The Smallest of All Cat Breeds

Cats, unlike dogs, do not have as many clear-cut breeds; however, there are a few breeds of cats that generally remain small throughout their entire life. These forever kittens keep their small appearance even when they have matured. People may desire a smaller cat because of the small space of their home or the sheer cuteness of the cats. Small breed cats also tend to be as playful as kittens into adulthood.

Domestic cats will often vary in size, but some are actually bred to remain small. Teacup or miniature cats weigh below the average nine to ten pounds of the typical house cat. Some of these kitties remain around the five-pound range. Keep in mind that their natural smaller size may include a genetic disposition to particular health problems in the future, so it's always a good idea to partner with your veterinarian when you adopt a small cat breed.

It goes without saying that if you want a smaller-than-average cat, you'll need to pass on breeds that are known for their large size. The Maine Coon, Bengal, Ragamuffin are just a few of the largest cat breeds. Keep in mind that a kitten's size isn't always a good judge of how big he or she will be when full-grown. Whenever possible, try to meet the parents of the litter to better gauge anticipated adult size.

Small domestic cats are also fun and cute, and it's no wonder that they are so popular. Each cat has special qualities about it that make it unique, and their personality traits may match well with yours. It could be love at first sight when you meet one of these kitties.

The Singapura is one of the smallest cat breeds, weighing between five to eight pounds at grown size. Its ancestors came from the streets of Singapore and have since been bred to show pure traits of their species, notably its wide eyes, tawny coat, and blunt tail. Known for their playfulness and desire to help their people with everything, these cats make wonderful everyday companions.

Known for its short legs, the Munchkin weighs between six to nine pounds. Their shortened fore and hind legs means that they can't jump as high as other cats and are prone to an increased risk of joint disease—however, that doesn't stop the Munchkin cat from being a fast runner.

The American Curl, which weighs between five to ten pounds, loves to be in the company of people and tends to be very affectionate. The signature characteristic of the Curl is its unusual ears, which curl backward instead of standing up and coming to a point.

The Cornish Rex has a sleek, graceful body and soft, warm, curly fur; weighing between eight to ten pounds. The first Cornish Rex kitten came from a litter of farm cats in 1950, and its appearance was so striking that his owner wanted to breed more of them. Now, this kitty is a popular purebred that enjoys a good game of fetch.

The Devon Rex adult cat weighs less than eight pounds on average. They have a short, curly coat that comes in a variety of patterns, and their fur has a low tendency for shedding, which makes them a great choice for hypoallergenic needs.

Have you ever seen a Siamese? It's their soft cream-colored fur and bright blue eyes that attract people to these cats. They are on the medium side, weighing in between eight to 15 pounds, but they tend to remain small in size and enjoy "talking" to their humans. They can easily be trained to walk on a leash and make very loyal companions.

The short, pom-like tail isn't the only thing that's small about this cat breed—the Japanese Bobtail only weighs 5 to 10 pounds at most and matures to a height of just 8 or 9 inches. These cats have a slender body and fine features. At one time, they were the most commonly sighted street cat in Japan. Today, they make popular house pets that are active and intelligent.

This unique-looking feline is a combination of three breeds: Munchkin, Sphynx and the American curl. The Dwelf—which weighs up to four pounds—gets its short legs from the Munchkin, it's hairlessness from the Sphynx, and the distinctive curled ears from the American curl.

The Napoleon cat (also known as the Minuet) is a recent breed, categorized as a domestic hybrid breed. It's a charming, extremely affectionate, and people-oriented cat. They have the gentleness of the Persian and the energy and curiosity of the Munchkin. It weights anywhere from five pounds up to nine pounds.