Korat
Korats are one of the oldest cat breeds. Their coat does not have a wide variety of colors, like many other domestic cats - these cats are always gray-blue with green eyes. Korats are really small cats that weigh between 3 and 5 kg. However, in physical terms they are distinguished by developed muscles, and in character by developed jealousy. Although each cat has its own personality, Korats are generally best suited to families without small children.
Buying a dwarf kitten
It’s hard to remain indifferent at the first glance at a touching little cat—a completely natural thought immediately arises: “And I want one like that...”.
It's impossible to remain indifferent to these little cuties.
How to decide on the breed
If you have seriously decided to engage in exhibition and breeding activities with cat minis, then such a desire is unlikely to have arisen spontaneously: you have probably already thoroughly prepared both theoretically and practically, and you do not face the difficult problem of choice - you have definitely decided on your breed. But if you just really want a small living charm to appear in your house, which will forever preserve the size and sweet disposition of the kitten, this is more complicated, and you need to weigh the pros and cons.
- Decide on your preferences - do you want a fluffy, short-haired or completely “bald” cat?
- Study the equipment - carefully read articles about the breeds you like, watch videos and photographs.
- Decide what level of animal you want to purchase: show, breed or pet class.
- Soberly weigh your financial capabilities - minis are not cheap, will you later regret the impulsive purchase?
- Discuss the purchase with family members - a pet should be a desirable acquisition for everyone, and not just for you personally.
- Find out where there are breed nurseries, find reviews about their work and pets.
- First, find specialists and consult with them - it is better to have a knowledgeable person help you in your choice.
How to choose a kitten
Nowadays it is not a problem to get the kitten you like literally from anywhere in the world - breeders and carriers will ensure delivery of the baby from home to home. But if there is such an opportunity, come for your little one yourself - you are purchasing not just a living toy, but a new family member, and personal contact in this case is very important. At the same time, get to know the breeder better, look at the kitten’s parents and the conditions in which they are kept.
When choosing a kitten, meet its mother
Do not hesitate to ask questions to the breeder - it is better to prepare a list of them in advance. Ask, among other things, about the health of your baby's parents, as well as kittens from previous litters, and whether they have had genetic tests. Draw up a contract for the purchase of a kitten - a responsible breeder will never refuse such a step.
Of course, neither all these measures nor a thorough examination of the baby guarantees that you are purchasing a healthy animal that fully meets the requirements of the breed standard. But you will know that you did everything you could for this - and may luck be with you and with the little tailed miracle that will enter your home!
Maybe this baby is waiting for you?
Javanese cat
Javanese are graceful cats with piercing blue eyes. At first glance, they may seem like ordinary cats who love to eat and talk. However, unlike many other cats, this breed is easy to train. Imagine a cat that can perform many tricks and use the toilet on command! These little intellectuals weigh from 2.5 to 5 kg.
Origin of dwarf breeds - where did they come from?
In nature there are many wild cat species with miniature dimensions. But domestic breeds, bred through selective breeding, are breaking all records. Breeders focus on the originality of the appearance of cats and interesting features . There is no longer any need to create large and strong breeds adapted for catching mice. Now breeders prefer compact pets.
Over the past three decades, cats have been in demand that look cute and funny as adults, and at the same time behave like kittens into old age. American and European breeders, following the fashion for pets, create miniature cats with a charming appearance, lively and playful character.
Small breeds are still not very common, but the demand for them is growing every year . In some cases, selection work requires adjustment. American specialists have achieved the best results in the selection of small cat breeds. All existing dwarf cats are the result of either gene mutation or complex hybridization. The only small breed that has not undergone significant genetic transformations is the Singaporean.
Siamese cat
Siamese are one of the most famous cats in the world. Despite the fact that there is a controversial opinion about Siamese cats that they are rather prim and indifferent, this is not at all the case. Siamese crave attention and are not afraid to demand it! These cats are, without exaggeration, one of the brightest in the world! They will be wonderful and gentle companions, however, most likely, they will not be suitable for those owners who often leave home for a long time. Siamese cats typically weigh between 2.5 and 4.5 kg.
