shapes.
WHAT ARE MINIATURE, DWARF, AND TEACUP CATS?
Many breeds are considered small-sized, but a few particular cases of cats are special and exceptionally small. Those are genuinely “mini-cats” or miniature.
Those are:
- Dwarf cat breeds
- Teacup Breeds
- Miniature cats
MINIATURE CATS
The term “miniature cat” is not a specific breed of cat but rather a general term that can refer to a cat that is small in size or a breed of cat that is selectively bred to be smaller than average.
Some breeders will use the term “miniature” to describe cats smaller than the breed standard or selectively breed cats smaller than their breed’s average size. However, it’s important to note that this type of breeding can come with health risks and should only be done responsibly with the cat’s well-being in mind.
DWARF CAT BREEDS
A dwarf cat breed is a type of cat that has been selectively bred to be smaller in size than other cats. These cats have a genetic mutation that results in their short legs, and they are known for their unique appearance.
Two of the most well-known dwarf cat breeds are the Munchkin and the Dwelf. The Munchkin is a breed with short legs and a long body, while the Dwelf is a breed that is a cross between the Munchkin, the Sphynx, and the American Curl and has short legs, no fur, and curled ears.
There is some controversy surrounding the breeding of dwarf cat breeds, as some people believe that it is unethical to breed cats with genetic mutations that can cause health problems.
TEACUP CATS
The term “teacup cat” is not a recognized cat breed by any major cat registry, and there is no standardized definition for what constitutes a teacup cat. However, the term “teacup” generally refers to an exceptionally small cat.
To produce cats that are marketed as teacup cats, some breeders may selectively breed cats that are already smaller than average or may breed cats with dwarfism or other genetic mutations that result in a smaller size.
However, breeding for extreme sizes can come with health risks, and many responsible breeders choose not to participate in this type of breeding.
SMALL SIZE CAT BREEDS
Taking into consideration the miniature cats, dwarf cats, and teacup cats, along with other cat breeds, here is a comprehensive list of small-size cats to choose from:
1. BAMBINO
The Bambino is a relatively new and rare breed of cat that was first developed in the early 2000s. It is a cross between a Sphynx and a Munchkin, resulting in a cat with short legs, no fur, and a distinctive appearance.
Bambinos are generally small to medium-sized cats with a sturdy, muscular build. They have short, stocky legs and long bodies and weigh between 4 and 9 pounds on average. Bambinos are known for their outgoing, affectionate personalities and love to be around people.
They require special care to maintain their skin health as a hairless breed. As a result, they may be more prone to sunburn and skin infections and should be kept indoors or in a protected outdoor area.
Bambinos are also known for their energetic and playful nature, requiring regular exercise and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.
2. DWELF
The Dwelf is a rare and unique breed of cat that was first developed in the early 2000s. It is a cross between a Sphynx, an American Curl, and a Munchkin, resulting in a cat with short legs, no fur, curled ears, and a distinctive appearance.
Dwelfs are generally small to medium-sized cats with muscular and compact bodies. They typically weigh between 5-8 pounds on average. As a hairless breed, Dwelfs require special care to maintain their skin health, including regular baths and moisturizing to prevent dryness and sunburn.
They are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities and their love for attention and affection from their owners. They are also playful and energetic and enjoy interactive playtime with their owners.
In addition to their unique appearance, Dwelfs are also known for their intelligence and trainability. They can be trained to do tricks and to walk on a leash, making them an excellent choice for owners who enjoy training and interacting with their pets.
3. NAPOLEON (MINUET CAT)
The Napoleon cat, also known as the Minuet cat, is a relatively new and rare breed that was developed by breeding a Munchkin cat with a Persian or an Exotic Shorthair cat. The breed was first recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 2015.
Napoleon cats are small to medium-sized cats with rounded, cobby bodies and short legs. They weigh between 5-9 pounds on average and have a short, plush coat that can come in various colors and patterns.
Napoleon cats are known for their affectionate and playful personalities. They are social and enjoy the company of humans, and other pets, often described as lap cats. They are also intelligent and curious and enjoy playing with toys and exploring their environment.
Due to their short legs, Napoleon cats may have difficulty jumping or climbing as high as other cats, but they can still easily navigate their surroundings.
They require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and free from matting, and they should also receive regular veterinary checkups to maintain their overall health and well-being.
4. SKOOKUM
The Skookum cat is a relatively new and rare breed that was first developed in the early 1990s in the United States. It is a cross between a Munchkin cat and a LaPerm cat, resulting in a cat with short legs, curly fur, and a distinctive appearance.
Skookum cats are generally small to medium-sized, weighing between 5-10 pounds on average. They have a muscular, compact body with short, stocky legs and a thick, curly coat.
The coat can come in various colors and patterns, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Skookum cats are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities and their love for attention and affection from their owners. They are playful and energetic and enjoy interactive playtime with their owners.
They are also known for their intelligence and trainability, and they can be trained to do tricks and walk on a leash.
5. KINKALOW
The Kinkalow cat is a relatively new and rare breed that was first developed in the early 2000s by crossing a Munchkin cat with an American Curl. The resulting breed has short legs and curled ears, giving them a unique and distinctive appearance.
