The smallest cats

To begin with, it is worth noting that cats can be of various sizes, but not all of them are recognized by felinologists. Felinology is a branch of animal science that deals with the study of domestic cat breeds, their anatomy, color features, and size. The task of felinologists is to ensure that only healthy, beautiful cats are bred in the world, and experimental breeds, whose representatives most often have problems with both physical and mental health, do not spread (even if they are very beautiful and cute).

The most respected felinological federations (WCF, CFA, TICA and others) formulate standards that indicate what size a representative of the breed can be, what colors are acceptable, what character traits are desirable.

Therefore, small cats are divided into those recognized by felinological federations and not recognized by them.

The smallest cats recognized by felinologists:

• Singapura cat (Singapura) is the smallest recognized cat breed originating in Southeast Asia. This is an energetic, loving and friendly breed with a silky coat. Cats of this breed usually weigh up to 2 kg, cats – up to 3 kg.
• Devon Rex – an unusual British breed with a short curly coat. These small cats are strongly attached to the owner, spend all the time next to him, strive to be closer. They also love to play and are even trainable. The weight of cats reaches 4,5 kg, cats – 3 kg.
• Munchkin – American breed of short-legged cats. The length of their paws is not a consequence of selection, but a natural mutation that does not pose a threat to health. These are affectionate, playful little cats who love to spend time with their owners and get along well with other pets. They were named after the peaceful and kind people from L. F. Baum’s fairy tale “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” On average, adults weigh from 2 to 4 kg.
• Balinese cat (Balinese) – a type of Siamese cat, bred in the United States. Representatives of the breed are very sociable and playful, they love children. They are curious and smart. The weight of an adult cat ranges from 2,5 kg to 5 kg, depending on the sex.
• Egyptian mau – an ancient Egyptian breed, dating back more than 3000 years. It has a spotted color. The attachment of these cats to the owner sometimes borders on obsession, they love to communicate, play, run (these are one of the fastest domestic cats), “talk” and bathe. Cats weigh up to 4 kg, cats – up to 6 kg.
• american curl – a small cat with characteristically curled ears. The breed is more common in the USA. Cats are quick-witted, friendly, faster than other breeds adapt to a new home. On average, the weight of cats varies from 3 to 5 kg, cats – from 5 to 7 kg.

Unrecognized Small Cat Breeds

These are mainly miniature breeds, obtained by crossing the Munchkin and other recognized breeds, such as the Sphynx or the American Curl. The resulting breeds include Napoleon, Minskin, Lambkin, Bambino, Welf, Kinkalow, Skookum. These are very rare cats, which are not obtained in all litters, therefore, when purchasing such a kitten, remember that it is highly likely to stumble upon a mongrel cat, passed off as a thoroughbred, as well as an unhealthy individual.

The pursuit of fashion for exotic small cats or the desire to save money supports an unscrupulous and cruel business that kills countless kittens. Therefore, when choosing a kitten, it is better to give preference to official breeds and proven breeders. Catteries that have certificates and are registered in one or more federations take care of adult cats and kittens, do not offer unhealthy animals to the naive buyer and, of course, breed only purebred cats, which cannot be said about breeders and catteries that are not related to felinology.