Top smallest cat breeds
What breeds of cats are dwarf?
There is even a unique hit parade of dwarf cats.
10th place: Napoleon
The hit parade of the smallest cats opens with charming fluffy creatures, which were named after the outstanding French commander - Napoleon.
The breed appeared by crossing short-legged munchkins with Persians.
Some of the most expensive cats.
They weigh 2.5 - 4 kg.
Interestingly, it is not clear why the breeders decided to give these miniature animals such a name, since the famous Frenchman was terribly afraid of cats and, according to rumors, even turned his horse in the other direction when a cat met him on the way.
Napoleons appeared due to the crossing of short-legged munchkins with long-haired Persians. As a result of such a marriage, kittens were born with long luxurious hair and funny short legs. Cute furry babies with flattened noses and the naive look of huge round eyes immediately won the gratitude of cat lovers.
Those who want to have such an unusual pet are not stopped even by the high cost of these animals, because Napoleons are considered one of the most expensive cats in the world.
The fluffy beauties weigh no more than 2.5–4 kilograms .
9th place: Bambino
The next line of the rating is occupied by unusual cats, whose name is translated from Italian as a child.
Bambinos look like little kittens.
Cats have hairless body coverings.
Bambinos are very affectionate.
And it is quite true, because bambinos not only look like little kittens, but even in old age they behave like playful kids.
Bambinos originated from the crossing of two completely different breeds of cats - Canadian Sphynxes and Munchkins . From their parents, these miniature creatures inherited short legs and bare, hairless skin, which makes their appearance very exotic.
Bambinos are very affectionate and gentle pets and will never refuse to sit in the arms or lap of their beloved owner.
The weight of these babies does not exceed 2–4 kilograms .
8th place: Lamkin
On the eighth line of the hit parade are lamkins , small curly cats whose fur looks like it has been permed. These amazing creatures owe their origin to munchkins and selkirkreks .
Lamkins are small curly cats.
They owe their origin to the Munchkins and Selkirkrecs.
The name of the breed is translated from English as lamb.
Extremely cute and charming babies, thanks to their wavy fur, look like lambs and even their name is translated in English as lamb.
Lambkins are very playful and inquisitive cats and they can play around and frolic all day long. Lambkins need care and attention, so the owner will have to devote a lot of time to his miniature curly pet.
These animals weigh no more than 2.5–4 kilograms .
7th place: Munchkin
Seventh place is occupied by munchkins , which are called dachshund cats because of their long body and short legs.
Cats can run fast.
Munchkin cat.
The weight of adult munchkins does not exceed 2–3.5 kg.
These animals are interesting primarily because, unlike most dwarf cat breeds, munchkins are of natural rather than artificial origin.
Small, short-legged creatures are not at all inferior to their larger relatives in agility and agility; they can run quickly and climb high surfaces. True, these nimble creatures are not able to get down from the top shelf of the closet on their own, and owners often have to rush to the aid of their restless pets.
Another feature of munchkins is that they love to make hiding places in the house and hide their toys or small things they like in them.
The weight of adult munchkins does not exceed 2–3.5 kilograms .
6th place: Skookum
On the sixth line of the rating are another miniature curly-haired cats, which appeared as a result of the marriage of munchkins and la-perms . From its parents, Skookum inherited short legs and fluffy fur with small curls.
Appeared as a result of the union of munchkins and la-perms.
Miniature curly cats.
They have short legs.
Curly-haired Skookums are very sociable and affectionate pets that get along well not only with everyone in the household, but also with other pets.
These little creatures retain their love of active and active games throughout their lives, and even in old age they will not deny themselves the pleasure of chasing a ball or a candy wrapper.
Skookums weigh no more than 2–3.5 kilograms .
5th place: Dwelf
In fifth place are some of the most amazing and unusual representatives of the cat world, who look like aliens from another galaxy.
Dwelfs are hairless cats.
Cats with short legs.