Kinkalow cats are small to medium-sized cats, weighing between 4-8 pounds on average. They have a compact, muscular body with short legs and round heads. In addition, they have a short, plush coat that can come in various colors and patterns.
Kinkalow cats are known for their playful and affectionate personalities. They enjoy attention and affection from their owners and are often described as lap cats. They are also intelligent and curious, and enjoy playing with toys and exploring their environment.
6. LAMBKIN
The Lambkin cat is a relatively new and rare breed that was first developed in the United States in the early 2000s. It is a cross between a Munchkin cat and a Selkirk Rex cat, resulting in a cat with short legs and curly or wavy fur.
Lambkin cats are small to medium-sized cats, weighing between 5-9 pounds on average. They have a compact, muscular body with short legs and round heads. They have a soft, curly, or wavy coat that can come in various colors and patterns.
Lambkin cats are known for their affectionate and playful personalities. They are social cats that enjoy attention and interaction with their owners and can be very vocal and talkative.
They are also intelligent and curious and enjoy playing with toys and exploring their environment.
7. GENETTA
The Genetta cat is a relatively new and rare breed that was first developed in the early 2000s by crossing a Bengal cat with a Munchkin cat and, later, a Savannah cat. The result is a cat with a unique, muscular build, short legs, and distinctive facial features.
Genetta cats are small to medium-sized cats, weighing an average between 4-8 pounds. They have a compact, muscular bodies, short legs, wedge-shaped heads, and large ears.
They have a short, spotted coats that can come in various colors and patterns, similar to a Bengal cat.
Genetta cats are known for their playful and affectionate personalities. They are social cats that enjoy attention and interaction with their owners and can be very active and energetic. They are also intelligent and curious and enjoy playing with toys and exploring their environment.
8. MINSKIN
The Minskin is a relatively new and rare breed of cat that was first developed in 1998 by breeding a Sphynx cat with a Munchkin cat and, later, a Devon Rex. The result is a cat with short legs, little to no fur, and a unique appearance.
Minskin cats are small to medium-sized cats, weighing between 4-8 pounds on average. They have compact, muscular bodies with short legs and round heads. Their coat can range from completely hairless to having a short, soft coat that can come in various colors and patterns.
Minskin cats are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are social cats that enjoy attention and interaction with their owners and can be very playful and curious. They are also intelligent and trainable and can be taught to do tricks or walk on a leash.
9. MANX
The Manx is a cat breed that is known for its unique appearance, particularly its lack of a tail or a very short tail. This is due to a naturally occurring genetic mutation that affects the length of the tail.
The breed is thought to have originated on the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea and has been recognized as a distinct breed for several hundred years.
Manx cats are medium-sized cats, typically weighing between 8-12 pounds. They have a muscular build, a round head, and large, round eyes. They come in various colors and patterns and may have a completely tailless or partially tailed appearance.
Manx cats are known for their playful and affectionate personalities. They are social cats that enjoy attention and interaction with their owners and can be very active and energetic.
Because of their unique genetic mutation, Manx cats may be prone to specific health problems related to their spine and hindquarters.
10. PETERBALD
The Peterbald is a breed of cat that was first developed in Russia in the late 1990s. They are a relatively new breed, and they are known for their unique appearance and their lack of fur. They are a hybrid breed that was created by crossing a Russian Donskoy cat with an Oriental Shorthair.
Peterbald cats are medium-sized cats, typically weighing between 6-10 pounds. They have long, sleek bodies, narrow heads, and large, pointed ears. They can be either completely hairless or may have a short, fine coat that comes in various colors and patterns.
Peterbald cats are known for their intelligent and curious personalities. They are social cats that enjoy attention and interaction with their owners and can be very playful and active.
11. MUNCHKIN
The Munchkin is a cat breed known for its short legs caused by a naturally occurring genetic mutation. The breed was first discovered in the United States in the 1990s and has since become a popular and recognized breed.
Munchkin cats are small to medium-sized cats, typically weighing between 5-9 pounds. They have long bodies, rounded heads with large, expressive eyes, and short legs that give them a distinctive appearance. They come in various colors and patterns and may have either short or long hair.
Munchkin cats are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities.
Due to their unique body structure, Munchkin cats may be prone to specific health issues related to their joints and spine. But, overall, Munchkin cats are a unique and adorable breed that can make great pets for those who are willing to provide them with the care and attention they need.
12. TOYGER
The Toyger is a relatively new and rare breed of domestic cat that was developed in the United States in the 1980s. The breed was created to resemble a miniature tiger, and as such, they have a unique and striking appearance.
Toyger cats are medium-sized cats, typically weighing between 7-15 pounds. They have muscular bodies with long, lean tails, and their most distinctive feature is their coat, which is patterned to resemble the coat of a wild tiger.
Their short, soft, and thick coats may come in various colors, including orange, black, and brown.
Toyger cats are known for their affectionate and playful personalities. They are intelligent and curious and enjoy playing with toys and interacting with their owners. They are also social cats that enjoy the attention and may become vocal when they want to be petted or played with.
