Cats are starting to own a lot of people’s hearts and have become companion pets in homes nowadays. This might be due to their affectionate characteristics, the beauty they behold, or the size of these felines compared to dogs, as they do not take up much space.
Even among cat owners, the preference is starting to shift to smaller breeds for some reasons. Notable reasons for that include the space they take up in small apartments and the ease of carrying these small, loveable feline creatures around.
Many are starting to believe that the smaller, the better and fancier.
The Smallest Cat Breeds – Overview
| Breed | Height | Weight | Lifespan | Additional Details |
| Singapura | 6-8 inches | 4-8 pounds | 9-15 years | affectionate, sociable, bold, can be shy infrequent shedding, not hypoallergenic |
| Munchkin | 5-7 inches | 6-9 pounds | 12-15 years | sociable, affectionate, active normal shedding, not hypoallergenic |
| Cornish Rex | 8-12 inches | 6-10 pounds | 11-15 years | sociable, bold, active infrequent shedding, hypoallergenic |
| Devon Rex | 10-12 inches | 6-9 pounds | 9-15 years | affectionate, sociable, bold normal shedding, hypoallergenic |
| American Curl | 9-12 inches | 5-10 pounds | 12-16 years | sociable, affectionate normal shedding, not hypoallergenic |
| Japanese Bobtail | 8-9 inches | 6-10 pounds | 9-15 years | sociable, affectionate, bold seasonal shedding, not hypoallergenic |
| Siamese | 8-10 inches | 6-14 pounds | 15-20 years | affectionate, sociable, bold infrequent shedding, hypoallergenic |
| Burmese | 9-13 inches | 8-15 pounds | 10-17 years | affectionate, sociable seasonal shedding, hypoallergenic |
| LaPerm | 6-10 inches | 8-10 pounds | 10-15 years | sociable, affectionate infrequent shedding, hypoallergenic |
| ToyBob | 1-3 inches | 4-7 pounds | 12-15 years | active, affectionate, sociable normal shedding, hypoallergenic |
Cats can grow big and weigh about seven hundred pounds, as seen in the likes of the tiger, a member of the cat family, or they can be as small as four pounds as adults, as seen in breeds like Singapura or Rex cats. This has been attributed to numerous factors, such as genetics or hormones, the environment, and even breeding factors.
Albeit little, their small size does not affect how these creatures are perceived or how well they are active and play at home. With no further delay, here is our list of the most miniature breeds of cats from which you can choose.
The Singapura cats
Leading the pack on our list of the smallest cat breeds are the Singapura cats. This cat is native to Singapore and is known as the smallest cat breed. Aside from being famous as the smallest cat breed, Singapura cats have big eyes and ears compared to their size, along with a ticked coat. Despite their small body frame, the Singapore cats appear stocky and muscular.
The Singapura cats weigh, on average, between 4-8 pounds as adults, which is approximately 2-3 kilograms of body weight, and are 6–8 inches tall with slender, blunt tails.
These cat breeds have affectionate personalities and are not shy about their size. Singapura cats are always ready to play with every family member, and they are quite a curious cat breed. Don’t be surprised when you find these tiny feline creatures climbing the highest points at home because they are excellent climbers.
What the Singapura cats don’t have in terms of size has been made up for in intelligence, companionship, and the breed’s high activity levels.
Munchkin cats
The Munchkin cat breed fondly referred to as “sausage cats,” is another breed of cat on our smallest cat breed list. Native to the United States, Munchkin cats have characteristically short legs as a result of a genetic mutation, giving them a dwarf-like appearance. This breed of cat weighs approximately 6–8 pounds, estimated at 3–4 kilograms of body weight, with a height range of 5–7 inches.
Munchkin cats are not only intelligent but would love to be outdoors, despite their size. These cat breeds are not intimidated by their short legs and can be seen running around the home, trying to take a leap, or even wanting to be by your side when going out. You can bet they are quite confident and are never shy about their looks.
Munchkin cats are energetic and active and would do well in homes where there are kids and even other pets. This further shows the breed’s social personalities. Though not tall, the Munchin cats are high in social status and personality.
Cornish Rex cats
This Cornish rex cat breed is native to the United Kingdom. It is a petite-sized cat that has made it to the list of smallest cat breeds. Cornish rex cats have only the undercoat, with the guard coat and middle coats completely absent. This breed of cat weighs between 6 and 10 pounds (3 to 5 kilograms).
Despite their small stature, Cornish rex cats are blessed with long legs and, as such, have heights falling between 11 and 15 inches.
This might sometimes give them a puffy appearance. Cornish rex cats are further characterized by their angular faces and oversized ears, with social and affectionate traits. They can be seen galloping and are commonly referred to as “greyhounds of cats.”
This cat breed is often adventurous, intelligent, and quite playful with family members and other pets at home. Cornish rex cats might be seen lurking around warm areas; this is due to the lack of enough protective coats. They might appear bigger than they really are due to their long legs, but the Cornish rex cat still remains one of the most sought-after small cat breeds.
Devon rex cats
The Devon rex cats fondly referred to as “pixie cats,” have their origins in England. They have the characteristic appearance of slender bodies, large ears, and a wavy hair coat.
The Devon rex cat breed is another cat that has been classified as one of the smallest cat breeds, weighing between 6 and 9 pounds, which are roughly estimated at 3 to 5 kilograms when they reach adulthood.