With big ears.
These are Dwelfs , hairless cats with short legs and large ears with curved tips, which were bred from crossing three breeds - Munchkins , American Curls and Sphynxes .
Apart from their somewhat strange and exotic appearance, Dwelfs are no different from ordinary cats; they also love active active games and are extremely loyal to their owner. These miniature creatures are in great need of affection and love from the owner and, if you do not pay enough attention to the pet, they can become offended and even become depressed.
Adult Dwelfs usually weigh no more than 1.5–3 kilograms .
4th place: Singapore cat
The fourth place in the hit parade is occupied by miniature oriental beauties, Singapore cats .
Creatures with almond-shaped eyes.
Shiny and iridescent coat.
Weight varies between 2.5–3 kilograms.
These graceful creatures, with almond-shaped eyes and shiny, iridescent fur, lived for many years in sewers and seaside docks, which is why local residents awarded them the contemptuous nickname “children of the sewers.”
Everything changed when the American Tommy Middow visited Singapore, who was able to appreciate the beauty of Singapore cats and took several representatives of this breed to America.
In a sad irony, after these adorable animals became extremely popular among cat fans, Singaporeans radically changed their attitude towards them and even made them the island's mascot .
The weight of Singaporean beauties varies between 2.5–3 kilograms .
3rd place: Minskin
The top three is opened by another representative of hairless cats - Minskin . To develop this breed, breeders crossed munchkins and sphinxes . These miniature creatures are also called “hobbits.”
Minskin is a hairless cat breed.
Friendly cats.
Flexible character.
And the Minskins received the nickname of a fairy-tale character from the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy due to the fact that the tips of their short paws are crowned with fluffy tufts of fur.
Small hairless cats are distinguished by their friendly and easy-going nature, as well as their curiosity and intelligence. Its miniature size does not cause any inconvenience to the Minskin , and thanks to its dexterity and agility, it is able to climb onto the top shelf of a closet or cornice if it decides that something interesting is being hidden from it.
Minskins weigh no more than 2–3 kilograms .
2nd place: Kinkaloe
An honorable second place in the hit parade is occupied by the Kinkalow , a descendant of the Munchkin and the American Curl . From his ancestors, this miniature beauty inherited short legs and neat ears with curved tips.
Kinkalow is a descendant of the Munchkin and the American Curl.
Neat ears with curved tips.
Has short legs.
Kinkaloo is an extremely inquisitive and active pet, with whom the owner will never be bored.
A small and playful kitten will not only spend days exploring every corner of the house, but will also be happy to accompany his beloved owner on an evening walk.
The weight of these dwarf cats is no more than 2–3 kilograms .
1st place: Skif-tay-don
The first place is rightfully occupied by the smallest domestic cats in the world - Scythian Tay-dons.
Cats have a fluffy pompom instead of a tail.
The smallest cats in the world weigh from 900 grams to 1.5 kilograms.
Playful cat.
These amazing creatures with bright blue eyes and a fluffy pompom instead of a tail are also called dwarf bobtails.
Miniature Scythian Tay-Dons not only resemble small kittens in size, but also in their habits, because they will forever remain playful and playful pets. No less interesting is the way these animals attract the attention of the owner. If a blue-eyed baby wants to communicate with his owner, he lies down on his back in front of him and begins to purr loudly and loudly. Naturally, no one can resist the charm of their pet, and the cunning kitten immediately finds itself in the arms of its beloved owner.
The smallest cats in the world weigh from 900 grams to 1.5 kilograms .
Lamkin
Lambkin or lambkin is a breed of cat that appeared as a result of crossing the dwarf munchkin and the Selkirk rex. The external feature of the breed is its curly fur, which gives it a similarity to a lamb. The name “lamkin” itself is also telling and translated from English means “lamb”.
Cats of this breed are very playful and inquisitive, they love to jump and climb on anything that is not much higher than their height. Body weight does not exceed 2.5 - 4 kg.
