Cat Breeds That Stay Small

An average adult cat is 9 to 10 inches in height and weighs about 10 pounds. The world's smallest cat breed is the Singapura; however, there are several other small cat breeds, including the LaPerm, Japanese bobtail, Munchkin, and Minuet. While each of these breeds may be smaller than an average-size cat, they have big personalities and unique features that set them apart from other cat breeds.

The Singapura is the world's smallest cat breed, typically weighing between 4 and 8 pounds. They have big eyes and ears, a normal-size tail, and small feet. Singapuras don't reach their full size until they are almost 2 years old. The Singapura originated in Singapore and was brought to the United States in the 1970s.

Singapuras are intelligent and inquisitive, and they love to be around people. This breed is active and outgoing. They tend to get along well with other cats. Singapuras love to climb and may even sit on your shoulder as you walk around the house. This breed does best in a home where they get a lot of human interaction.

Munchkins look like any other cat except for their short legs. The breed's short legs are a result of a natural genetic mutation. Short-legged cats are not new, but it wasn't until the 1990s that the breed began to be developed. Munchkins are among the small cat breeds, weighing between 5 and 9 pounds when they are fully grown. Munchkins are both short-haired and long-haired. They come in a variety of coat colors and patterns.

Munchkins are curious and like to explore their environment. They are social and tend to do well with other cats, dogs, and children. Their short legs do not slow them down; Munchkins love to run and play.

The result of a natural genetic mutation, LaPerms have a distinctive wavy or curly coat. A LaPerm's coat can range in curliness from wavy to ringlet-type curls. Ringlet-type curls can range from tight ringlets to long, corkscrew curls. While some LaPerms are born bald, most kittens have short, straight, or wavy hair at birth. LaPerms are both short-haired and long-haired, and their coat comes in many colors and patterns.

LaPerms are gentle, affectionate cats and tend to get along well with other household pets and children. These cats are people-oriented and seek out human contact. It is not uncommon for them to reach a paw out and touch their owner's face. LaPerms are inquisitive and always want to know what is going on. They love being near their people and will follow you around the house or curl up next to you on the couch.

Like Munchkins, Minuets have short legs. Minuets typically have a rounded head; big, rounded eyes; and small, rounded ears. The breed began to be developed in the 1990s by crossing a Persian and a Munchkin cat. Minuets can be both long-haired and short-haired. They are gentle, affectionate, and people-oriented. They are also inquisitive and active.

Japanese bobtails are a naturally occurring breed that originated in Japan. While the Japanese bobtail has existed in Japan for at least the past 1,000 years, the first Japanese bobtail didn't arrive in the United States until 1968. The cat's most distinguishing feature is a short tail that has at least one angle, kink, or curve. No two tails are the same within this breed. Japanese bobtails can be either short-haired or long-haired, and their coat comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

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Japanese bobtails are active cats with a lot of energy. They are inquisitive and like interacting with their people. They will often talk back to you if you talk to them. Japanese bobtails are playful, and many enjoy games of fetch with their people. These cats usually travel well. They tend to get along well with other household pets and children.