Small cats need the most love! There is something enchanting about the smallest cat breeds. Many of these wonderful cats maintain the appearance of a kitten for their whole lives. Despite their adorable tiny bodies, they are just as fierce and feisty as their larger cousins. All of the cats on our list of the top five best small cat breeds are big on personality and charm.
A small cat can be an ideal companion for those with limited living space, as they require less room to roam and play compared to larger breeds. Their petite size also makes them easier to handle and cuddle, fostering a stronger bond between owner and feline friend. Additionally, small cats tend to have longer lifespans and fewer health issues, providing years of joy and companionship.
To be fair, the smallest domestic cat breeds tend to be lovers more than fighters. Small cats can accompany their humans everywhere and often do. These little fellas can be found underfoot, in your lap, perched upon a shoulder, or in a handbag. When they go on the hunt, there are few places where their prey [or toys] can hide. Sometimes bred for affection and companionship and other times to fill the role of diminutive mouser, small cats can be a joy to have in the home.
Folks who are short on space might also find small cats to be to their liking. Smaller bodies and shorter legs make them particularly well-suited for city living or other small living spaces. There are many practical benefits to owning a small cat as well: they usually eat less, require less space to be happy, and can get by with a smaller litter box as compared to their larger relatives. That’s why we have compiled a list of the best small cat breeds to welcome into your home. Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments!
The List: Best Small Cat Breeds, According to Experts
1. Singapura
The small breed with the highest ranking among our sources is the Singapura. These incredible cats are astonishingly adorable. “The Singapura is one of the smallest cat breeds, weighing between 5 to 8 pounds at grown size, according to the CFA [Cat Fanciers’ Association]. Its ancestors came from the streets of Singapore and have since been bred to show pure traits of their species, notably the wide eyes, tawny coat, and blunt tail. Known for their playfulness and desire to help their people with everything, these cats make wonderful everyday companions,” raves Martha Stewart.
Hepper Blog praises, “Known as the smallest breed of cat, the Singapura has big doe eyes, large ears compared to the size of the cat, and a big personality. This breed only… stands at 8 inches or smaller. They are social, playful, and fun, but may also have some neurotic tendencies and can be quite the handful for something so small.”
The Spruce Pets exclaims, “The Singapura… 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.”
2. Munchkin
How could a breed called Munchkin be anything but adorable? This breed is so cute it’s a crime. Omelet describes, “These breeds are for those who want their cats to stay pocket-size forever, like slightly-grown-up kittens! … This breed carries a gene mutation that gives it short legs. In spite of this, Munchkins are still agile and are fast runners. Don’t expect them to jump very high, though!”
Purina says, “The Munchkin is possibly one of the most famous small cat breeds. Their tiny size is due to a gene mutation that means that they have little dumpy legs that are much shorter than normal. While their bodies are only slightly smaller than average, their shoulders are very low to the ground, which is why they have such an adorable pottering gait.”
“When you think of cat breeds that stay small, you probably think of the Munchkin cat. The short legs on a Munchkin cat are not a result of selective breeding but rather a natural genetic mutation. Despite some controversy over the breed, Munchkin cats don’t appear to have major associated health issues,” elaborates Litter-Robot.
3. Dwelf
The Dwelf is a teeny tiny hairless breed. These designer cats look like Sphynx kittens and stay small as adults. Cats Breed List comments, “The Dwelf is a newer cat breed and is, therefore, a bit costly. You’re unlikely to find one at the local animal shelter with its rarity. If you want to purchase one from a breeder, expect to pay between $2,000 and $3,000 for one of these kittens.”
Reader’s Digest adds, “Weighing in at a mere four to six pounds and only seven inches in height, the hairless Dwelf cat is certainly one of the tiniest cat breeds out there… It is important to note, however, that these cats can be predisposed to genetic issues, including fragility.”
“Dwelf cats—whose name derives from ‘dwarf’ crossed with ‘elf’—get their short legs from the Munchkin, their hairlessness from the Sphynx, and their distinctive curled ears from the American Curl,” details Litter-Robot.
4. Cornish Rex
This stately king is a majestic beast that catches the eye with a distinctive silhouette. The Cornish Rex is lean and lithe. Four Paws explains, “With a long and slender torso, the Cornish Rex is an easily recognizable feline. Their most unique features include a wavy coat texture, egg-shaped head, and adorably large ears. The Cornish Rex typically stays under 9 pounds, but that doesn’t stop this social butterfly from having a larger-than-life presence around you.”
Hepper Blog offers, “This breed of cat has a soft, downy coat with a curl to it. However, the coat is thin, and these cats are sometimes confused with other ‘naked’ cat breeds. Their bodies are sleek and elegant with a delicate appearance. This breed is highly social and loves spending time with its people. Although they stand between eight to 12 inches, they typically only weigh six to 10 pounds.”
The Spruce Pets states, “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 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.”
5. Burmese
Not to be confused with the equally adorable Birman, the Burmese cat is a small breed that is often great with kids. Burmese cats have a reputation for being affectionate. Daily Paws claims, “Looking for a cat that can keep your kiddos entertained? For a feline, the Burmese breed is outgoing and extremely patient with youngsters, known to follow the kiddos around the house and adore affection.”
“The Burmese cat looks much smaller than it weighs. With close-lying silky fur, these tiny cats require very little grooming. Burmese cats like to stay close to their owners, but also have an adventurous and fearless nature, according to the CFA,” relates martha stewart.
The Spruce Pets reviews, “Burmese cats are smaller than average with a compact, stocky body and big brain. An average Burmese weighs between six 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.”
You might also be interested in:
Sources:
- Martha Stewart
- Hepper Blog
- The Spruce Pets
- Omelet
- Purina
- Litter-Robot
- Cats Breed List
- Reader’s Digest
- Four Paws
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.
The Only Morally Acceptable BREEDS for Pets are Shelter-Adopted or Strays !!!!!!!!1
Nonsense. Shelter/strays are as beautiful and loving as any other cats, and need homes, but outright condemning all pedigrees is stupid. Responsible breeders exist. They test cats carefully for diseases, don’t overbreed, and treat their cats much better than owners of ordinary moggies who don’t neuter their cats and so just add to the issues of overpopulation.
It might take more effort to find a good breeder, but it can be done.
Totally agree. I got my fur baby from a rescue shelter 3 yrs ago. She has a heart condition and hyperthyroidism so people were
overlooking this sweet girl. As soon as I saw her my heart melted and I knew I wanted her to be part of my family. It proves that you don’t need to spend money on love.
I’m adopting a Munchkin from a rescue in Kuwait where it otherwise would be left to die on the street or killed by a predator. Happy now? I adopt from abroad because they are treating animals much worse elsewhere than in the USA. Now get off your soapbox.
The best breed of cats are in these groups:
Shelter
Homeless
Abandoned
From people who did not spay there cat and now have kittens. The momma might also need to be adopted so she will be spayed.
Munchkins are bred for deformity. People have selectively bred for that deformity. Shame on you for promoting!
Selkirk Rex should be on the list. Both of my females are under 7 lbs. and are fully grown.