Small Cat Breeds

Small cat breeds are perfect for individuals who have limited space or just enjoy felines with a kitten-like countenance. There are many small breeds to choose from, all with different personality types and a wide variety of colors. If you're looking for a cat breed that runs on the small side, you may find it difficult to select just one!

When you are trying to narrow down your choice of small cat breeds for your family, knowing a few things about each breed can be helpful. The following chart covers some of the traits that are of particular concern to many potential cat owners.

Each breed of small cat has interesting facts associated with it. The following will help you to get to know your favorite small cat breed better!

• Abysinnian – believed to have been the cat breed worshipped by Egyptians over 4,000 years ago.
• American Curl – first championship breed to have been accepted by the Cat Fanciers' Association that has two coat lengths- both short and long.
• Balinese – these cats are not from Bali, rather they are named for the Balinese dancer's graceful movements.
• Colorpoint Shorthair – also known as the Himalayan in Europe and in the Cat Fancier's Association the Pointed Pattern Persian.
• Cornish Rex – the first Cornish Rex was born in July 1950. This male cat's name was Kallibunker.
• Devon Rex – these cats wag their tails like dogs when they're happy. They are also known as "Purring Poodles."
• Javanese – named after the island of Java. This breed is a cross of the Balinese and Colorpoint Shorthair.
• Munchkin – the Munchkin's short legs are caused by a natural spontaneous mutation called hypochondroplasia.
• Nebelung – in German, this cat's name is translated as "creature of the mist."
• Oriental Longhair – even though this breed's name includes the definition "longhair," it is really a medium-haired breed.
• Oriental Shorthair – often referred to as "Ornamentals" because they come in over 300 color patterns.
• Peterbald – Peterbald cats are not born hairless. It takes up to two years for them to develop their famous, hairless bodies.
• Russian Blue – was once known as the Archangel Cat. It is believed that the cats originated in northern Russia and were transported to Europe through the port city of Arkhangelsk.
• Singapura – listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's smallest domesticated cat.

If you're interested in acquiring a small cat breed, especially one that you may potentially show, be prepared to sign up on a waiting list. Many of these breeds only have two to four kittens per litter because of their size. However, if you don't mind if your kitten isn't show quality in every way, you may have a shorter waiting period. Breeders may have some kittens born each year that have recessive breed traits (such as a different color) so that they can't be shown, but their loving personalities and dispositions of the breed are still the same.

Contact the following organizations to locate breeders in your area:

• Cat Fanciers' Association
• Cat Fancier's Federation
• Canadian Cat Association
• American Cat Fancier's Association
• American Association of Cat Enthusiasts
• National Cat Fanciers Association
• The International Cat Association
• United Feline Organization

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