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Singapura
Generally regarded as the smallest cat breed, this tiny cat matures to a weight of 4 to 8 pounds. The Singapura's origins are from Singapore and has become a darling of the cat world for its diminutive size and adorable, captivating eyes. Though pint-sized, it still has plenty of love to give. These cats are known to be lovable and playful pets. The Singapura has a surprisingly muscular body and athletic abilities that will impress you despite the breed’s small stature.
Breed Overview
Height: 6 to 8 inches
Weight: 4 to 8 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Petite but muscular stature; rounded head and large eyes
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Munchkin
Munchkins are shortest cat breed in the world. These cats have a naturally occurring genetic mutation that results in shorter legs, giving these cats a low stature of 7 to 9 inches at the shoulder. The shortest adult cat according to the Guinness World Records is a munchkin from Napa, California, named Lilieput, measuring 5.25 inches tall in 2013. There is some controversy in the cat world whether it is ethical to continue to breed the short-legged munchkin. The International Cat Association recognizes the munchkin as a registered breed, while the Cat Fanciers' Association does not.
Breed Overview
Height: 7 to 9 inches
Weight: 6 to 9 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Short or longhaired coat, round face; average body length with short legs
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Cornish Rex
The long legs and angular features of the Cornish rex might give you the impression that this cat is larger than it really is. These cats typically stand 11 to 15 inches tall but only weigh 6 to 10 pounds. These cats are all legs. The Cornish rex is notable for its many unique features, including a coat of tight, short curls and over-sized ears with prominent eyes and cheekbones. This breed originated in England, but has been gaining in popularity the world over for its striking look and engaging personality.
Breed Overview
Height: 11 to 15 inches
Weight: 6 to 10 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Tight, curly short hair with a triangular head and over-sized, wide-set ears
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American Curl
The most recognizable feature of the American Curl is its uniquely shaped ears, but these cats are also petite in size. This breed matures to a weight up to 12 pounds, with females in particular staying small and weighing 8 pounds or less. The soft, silky fur of the American Curl can be short or semi-long, adding to the fluff-factor of this small cat breed. They’re not known to be lap cats but still have an affectionate, playful nature and make excellent pets.
Breed Overview
Height: 9 to 12 inches
Weight: 12 pounds or less
Physical Characteristics: Soft, silky short or semi-long coat; ears that curl backwards
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Devon Rex
The Devon rex is also sometimes referred to as a “pixie cat,” so it’s no surprise that this breed is on the list of small cat breeds. When full-grown, the Devon rex maintains a compact weight of just 6 to 9 pounds. The breed’s triangular head, large ears, and bright eyes give these cats a kitten-like appearance throughout their life.
Breed Overview
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 6 to 9 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Fine to medium bone structure with broad chest and triangular head; soft, thin, curly coat
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Japanese Bobtail
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 and matures to a height of just 8 or 9 inches. These cats have a slender body and fine features. They originated in Asia, and their big claim to fame is protecting Japan’s silk trade from a rodent invasion in the early 1600’s. At one time, they were the most commonly sighted street cat in Japan. Today, the popular cat is an active, intelligent housepet.
Breed Overview
Height: 8 to 9 inches
Weight: 5 to 10 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Petite; docked, fluffy tail; coats can come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including white, black, cream, lilac, red, blue, bi-colored, and tri-colored, among others
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Siamese
The Siamese is one of the oldest cat breeds, and it also happens to be among the smallest. While these cats are relatively long in length, they are lean and muscular and typically only weigh 8 to 12 pounds. Females, in particular, stay small and often weigh 8 pounds or less. Though they may be small, this vocal cat breed will make its presence and preferences known.
Breed Overview
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 6 to 14 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Long body with fine to medium bone structure; short coat in colors like seal, blue, lilac, and chocolate with colorpoints around the face, ears, paws, and tail
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Burmese
Burmese cats are smaller than average with a compact, stocky body and big brain. An average Burmese weighs between 6 to 14 pounds and 10 to 12 inches in height. They use their smarts to solve pet puzzles and perform tricks like playing fetch with their toys.
Breed Overview
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 6 to 14 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Short coat; sable, champagne, platinum, and blue; green or gold eye color
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LaPerm
LaPerms have unusual, coiled fur, so named because it looks like they got a curly perm. This small, affectionate cat weighs about 5 to 8 pounds. The breed was developed by Linda and Dick Koehl, from Oregon in the early 1980s. This cat's looks were the result of a mutation that formed from cats bred for pest control.
