Small Cat Breeds - The Smallest Cat Breeds Guide

We're a nation of cat lovers in the UK, and cats are one of the most popular house pets, next to dogs. We're always amazed at the wide variety of different cat breeds that are available.

But among all of these beautiful and unique cats, one group stands out as particularly adorable - small cat breeds!

These pocket-sized kitties come in a range of shapes and sizes, but they all share one thing in common - they're irresistibly cute.

If you're looking at small domestic cat breeds, or you just want to learn more about these dinky cats, this article has everything you need to discover the ten smallest cat breeds in the world.

The top 10 smallest cat breeds:

Singapura

Weight: 4 to 6 pounds
Height: 6 to 8 inches

The Singapura is the tiniest cat breed which originates from Singapore. They are small but muscular with a short coat, making them relatively low maintenance when grooming.

Despite their tiny size, these cats are very active and playful and make great companions for families with kids. They can be vocal and will be sure to let you know they're around.

They love their humans, so they may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone.

They are naturally curious and intelligent, so they need to keep their minds and paws occupied to stop them from getting up to mischief.

Munchkin

Weight: 5 to 9 pounds
Height: 7 to 9 inches

The Munchkin is an adorable smaller breed that is probably best known for their short, stubby legs, about three inches shorter than your average-sized cat.

They get their name from being likened to the munchkin characters in the film, ‘The Wizard of Oz’.

Often compared to the Dachshund because of their short legs and long body, these playful and curious kitties are also pretty nippy for their size!

Lileput, a Munchkin, was declared the shortest domestic cat back in 2013. At a mind-boggling 13.34 centimetres from paw to shoulder, Lileput is the current Guinness World Record holder.

Toybob

Weight: 4 to 7 pounds
Height: 4 to 6 inches

The Toybob is a small, rare breed that was originally bred in Russia. One of their most noticeable features is their short 'bob' tail, which is usually only between one and three inches long.

This sweet little breed isn't as active as other breeds and is relatively docile. They're known for being very loving and affectionate with their family. They are always happy to snuggle but may be a little shy around strangers.

These fluffy felines are often mistaken for a kitten, even when fully grown.

Minuet

Weight: 5 to 9 pounds
Height: 7 to 8 inches

The Minuet, aka the Napoleon cat, is a small breed of cat that was specifically bred to resemble a Persian but in miniature.

Minuets have all the same stunning features as a full-sized Persian, including a thick, sumptuous coat that comes in a wide range of colours and patterns.

They are known for their sweet, docile and affectionate nature, and they're massively popular as family pets.

American Curl

Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
Height: 9 to 12 inches

Originating in Lakewood, California, in 1981, the American Curl is a small-sized cat best known for its uniquely curled ears.

They are actually born with straight ears, but the ears gradually curl backwards to form an elegant arc as they grow.

Curls absolutely love being around people and are incredibly loyal and affectionate. They're exceptionally adaptable, adjusting quickly to new circumstances like meeting new pets, children, or moving to a new home.

They have a playful, kitten-like personality that lasts well into adulthood and are often referred to as the "Peter Pan" of the cat world.

Turkish Angora

Weight: 5 to 9 pounds
Height: 8 to 10 inches

Another small breed is the Turkish Angora. This breed's history goes as far back as the 15th century in Turkey, and they are known for their sleek build and sassy personality.

Cheeky in nature and with boundless energy, this small cat breed will keep you on your toes and entertained.

They are an incredibly clever breed and quickly learn new things. This is great for training purposes, but it also means they can pick up bad habits and get into trouble just as easily.

LaPerm

Weight: 5 to 8 pounds
Height: 6 to 10 inches

This pint-sized cat breed is the result of a genetic mutation that quickly gained popularity for its striking looks. There are two varieties, long-haired and short-haired, which both have curly perms around the ears, neck ruff, and distinctive tails. The LaPerm is a truly unique small cat.

Known for their high levels of affection, LaPerms are extremely loving with their close family members. They can thrive in a household with or without children or other pets.
While they require a bit more exercise than some other cat breeds, they are relatively low maintenance and are a good choice for first-time cat owners.

Bambino

Weight: 5 to 9 pounds
Height: 7 - 8 inches

The Bambino's most distinguishing feature is their lack of fur. They are completely bald, with only a very light down on their bodies. This is because they inherit the hairless gene from the Sphynx cat.

Although these little pink cats appear strange, they're actually very soft and cuddly. Their skin is smooth and supple and feels a bit like chamois leather.

Many allergy sufferers are attracted to Bambinos by their lack of fur, mistaking them for being hypoallergenic. However, this isn't quite the case as they produce a small amount of dander, which could trigger extremely sensitive allergy sufferers.

On the whole, they are much less likely to cause an allergic reaction than many other breeds of cats.

Devon Rex

Weight: 6 to 9 pounds
Height: 10 to 12 inches

These petite cats are known for their loving and affectionate personalities and unusual appearance. With its wavy coat, narrow face, and large ears set low on its head, the Devon Rex is a remarkable small cat that is sure to capture your heart.

Often compared to dogs because of their playful and intelligent nature, Devon Rexes are very active and love to explore. They are also known for being particularly resourceful and have been known to open doors, cupboards, and even the fridge in search of food!

They first appeared in the 1960s in Devonshire when a short-haired domestic cat bred with a stray. Their litter contained one curly-coated kitten named Kirlee. It's believed that he shared a gene for curly fur with the Cornish Rex breed.

Abyssinian

Weight: 6 to 9 pounds
Height: 8 to 10 inches

Some say that Abyssinians were owned by the Pharaohs, while others say they were bred in Britain from crossing brown tabby cats with other patterned breeds. All we do know is that they're very small.

This distinctive little kitty has a ticked tabby coat and a long, slender body that gives them an elegant look.

Abyssinians are natural climbers who enjoy scaling tall furniture and shelves. You may want to consider adding a cat tree or other climbing apparatus to your home if you plan to add one of these mischievous moggies to your family.

They're very social and enjoy the company of other cats and cat-friendly dogs. They function best in busy homes where there's always somebody around to play and give them attention.

There are many small cat breeds that make fantastic pets. Whether you're looking for an energetic and playful breed like the American Curl or a more docile and affectionate breed like the Minuet, there's a small cat out there to suit every family's needs.

We hope this guide has helped you learn a little more about these petite felines and that you will be able to find that perfect small cat to match your personality and lifestyle.

If you’re looking to learn more about pet ownership, cat insurance, or if you own a cat and have important questions like “why does my cat knead everything?” Well, we're here to provide answers and give you the knowledge you need to reach peak pet parent status.