Because of their relatively recent development, Toyger cats are still quite rare and may be challenging to find. However, they require regular grooming to maintain their coat, and they should be fed a balanced diet to maintain their overall health and well-being.
13. DEVON REX
The Devon Rex is a breed of cat known for its unique appearance and playful personality. The breed originated in England in the 1950s when a kitten with curly fur was discovered in a litter of feral cats in Devon.
Devon Rex cats are small to medium-sized cats, typically weighing between 6-9 pounds. They have slender bodies with long legs, and their most distinctive feature is their curly coat, which is soft, fine, and short. Their coat comes in various colors and patterns and may feel warm to the touch.
Devon Rex cats are known for their affectionate and playful personalities.
Because of their unique coat, Devon Rex cats require regular grooming to maintain their fur and prevent matting. Overall, the Devon Rex is a unique and loving breed of cat that can make a great companion for those who appreciate their distinctive appearance and playful personality.
14. CORNISH REX
The Cornish Rex is a breed of cat known for its unique appearance and playful personality. The breed originated in England in the 1950s when a kitten with curly fur was discovered in a litter of feral cats in Cornwall.
Cornish Rex cats are small to medium-sized cats, typically weighing between 6-10 pounds. They have slender bodies with long legs, and their most distinctive feature is their curly coat, which is soft, fine, and short. Their coat comes in various colors and patterns, and they may feel warm to the touch.
Cornish Rex cats are known for their affectionate and playful personalities.
15. SPHYNX
The Sphynx cat is a breed of cat known for its unique appearance, hairlessness, and outgoing personality. The breed originated in Canada in the 1960s when a hairless kitten was born in a litter of domestic shorthair cats.
Sphynx cats are medium-sized cats, typically weighing between 6-12 pounds. They have a muscular, athletic build, with a wedge-shaped head, large ears, and a long, slender tail.
They are known for their hairlessness, although some individuals may have a light coat of fur or small patches of hair on their bodies. Their skin is soft and wrinkled and may have a suede-like texture.
Sphynx cats are known for their affectionate and outgoing personalities. They are social cats that enjoy interacting with their owners and may even follow them around the house.
They are also intelligent and curious and may get into mischief if they are not given enough mental and physical stimulation. Sphynx cats are also known for their love of warmth, and they may seek out sunny spots or cozy blankets to curl up in.
Because of their hairlessness, Sphynx cats require regular grooming to maintain their skin and prevent skin problems.
16. BURMILLA
The Burmilla is a medium-sized breed of cat that was created by accident in the UK in the 1980s when a Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian were accidentally bred together. The resulting kittens were so appealing that a breeding program was started to develop the breed.
Burmilla cats typically weigh between 6-12 pounds, with females being smaller than males. They have short, dense coats in various colors, including black, blue, chocolate, lilac, and red. The coat has a shimmering silver undercoat, making it distinctive.
Burmilla cats are known for their affectionate, and they are also playful and energetic and enjoy playing with toys and exploring their environment.
Because of their social nature, Burmilla cats do not do well when left alone for long periods of time. Therefore, they are best suited to homes with someone around during the day to give them attention and playtime.
17. BALINESE CAT
The Balinese is a breed of cat that is closely related to the Siamese. They are known for their sleek, elegant appearance and affectionate, outgoing personalities.
Balinese cats are medium-sized, typically weighing between 5-10 pounds. They have long, slim bodies, long legs, and graceful tails. They have a short, fine coat that is soft to the touch and comes in various colors, including seal point, chocolate point, blue point, and lilac point.
Like Siamese cats, Balinese cats are known for their intelligence and vocal nature. In addition, they are social cats enjoying spending time with their owners and are often described as loyal and affectionate.
18. BURMESE
The Burmese cats are known for their friendly, affectionate personality and striking appearance. They are a medium-sized breed that typically weighs between 8-12 pounds.
Burmese cats have a sleek, muscular body with short, shiny coats that come in various colors, including brown, blue, chocolate, lilac, and red. They have a rounded head, large, expressive eyes, and short, rounded ears.
Burmese cats are known for their outgoing and affectionate personalities. They are social cats that enjoy spending time with their owners and are often described as being dog-like in their behavior.
19. SINGAPURA
The Singapura is a small breed of cat that is known for its curious and affectionate personality. They typically weigh between 4-8 pounds, making them one of the smallest cat breeds.
Singapura cats have a distinctive appearance, with large ears and big, expressive eyes that give them a perpetually surprised expression. Their short, fine coat comes in a sepia-toned ticked tabby pattern, which gives them a sandy or beige appearance.
Despite their small size, Singapura cats are energetic, playful, curious, and intelligent. They are known for their outgoing and affectionate personalities and often bond strongly with their owners. They enjoy interactive play, such as fetch, and are quick learners, which makes them easy to train.
Singapura cats are generally healthy, with a lifespan of around 11-15 years. However, they can be prone to some health issues, such as periodontal disease and bladder stones, so regular veterinary checkups are essential.
Overall, the Singapura is a charming and affectionate cat that makes an excellent pet for those looking for a small, playful, intelligent feline companion.