This breed of cat is extremely intelligent and can be seen trying to learn and participate in difficult tasks. Although the Devon Rex cats are small when it comes to weight, they have a fairly good height that is between 10 and 12 inches. Despite the Devon rex cats being active and playful, it can be difficult to motivate them to play.
Aside from their curiosity and desire to learn new things, this breed of cat is people friendly, and you can see them at home making friends with other pets and children. If you’re looking for a small and witty cat breed that is full of life, then the Devon rex cats are your go-to guys.
The American curl cats
The American curl cat is another breed that is native to the United States, specifically California and is considered one of the smallest known cat breeds.
This breed averages a body weight of 12 pounds when fully grown, which is about 6 kilograms. The American curl cat is characterized by its ears curling backward and downwards away from the face.
This cat breed weighs between 2 – 5 kilograms, or about 4 and 6 pounds, and has a height that could fall from 9 inches to 12 inches depending on their sex. American curls have excellent personalities and would do fine with pets at home and also with other family members.
Often times people think that due to the American Curl’s fluffy and soft coat, they would prefer to be lapped; this is quite the opposite, as this cat breed always loves their freedom and prefers to play on their own. This petite cat breed would definitely make good pet companions.
Japanese Bobtail cats
Known for their small tails, similar to those of rabbits, and often referred to as “pom tails,” the Japanese Bobtail cat is native to Japan and is another breed of cat that has fallen on our list of the smallest cat breeds.
Adult Japanese Bobtail cats weigh about 5–10 pounds, which is equivalent to 3–5 kilograms and can grow to a height of around 8 or 9 inches.
Japanese bobtail cats are good for families with kids and other pets and other pets because they are friendly. They are fond of making a chirpy sound when they need your attention. Despite their small size, the Japanese bobtail cats are excellent hunters and would not joke with rodent populations taking over their environment.
They make good companions, often found playing with water, and they show their owners they can be small in size but huge in energy levels, activity, and smartness.
Siamese cats
Often referred to by many as one of the oldest known cat breeds, the Siamese cat is also one of the smallest cat breeds and has made it onto our list of small cat breeds. The Siamese cats, which are native to Thailand, are stunning.
Despite their small size, the Siamese cats are muscular, with a triangle-shaped head, almond-shaped eyes, and color points.
With their lean and muscular appearances, the Siamese cats weigh about 6–12 pounds in body weight, which is estimated at 3-6 kilograms. The Siamese cats also have a height that falls between 8 and 10 inches, and most times, they soon look bigger compared to their real size.
This cat breed is well known for its social personalities, and they can be seen playing with children and other pets at home. It is little wonder they are called extrovert cats, as they are ready to bond easily with family members and are never shy of their size when it comes to socializing.
Burmese cats
The eighth cat on our list of smallest cat breeds is none other than the Burmese cat. Native to Burma and often referred to as the long-coated Siamese cat breed, this cat breed weighs between 4 – 6 kilograms, which is about 9 and 13 pounds.
They have an average height of 12 inches. Despite being a small cat breed, Burmese cats have a stocky build with broadheads and round eyes.
Burmese cats are not only people-friendly but social towards children and other pets at home. They are a playful breed of cat that can keep the energy they had as kittens even when they grow up. The Burmese cats have been labeled as having dog-like characteristics and are oftentimes called “velcro cats” because they don’t want to be away from people.
Burmese cats’ lack of size has been compensated for by their enormous social personalities, and they would do well with families who prefer small cats.
LaPerm cats
Named after the tight curly appearance of their haircoat as a result of a genetic mutation, the LaPerm cat is another cat breed that has made it to our list of smallest cats. This cat breed has body weights ranging from 5 to 8 pounds (approximately 2 to 4 kilograms) depending on the sexes. The LaPerm cats are quite small, with less than 10 inches in height in most cases.
Although small in size, the LaPerm cats, asides from their wavy haircoats, also have a muscular appearance. They have a gentle temperament and would appreciate being placed on laps, just like they would want to snuggle on the couch with their owners. The LaPerm cat breed is intelligent and people–friendly.
When this breed isn’t looking for your attention, which they always do, they can be seen making friends with children and other pets at home or just having fun with their toys.
Though lacking in stature and weight but blessed with high intelligence and social personalities, the LaPerm cat breed would be a great addition to families looking for small cat breeds.
The Toybob cats
The last of the smallest cat breeds wouldn’t be complete without the Toybob cats strolling inside. This breed is not only small in appearance but also compact, with a bobtail that is short and kinked due to a spontaneous mutation.
The Toybob cats are native to Russia, and many cat fanciers believe this breed is the smallest cat breed as a result of mutation. The Toy Bob cats weigh between 3 and 5 pounds as adults, which is equivalent to 2–3 kilograms.
Due to the size of the Toy Bob cats and their personalities, they have been accepted as companion pets. Although less active, they are still playful, intelligent, and remarkable climbers. They never outgrow their kitten behaviors, and the Toyboy cat is an excellent addition to homes that love their small cats.
Even though the mentioned cat breeds are small, they have shown that they can make up for their small size by having friendly personalities and being good with other people. They are never shy about expressing themselves, and they are always confident in their homes. Because most of these cats are not only energetic but also playful, their activity levels are high.
