Small Cat Breeds

If you are looking for information about small cat breeds, you’ve come to the right place.



There are several cat breeds that produce small cats, including the Singapura and the Russian Blue (see picture below).

Why are some cats smaller than the average cat?

Some – like the Singapura - are naturally small. Other small cats are actually dwarf cats.

And yet other petite felines are the result of miniaturization – a process by which cats are downsized by breeding the smallest cats of a given population.

Here's an excellent article from Russian Blue Small Catmessybeast.com with more information about feline dwarfism and miniature breeds.

Small breeds of cat are a great choice for people who have limited living space. And let’s admit it; small cats are just so cute.

But before you adopt a small cat, make sure you understand the breed, its needs, and its proper care.

Here is some information about different small cat breeds.

Small cat breed information

Balinese – The Balinese cat, which originally was registered as "Longhaired Siamese", has indeed many similarities with the Siamese. In fact, experts believe that the Balinese is a long-haired mutation of the Siamese. The breed was later renamed "Balinese" to pay tribute to their gracefulness, akin to that of Balinese dancers.

Cornish Rex – Many call the Cornish Rex the "Greyhound" of felines. These cats only have a very thin coat made of down hairs (cats have three layers of fur: guard, awn and down). The breed originated in Cornwall, United Kingdom. The Cornish Rex is very friendly and playful.

Devon Rex – This striking small cat breed (which looks very similar to the Cornish Rex) was developed in England during the late 1950s trhough the 1960s. The Devon Rex is a small to medium-sized cat, which is perfect for families or people with limited living space. The average adult cat weighs between 6 to 9 lbs. Devon Rex cats are known for their short and curly hair, their big eyes, and oversize ears.

Kinkalow – The Kinkalow is one of the rarest cat breeds. The Kinkalow is the result of crossbreeding Munchkin cats with American Curl cats. Kinkalows are petite cats, with short legs and curled ears. Males weigh between 5 to 7 lbs. Females weigh between 3 to 5 lbs.

Lambkin – The Lambkin Dwarf Cat (also known as Nanus Rex) is a hybrid of the Munchkin cat (a dwarf cat) and the Selkirk Rex (known for its silky, curly hair). The result is a short cat with curly hair. The Lambkin is also one of the rarest cat breeds.

Munchkin – A relatively new breed, Munchkin cats are the result of a naturally occurring mutation that causes these cats to be born with unusually short legs. The breed has its fans and its detractors. On one hand, critics argue that it’s not right to breed cats with physical abnormalities. On the other hand, owners and breeders of the Munchkin claim that the breed is sound.

Peterbald – A Russian native, the Peterbald is a hybrid of the Don Sphynx and the Oriental Shorthair. The breed was developed during the mid 1990s. Lean and long, the Peterbald is a graceful and elegant cat. Cats of this breed are also affectionate and people oriented.

Russian Blue – A naturally occurring breed, the Russian Blue is another Russian native. One of the best-known characteristics of the Russian Blue is the color and density of its coat. The fur of Russian Blues is dense and soft and of a blue-grey color. This is a small to medium cat. On average, adult cats of this breed weigh between 8-12 lbs, with males being heavier than the females.

Singapura –A native of Singapore, the Singapura cat, is one of the smallest domestic cats. The average weight of these kitties is between 5 to 8 lbs. (with males being heavier than the females). Besides their small size, Singapura cat are known for their big eyes and huge ears. And despite their size, Singapuras are energetic, extroverted and extremely playful.

Skookum – A hybrid of the Munchkin and the LaPerm, this small cat has very short legs and curly hair. A relatively new breed, it was developed during the 1990s. Skookum cats are athletic and love jumping and climbing. They are also very affectionate and playful.

Other small to medium cat breeds:

  • Abyssinian

  • American Curl

  • Javanese

  • Nebelung

  • Oriental Longhair

  • Oriental Shorthair

As you can see, there are many small cat breeds to choose from. Before adopting a small cat, take the time to learn about the breed you're interested in. Visit the websites of any of the cat registries or talk to a professional cat breeder to learn more.




Related Pages



Large domestic cat breeds

Rare cat breeds


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