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Let’s face it, who in the world doesn’t love a cute, tiny, fluffy kitten? It seems like everyone does but like for their cats to grow up and get big. However, there are some people out there who prefer a cat that will stay cute, tiny, and fluffy for all its life. Following you will find what is the smallest cat breed in the world. These cats will always remain on the smaller side- you’ll never say they are “too big”.
1. Singapura
If you’re looking for a “forever kitten”, your search is over- the Singapura is perfect for you. An adult Singapura cat will weigh between 4-8 pounds. They look like kittens for their entire lives. They are the epitome of the curious cat and are very playful. They will chase balls around your house, climb your curtains, and even perch on your shoulder.
Despite the fact that the Singapura is extremely playful, they also love being a lap cat and will love to cuddle with you when you need that extra loving. The size of this cat isn’t the only thing small- he/she also has a tiny little voice that is in contrast with his/her big personality.
2. Munchkin
The Munchkin is to cats what the Dachshund is to dogs: a short, stubby furball. This cat is due to a genetic mutation of the autosomal dominant gene, which causes the long bones in its legs to develop shorter. This gives the Munchkin the look of a forever kitten as well as a gait that you can’t resist. Munchkin cats will usually weigh between 5-9 pounds and the record for the shortest Munchkin was 5 ¼ inches from shoulder to paw.
Many people believe that this cat got its name from the munchkins in the Wizard of Oz- but don’t be fooled by the small stature of this cat. They are extremely playful and fast- and are passionate when it comes to play time. Sure, they can’t leap nearly as high as other cats- but you’ll swear you’ve got a furry racecar when you see him/her running around your house.
3. Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is an ancestor of the Siamese and is a very magical kitty with a curly coat that reminds many of the Marcel hairstyle that was so popular in the 1920s. The Cornish Rex was first found in Cornwall and has a refined, regal look. However, don’t let that fool you- he/she is a jokester and loves to be the center of attention at all times.
Though the Cornish Rex does have long legs, they only weigh between 6-10 pounds and just like the Singapura, will have the attitude of a kitten long into adulthood. This cat is very loving and will chime in his/her opinions as necessary. Of course, one thing to keep in mind is that this cat is very active and always on the move. Finally, this cat has an amazing ability to open doors and cabinets due to his/her long toes. Therefore, if there’s anything at all you want to keep out of reach, you’ll need to lock it up.
4. American Curl
Due to his/her never-grow-up persona, the American Curl is considered to be the “Peter Pan” of the cat world. This cat is extremely curious and loves to be in the middle of everything but will never be bossy like some cats are prone to. Despite the fact that this is a small cat breed, weighing between 5-10 pounds, they are often referred to as “gentle giants” because of their personalities. They are always seeking companionship with people, including children.
Here’s a short video that tells you why it’s great to choose an American Curl Cat as pet:
American Curls are very good at turning doorknobs, so if you want to keep them out of a room, you might need to keep it locked. This cute cat has caught the eye of cat lovers due to the interesting shape of its ears. The interesting thing is when they are born, their ears are straight and will begin to curl within a few days. After this, they will continue a pattern of curling and uncurling for about 4 months until they reach their final shape.
5. Devonshire (Devon) Rex
The final cat on the list of beautiful cat breeds is the Devonshire, or Devon, Rex. While they are very closely related to the Cornish Rex, don’t confuse the two. They do have the same small stature, come from the same country, and share genetic makeup- but they Devon Rex became a recognized member of the cat community a decade after the Cornish Rex. This cat is named after its birthplace, Devonshire, and the texture of its coat is similar to that of a rex rabbit. This cat is extremely social, much like the other small breeds, and absolutely adores being around people.
If you have a Devon Rex, you’ll find that he/she will prefer to be sitting up on the shoulder of his favorite person, but he/she will be more than happy to accept attention from anyone that comes around. You must keep a close eye on the snacks the Devon Rex gets- you’ll have a chubby cat before too long if you don’t keep it under control.
The Bottom Line
If you’re still determined to add a cat that stays small to your family, great! You will find that despite the fact that they are tiny, they are not delicate at all. They have just as much personality as larger breeds. One thing that you must always keep in mind is their energy. These cats are full of energy and will run circles around you and still not wear out. Therefore, if you want one of them, you must make sure you have the energy to keep up.