12 Sensational Small Cat Breeds You’ll Love

Of course, all cats start out small. But which breeds stay small? Depending on your living situation a physically small cat may be important. If that is the case do avoid Maine Coon cats as they are the largest cat breed.

On average a cat weighs 10 pounds. Smaller breeds will weigh in between 5 and 10 pounds. Of course there is variation in the heights with Munchkins tending to be the smallest (a fairly self explanatory name).

Here are 12 Small Cat Breeds.

12 Small Cat Breeds

1. Singapura

Singapura cats have captivating little spirits, ready to steal your heart away. These lovely felines are a playful, cheeky, and friendly cat breed. You’ll often find them under a duvet cover or lying in the sunshine.

The Singapura is one of the smallest cat breeds, which means its almond shaped eyes really pop. Singpura cats tend to look like they constantly have their eyes open as wide as possible.

The Singapura is known as the smallest cat breed in the world and these kitties tend to weigh in between 5 and 8 kgs.

With a similar temperament to the Burmese cat, they are full of mischief, are affectionate, and extremely inquisitive. Singapura cats enjoy chasing balls down the hall or tap dancing on keyboards.

These fun-loving cats love people and get along easily with other pets in the house – making them ideal for the indoors.

2. Munchkin

The Munchkin cat is everyone’s favorite cutie. With teeny tiny short little legs and normal-sized bodies, these diverse cats are absolutely adorable.

The munchkin’s dog counterpart is undoubtedly the sausage dog, as they share the short-legged trait. This is why these little felines are also called the “sausage cat”.

Considered the original dwarf cat, the Munchkin cat breed is not exclusive and can be linked to a number of other breeds. For example, you can find a Scottish fold munchkin cat or even a Maine coon munchkin cat. It’s all about that short-legged gene mutation.

There is quite a lot of controversy surrounding these sweet looking felines, as there is concern over potential health and mobility issues. They were not considered an official breed for many years and were not allowed to take part in feline competitions.

Even today, there are a number of councils and associations that do not recognize the Munchkin cat breed.

However, most sources say that the shortness of their legs does not affect the Munchkin’s running and leaping abilities. Also, they are not generally found to have more joint or bone problems than other cat breeds. So, if you are passionate about their little legs, your ethics needn’t be compromised.

The personalities of Munchkin cats are generally sweet, outgoing, and intelligent. They also respond well to being handled, which is lovely, as you’ll undoubtedly want to hold these cuties all day long.

3. American Curl

These happy kitties are affectionate, healthy, and talkative. The name refers to the unique ears of the American Curl Cat, which curl backward in a particularly sweet way.

Like the Wirehair cats, American curl cats are all descended from a single natural genetic mutation. They’re one of the youngest cat breeds, having moved from stray to pedigreed in just six years.

Curious, clever, and people-loving, the American Curl is perfect for families. They love to greet people with a little head bump or a rub against the legs. Curls are also active and adaptable, with older Curls known to be just as active as younger ones.

4. Devon Rex

The mischievous Devon Rex cat, also known as the pixie cat, is a loving and loyal feline breed. They make the ideal companions and welcome family and friends’ attention, as well as being great with kids and other pets.

On average they weight between 5 and 10 pounds and with their super soft coat can often look like a little pixie cat.

This cat breed emerged in England during the late 1950s and is similar to the nearby Cornish Rex cat breed. Their large, oval-shaped eyes compete with their large ears for attention.

These felines are intelligent, active, and require regular stimulation. Devon Rex cats are jumpers, and their favorite place is at head level, so perches and cat trees should be provided.

The moderately active cat enjoys learning and playing fetch, so interactive toys will also help keep him occupied while you’re out earning money.

This indoor cat breed has slender bodies with long legs, large eyes, and high cheekbones. They shouldn’t be brushed as their fur is prone to breakage; instead, rub the Devon Rex cat gently with a cloth to keep them well-groomed, weekly.

5. Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex cat has a head shaped liked a triangle. As a result, its eyes are prominent and large. The eyes of the Cornish Rex cat tend to be golden in colour although that can vary. They tend to weigh about 8 pounds on average.

The Cornish Rex cat breed has no hair apart from some down. Their coat is very fine and can sometimes get a bit of a curl. The lack of fur can emphasise those big eyes even more.

This cat breed is often compared to greyhound dogs due to their sleek appearance and they like a long, lolling run. This is a very adventurous breed that loves to explore and will keep its playful demeanor long after its kitten days are finished.

6. Siamese Cats

Siamese cats are one of the most adored and famous cat breeds. They are intelligent, talkative, and lovely natured felines, making ideal family pets.

Siamese cats tend to have a long body but the females can weigh less than 5 pounds. They can be around 30cm tall so come across as lithe little kitties.

These cats have unique short coats, with a light-colored body and silky smooth fur. Their face, paws, and tails are darker than the rest of their bodies. And all Siamese cats have stunning blue eyes.

While they are great indoor cats, they seek companionship from their owners, including sitting on laps and snuggling in bed.

Siamese cats are often labeled as “dog-like” because they enjoy following their humans around and enjoy playtime, like fetch, so stock up on active cat toys. Although they are loving cats, this breed should not be left alone at home for extended periods.

7. Balinese Cats

The Balinese cat breed began as a mutation of the Siamese cat breed. They are very similar to the Siamese cat breed but have a longer coat and they rarely weigh more than 5kgs.

This is a stylish and sleek breed with the same deep blue eyes of the Siamese – add in their gorgeous silky long coat and this is one good looking cat breed.

Balinese cats are known to be intelligent, friendly and playful. They can also be quite vocal and rather demanding – part of that intelligence, these kitties know what they want!

This is also a breed that likes attention and shouldn’t be left alone for long periods. So if you are after an independent and introverted type of kitty this isn’t the breed for you.

8. Abyssinian Cats

Your Abyssinian cat may well become your best friend. This high energy cats are always on and ready for fun. What they love most is being close to their owner so they will tend to be in whichever room that you are in.

This breed has a relatively small face which means its large almond shaped eyes stand out even more.

This friendly cat breed is also known for its intelligence and its love of a good climb so be sure to give it a garden or a cat tower for playing. But most of all the Abyssinian loves its human family.

This sociable cat likes company so if you have a busy lifestyle it might be an idea to get another cat or pet to keep it company when you’re not there.

9. LaPerm

The LaPerm is a Rex breed (curly coated) like the Cornish Rex and Devon Rex. These little guys grow to a maximum of 4.5 kgs in males and 3.6 kgs in females. LaPerms can be both short haired and long haired. This is an extroverted and bright cat breed that is great for kids and families.

10. The Dwelf

This relatively new cat breed has elf-like features and a dwarf-like stature. This little guy is hairless and tends not to weigh more than 9 pounds. The breed was generated from a mix of the Sphynx, Munchkin and American Curl breeds.

The Dwelf is a highly sociable breed and have a personality that is described by some as almost dog like. They like to be around people and to be included in activities so they are a terrific cat for families.

11. Napoleon or Minuet

This breed was named after Napoleon Bonaparte based on its small size. A mix of a Persian cat and a Munchkin cat, this is a relatively new breed that seldom reaches weights above 9 pounds.

The Napoleon breed is playful and active and doesn’t like to be left alone. It likes human company but is also happy with other animals including dogs and cats.

They have a low-slung body like a dachshund. Its soft fur can be either short or long. Napoleons come in a wide range of colours.

12. Somali Cat

The Somali is the long-haired version of the Abyssinian cat breed. This is a highly intelligent breed that is also good-natured and loves to play. They are a bit shyer than Abyssinians but enjoy humans and outdoor exercise.

There are 28 different colours of Somali cats but the most common shade is a rich golden brown with an apricot base coat and a hint of black.

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