Advantages and disadvantages
Breeding eternally small pets is a rather complicated matter, requiring deep knowledge about the nature of cats, which is why, quite often, attempts to get a tiny kitten do not turn out to be successful. In this matter, both strengths and weaknesses can be identified. Let's take a closer look at each point.
Advantages:
- appearance of small pets;
- most owners note a pleasant character, exceptional kindness, calmness and patience, as well as a complete absence of any manifestations of aggression or hostile attitude;
- Some of the described animals help people cope with their mental problems, which has been proven through a number of surveys and studies.
Flaws:
- little knowledge of the nature of our smaller dwarf brothers:
- unpredictability of hereditary pathologies;
- limited gene pool.
Singapore
The Singapore cat (Singapura) is a naturally occurring toy breed. This is a smooth-haired cat with a graceful, muscular body.
Singapore cats are record holders in the Guinness Book of Records and are recognized as the smallest domestic representatives of the cat family.
Singaporeans are long-lived, they are distinguished by good health and stable immunity to infectious diseases. By its nature, a cat of this breed is quite timid, cautious and very smart. The weight of adults is 2–3 kg.
Content Features
Like any other animal, eternal kittens have some peculiarities in their maintenance. Below are tips to follow to maintain your pet's health and your peace of mind.
Nutrition
Proper and balanced nutrition is perhaps one of the most important criteria for maintaining normal functioning of the body in any living creature. You should be especially careful when feeding your dwarf pet, especially if you have only had regular cats or male cats before. Overeating should not be allowed, so you should feed your pet small portions no more than 2-3 times a day.
With numerous questions: “What to feed the animal?”, “What food is suitable?”, “Can I feed my pet what I eat?” – breeders who have extensive experience working with a specific breed will help. They can suggest some useful life hacks based on their personal observations and experiments.
It is worth purchasing food only from trusted manufacturers.
Veterinary
The article has already mentioned several developmental problems associated with little knowledge of small purring sacs. Unfortunately, some breeders are more concerned about making quite a large profit from the sale than about the health of the future or newly born kitten.
Among the animals described, diseases of the musculoskeletal system are common, as well as various deformities in the spine and chest. That is why you should not neglect visiting the veterinarian on any issue that arises regarding your tiny pet.
Breeding
Breeding, or as felinologists also call this process, breeding work is very risky for the health of both kittens and cats. Due to the genetic characteristics of dwarf cats, this risk becomes even more acute. To engage in this work, you must have at least basic knowledge in the field of felinology and have successful practical activities in this matter. Clients trust breeders who have a professional felinologist as their leader more.
Another factor on which the success of the business depends no less is the correctly selected parent couple. We won’t go too deep into this topic, but we’ll point out a couple of particularly important selection factors:
- parents must have a good pedigree;
- parents should not come from crossbreeding, scientifically speaking, they should not be a product of inbreeding;
- choosing a good parent pair is quite difficult: it can take a considerable amount of time and effort, so you should entrust the breeding of dwarf animals to a trusted breeder.
Additional procedures
Now is the time to discuss the procedures necessary for quality care. The health and pleasant appearance of the pet depend on their implementation:
- Eye care. It is necessary to wipe the tear tracks, which can lead to suppuration and infection of the eyes.
- Ear care. Just like your eyes: they should be cleaned regularly.
- Dental care. Veterinarians recommend giving the dwarf creature small chewing bones or crackers, which help in the fight against the formation of tartar.
- Grooming. It is necessary to carry out regular water procedures, as well as comb the wool with brushes.
- Digestion. As stated earlier, you should balance your pet’s diet. It won't hurt to worm it periodically.
- Temperature regime. In cold seasons, it is worth warming your pet with different suits; in hot seasons, monitor the time spent in direct sunlight.
Many of the measures listed above may seem unnecessary and extremely protective. Many people are not used to paying such attention to caring for a cat, but the described pets have weakened immune systems, so these measures can even be called vital.
How did miniature cats appear?
