We have a nice list of 7 Small Cat Breeds that you can review before adopting. Cats come in all sorts of builds, shapes and sizes. While some of us may be content with an average ten pounder, to larger breeds such as the British Shorthair and various forest cats, there are those of us who simply just love the tinier ones. Perhaps it’s wishful thinking that our kittens just never grew out of their youthful size; if only they could just be all cuddly and tiny for as long as they could.
Looking for such an option? Check out our list of 7 Small Cat Breeds!
Singapura
Any list of small cat breed isn’t complete without the Singapura. This breed, according to the Guinness World Records, is recognized as the smallest domestic cat breed. These cats come in a coat color that’s described as sepia agouti.
Vocal, affectionate, active and youthful throughout their lives, the Singapura is a breed of cat that’s best suited with families that want a cat that’s engaging and very kitten-like.
The Singapura typically stands at 6 to 8 inches with a length of 9 to 12 inches. They weigh between 4 to 8 pounds and have a lifespan of between 11 to 15 years.
Balinese
No, they’re not from Bali, Indonesia! The Balinese breed originates from Thailand as a long-haired variant of the Siamese which were brought into the US and UK in the mid-1800s. The Balinese gets its name from a breeder that compared the cats to Balinese dancers for their poise and grace, describing their splendid coat.
While the Balinese may not be as vocal as its sister breed, the Siamese, they’re still quite the chatterbox. Playful, agile, athletic, with the brains to boot, this is a breed of cat that requires lots of exercise and mental stimulation. This is a cat you can spend lots of time interacting and engaging with.
The Balinese typically stands at 6 to 7 inches with a length of about 17 inches. They weigh between 6 to 11 pounds and have a lifespan of between 12 to 20 years.
Devon Rex
The Devon Rex fits purrrfect on our list of 7 Small Cat Breeds and is a breed known for its soft, short and curly coat, with a few other prominent features such as its tall ears, alien-like wide heads and large eyes. Their bodies are slender, making them high and agile jumpers.
They are very intelligent and are capable of learning tricks that most breeds have difficulty grasping. Like dogs, the Devon Rex can even be trained to walk on a leash! They are affectionate and will have a preferred person whom they would perch or cuddle up on.
The Devon Rex typically stands at 10 to 12 inches with a length of about 15 to 18 inches. They weigh between 6 to 9 pounds and have a lifespan of between 9 to 15 years.
Cornish Rex
Similar to the Devon Rex, the Cornish Rex is a breed that has a similar soft, short and curly coat. This breed originated in Cornwall, UK in 1950. Just like the Devon Rex, it is a highly active breed of cat that’s intelligent with a doglike demeanor.
Dog-like? Yes! The Cornish Rex is highly affectionate and is comfortable being handled, willing to play fetch and even cozy up on your lap. This is a breed for those who love interacting a whole lot with their cats.
The Cornish Rex typically stands at 12 to 14 inches with a length of about 15 to 18 inches. They weigh between 6 to 10 pounds and have a lifespan of between 12 to 14 years.
American Curl
The American Curl’s ears are the most distinguishable point of this breed. This breed is the result of a genetic mutation found in a litter of stray cats in Lakewood, California in the summer of 1981.
They are a generally healthy breed due to its large genetic pool with non-pedigree cats, with their curled ears being their only shortcoming as it requires regular cleaning. Temperament wise, like their not-so distant stray ancestors, they are easygoing with people with a gentle personality.
The American Curl varies in size and shape as there are lots of cross breeding with other breeds. In general, they are a smallish sized breed and weigh up to 10 pounds with a lifespan of between 12 to 16 years.
Siamese
If we had to name one breed that’s the puzzle piece for breeding smaller sized cats, that’s where the Siamese fits best! These cats are a descendant of the Whichien Maat landrace of cats from China and Thailand. These cats can be easily identified by their triangular head shape, a long and slender body with a darker shaded face.
The Siamese is a curious and chatty cat that will act like a chaperone in your home, finally snuggling on your lap once you’ve taken a seat on the recliner. Much like the smaller breeds in this list, they are intelligent, agile, athletic and playful! For the Siamese however, you should consider cat-proofing your home should you decide to adopt one. They require a space, like a cat condo or tree, where they can just climb and observe indulging in their wild side.
The Siamese cat typically stands at 8 to 10 inches with a length of 12 to 14 inches. They weigh between 8 to 10 pounds and have a lifespan of between 11 to 15 years.
Munchkin
Besides the Singapura, a list like this wouldn’t be complete without the Munchkin! The Munchkin is characterized by its cute, short legs and stature. This breed is relatively new, as a result of a genetic mutation. The breed is named after the Munchkin people from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
The Munchkin is outgoing, intelligent and easy to handle. They can be affectionate without being clingy and warm up well to strangers. Health issues are the main shortcomings of this breed with cases such as lordosis (excessive curvature of the spine) being observed in this breed. The Munchkin typically stands at 6 to 9 inches and weigh between 4 to 9 pounds with a lifespan of between 12 to 15 years.
Our list of 7 Small Cat Breeds are just some of the smaller, common cat breeds out there, with many more varieties as they cross breed. Before you consider adopting a smaller breed of cat, you should remember that they will mature, and eventually be very much like other medium and larger sized breeds as they get older. Keep them well fed and mentally stimulated. Bring them to your preferred veterinarian for regular check-ups. You will be assured, your kitten-sized companion will live a good, healthy and happy life in your home.