Breed Overview
Height: 6 to 10 inches
Weight: 5 to 8 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Soft, somewhat long hair with tight curls or waves; comes in every color and pattern, although most common colors are ginger, tabby, and tortie; eye colors include copper, gold, aqua, yellow, blue, or green
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Abyssinian
Abys weigh 6 to 9 pounds and are one of the oldest cat breeds in the world. They are intelligent, energetic, and clownish at times. They like hanging out with their people to the point that the might even get separation anxiety if left alone too long. Its colorful coat of reds, browns, and blues and patterns gives them a wild cat appearance.
Breed Overview
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 6 to 9 pounds
Physical Characteristics: A silky, short-to-medium length coat; colors range from ruddy, red, blue, cinnamon, or fawn; eye colors are usually green or gold
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Javanese
The Javanese is related to another small cat breed: the Siamese. Her semi-long coat is fine and silky, perfect for cuddling this affectionate cat. When you're not cuddling your Javanese, you can train them to do tricks! Javanese cats are also very pet-friendly, perfect for multi-pet households. Just make sure you understand your other pets' prey drive, as Javanese cats are very little!
Breed Overview
Height: Up to 14 inches
Weight: 5 to 12 pounds
Physical Characteristics: A fine and silky coat that lies close to the body; colors range from lynx point, tortie point, or solid point in red, cream, cinnamon, fawn and smoke; eye color is usually blue
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American Wirehair
This relatively rare cat breed weighs under 8 pounds and has a sweet face and striking eyes, either in gold or blue. American wirehair cats are affectionate with their owners but can be shy with strangers. They are not very vocal, so it's important to watch them for other cues to know what they want from you.
Breed Overview
Height: Up to 15 inches
Weight: Up to 8 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Medium-length coat; colors range from white, black, blue, red, cream, or silver; eye colors are usually gold or blue
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Korat
This smoky cat is not only beautiful, but Korat cats are considered symbols of good luck in their home country of Thailand. These lucky kitties are also social and affectionate, so much so that they may feel territorial when it comes to their owners. Korat cats do best when they have a companion, as they have a tendency to experience social anxiety when left alone for too long.
Breed Overview
Height: 15 to 18 inches
Weight: 6 to 10 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Short coat; color is blue-gray with silver tips; eye colors are usually green but sometimes amber
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Bambino
Bambinos are petite-sized hairless cats that weigh under 9 pounds. Despite their lack of hair, bambinos are not lacking at all in personality. They love to play and cuddle with their owners. Because bambinos are hairless, their grooming needs are a little different. Regular bathing and occasional wiping with a moist cloth will keep your bambino's skin clean.
Breed Overview
Height: Up to 17 inches
Weight: Up to 9 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Hairless; colors range from black, white, cream, brown, and fawn; eyes are usually blue
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American Shorthair
Because of their popularity, American shorthairs can come in almost any shape and size, including tiny! Regardless of how big they are, American shorthairs are gentle and easygoing cats who can fit into nearly any family or home. They are also self-sufficient and can entertain themselves with toys or games if you need to step out for a bit.
Breed Overview
Height: 12 to 15 inches
Weight: 6 to 15 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Short coat; colors range from white, silver, black, cream, blue, brown, and red; eye colors can be hazel, gold, blue, copper, or green
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Toyger
The toy tiger, or the toyger for short, is an extremely rare cat that despite its wild stripes, boasts a friendly and playful personality. And don't let their size fool you, toygers are very energic, active cats, so dedicated play sessions are essential. You can easily train them to walk on a leash, which can help get the energy out, and train them to play dog-like games such as fetch.
Breed Overview
Height: Up to 18 inches
Weight: 7 to 15 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Short coat; colors range from white, silver, black, cream, blue, brown, and red; eye colors can be hazel, gold, blue, copper, or green
Breeds to Avoid
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, pixie-bob, 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 it will be when full-grown. Whenever possible, ask to see the parents of the litter to better estimate what your kitten's adult size will be.
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What is the most friendly small cat breed?
Many small cat breeds are friendly, including the American shorthair and the Singapura.
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Are there teacup cats?
Teacup cats are not a breed themselves but are miniature versions of exisiting cat breeds. But many reputable organizations advise against owning and breeding teacup cats.
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What breed of cat has very small ears?
The Scottish fold is a cat breed known for having very small ears. They can weigh up to 11 pounds but are quite lengthy.