In recent decades, cats have ceased to be considered as indispensable assistants in the fight against rodents. Therefore, for more than 30 years, the breeding activities of felinologists have been aimed at breeding ornamental breeds with exclusive external characteristics. And since ordinary people have become fashionable for miniature animals, many dwarf varieties have been created in recent years.
Almost all small cats are the result of hybridization or gene mutation. Therefore, it is not surprising that dwarf varieties have many disadvantages, the main ones of which are:
- little knowledge of hereditary diseases;
- limited gene pool;
- instability.
Crumbs from the Guinness Book of Records
The record holder among miniature animals is a tabby cat named Mr. Pibbles. He lives in one of the veterinary clinics and has no owners. At 2 years old, the pocket cat weighed only 1.3 kg and its body length was 15 cm.
Experts suggest that he stopped growing due to an irreversible genetic failure that occurred in infancy.
Another baby from the pages of the Guinness Book of Records - Tinker Toy. The little native of the American state of Illinois weighed only 700 g with a height of 7 cm and a body length of 19 cm.
Bambino
Bambino means “child” in Italian. The name fully justifies itself, because even in adulthood cats retain their playful character.
Bambinos are descended from Sphynx cats and short-legged munchkins. From the former they inherited intelligence, curiosity and friendliness, from the latter – sociability, playfulness and easy-going nature. This crossing also affected their appearance. The complete absence of hair and short legs make the cats unusual, which is greatly appreciated by lovers of exotic breeds.
Body weight 2 - 4 kg.
Jaguarundi
They are part of the Puma genus. They have an elongated body, particularly flexible, short but strong legs and a long, thin tail. In appearance, it is somewhat similar to a weasel. It is bright red or brown mixed with other shades.
The length of the jaguarundi is from 55 to 77 cm, plus a tail, which can grow up to 33-60 cm, height - from 25 to 35 cm. You can meet it in America. They live alone. They are terrestrial animals, especially active during the day, but they can climb trees.
They feed on small prey (up to 1 kg), everything they can catch. Sometimes they raid poultry houses, or eat green figs.
Skookum
Short-legged curly cats that received curls from laperms. The wavy fur sticks out funny to the sides, which is why the pet appears disheveled. The fur coat is soft, but should not fall into tangles or icicles. Comb carefully with a wide-toothed brush. Bath only when necessary - water spoils the texture of the coat.
Skookums are energetic and charming, eager to make friends with everyone. From the Laperms they inherited strong nerves and high intelligence. They love children, dogs and anyone who is willing to play without being rough. Pets are tenderly attached to “their” person, they greet you home from work, and they purr at the sight of them.
Munchkin – 3.6 kg
Munchkins are short-legged cats. The strangeness of the breed does not end there - cats can stand on their hind legs, resembling a kangaroo. It is believed that the breed began with Brambleclaw, a cat in Louisiana who was found under a van and adopted by kind owners. It was believed that her paws did not grow due to a difficult life on the street, but then it turned out that she had a genetic mutation. Thanks to which a new breed appeared. Munchkins were officially recognized only in 1991.
Minskin
Minskin is a young cat breed that was developed only at the beginning of the 21st century.
The main distinguishing features are short legs and small fur trims on a bald body. Fur may be present on the tips of the paws, tail and head, while the belly is always bare. Because of their furry paws, this breed of cat is also called a hobbit.
Minskins appeared as a result of crossing short-legged munchkins and hairless sphinxes. Representatives of the breed have an easy-going and friendly character, and are distinguished by their curiosity and intelligence. Minskins weigh 2–3 kg.
Kinkaloe
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They inherited their small size from Munchkins, and their folded back ears from American Curls. Slender cats with lean muscles. There are two types of wool, the long coat is combed daily. Some kittens are born with normal ears and/or limbs - these are also used for breeding.
Delicate, calm pets, clean and problem-free. They quickly get used to order, are not touchy, and are patient. They love to play, but without unnecessary noise and running around, although sometimes the clown-like nature of curls takes over. They single out “their” person, preferring to be in the same room with him. They do not impose themselves, although they are happy to receive affection and communication.
