15 Small Cat Breeds in the World

You want to get a new pet, but your home is too small for any giant animal to have enough room to run around.

Perhaps the best choice is to get one of the small cat breeds instead of a larger one. 

Small cats, which typically weigh no more than 10 pounds, may entertain you and your family without taking up a lot of room. 

Due to their small stature and attractive characteristics, domestic cats of all sizes are popular pets.

Additionally, the tiniest cats typically weigh 5 to 10 pounds. 

Many smaller breeds have a bouncy, spry demeanor while maintaining their kitten-cute characteristics into adulthood. 

Furthermore, these cats are typically intelligent and active; some can be friendly and cuddly.

Look at the top 15 small cat breeds that have significantly impacted the cat community. 

1. Singapura Cat

The Singapura is at the top of our list, weighing only 4–8 pounds.

Additionally, these sable-brown, short-haired cats typically have dark borders on the tips of their tails. 

Most of our small cats are curious, active, and highly devoted to their owners.

Some claim that Singapore is where the breed first appeared (the name “Singapura” is derived from the Malaysian term for Singapore), but others are less certain. 

Furthermore, the origins of the Singapura may never be known, but Singaporeans have nonetheless claimed them. 

Nothing could be more fitting than their unique moniker for the Singapura (“kucinta” in Malay), which combines the terms “cat” and “love.” 

2. Munchkin

One of the world’s smallest cat breeds is the Munchkin. These cats are inherently short-legged due to a genetic abnormality, giving them a modest stature of 7–9 inches at the shoulder. 

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Lilieput, a munchkin from Napa, California, stood 5.25 inches tall in 2013. 

Additionally, if it is moral to keep breeding the short-legged munchkins, there is some debate in the cat community. 

Meanwhile, the Cat Fanciers’ Association does not accept the Munchkin as a registered breed. However, the International Cat Association does. 

3. Dwelf Cat

As its name implies, our number two tiny cat has a highly distinctive appearance.

Meanwhile, the Dwelf Cat’s rear legs are a little longer than its forelegs, like most dwarf cats. They acquired this quality from the Munchkin. 

However, an adult cat is half the size of an average-sized cat and can weigh between 4 and 9 pounds.

The words “dwarf” and “elf” were combined to create the moniker because the Dwelf is minor and has ears curled like an elf. 

Meanwhile, this is the companion your family yearns for—a hypoallergenic pet who enjoys cuddling and nurturing. 

4. Cornish Rex

This Cat is also known as the Cornish Bobtail or simply the Bobtail.

The Cornish Rex weighs around 6 pounds, making it slightly heavier than the Munchkin. 

A variety of distinctive characteristics distinguishes the Cornish rex.

These characteristics include a short, tight-curled coat, large ears, and prominent cheekbones and eyes. 

Due to its distinctive appearance and engaging nature, this breed originated in England and is becoming increasingly well-known globally. 

5. Napoleon Cat

Our following small cat breed is the Napoleon cat breed, which can have long or short fur and come in practically any color or pattern.

But that’s a tall possibility; it can’t be just one item! The Napoleon is a relatively modern breed that was created from the Munchkin.  

The Napoleon is short, like its namesake, but unlike its namesake, it doesn’t have a little personality.

Additionally, the “Minuet” cat, weighing 5 to 9 pounds, can play and snuggle at its best. 

6. Devon Rex

Unsurprisingly, the Devon rex breed is included in the category of small cat breeds because it is also frequently referred to as a “pixie cat.” 

In addition, the Devon rex stays relatively light at just 6 to 9 pounds even when fully grown.

These cats maintain a kitten-like appearance throughout their lives thanks to the breed’s triangular head, big ears, and sparkling eyes. 

7. Bambino Cat

The Bambino is a little cat hybrid of the Sphynx and Munchkin breeds.

This kind of Cat is also referred to as a dwarf breed. But despite their diminutive stature, this Cat is amiable and outgoing! 

Since the breed is so new, not much is known about it at this time, yet many disputes have surrounded its development. 

8. American Curl

Next on our list of small cat breeds is the American Curl.

The American Curl is most notable for its unusually shaped ears, although these cats are also small in stature. 

Additionally, when fully grown, this breed can weigh up to 12 pounds, with females, in particular, remaining petite and weighing no more than 8 pounds. 

Furthermore, the American Curl’s short or semi-long, soft, silky fur adds to the fluffy element of this petite cat breed. 

Despite not being recognized as lap cats, they have a loving, lively attitude and make wonderful pets. 

9. Japanese Bobtail

The Japanese bobtail cat breed doesn’t just have a short, pom-like tail. It also only weighs 5 to 10 pounds and grows to a mature height of only 8 or 9 inches. 

However, these cats have an elegant appearance and a lean build. Their main claim to fame is defending Japan’s silk trade from a rodent invasion in the early 1600s. 

Additionally, they are Asian in origin. They used to be the most often seen street cat in Japan. Moreover, today’s ordinary cat is a lively, witty house pet. 

10. Balinese Cat

The Balinese Cat, which may weigh between 6 and 11 pounds, is now number ten on our list of small car breeds.

These appealing cats, who also share Siamese lineage and features, are wrapped in luxurious, silky fur that may reach lengths of two inches. 

Although they tend to be vocal and aggressive, they also have a heartfelt love for their people.

Their namesake is a traditional dancer from Bali, which is highly appropriate for these graceful and lovely cats. 

11. Siamese

The Siamese cat breed is among the tiniest and one of the oldest cat breeds.

Although these cats are very long-haired, they are slim, muscular, and only weigh 8 to 12 pounds on average. 

In particular, females remain tiny and frequently weigh 8 pounds or less.

Despite its diminutive size, this noisy cat species will let everyone know where it is and what it likes. 

12. Abyssinian

One of the oldest small cat breeds in the world is the Abyssinian, which weighs 6 to 9 pounds.

Additionally, they have intelligence, are active, and occasionally act clownish.

They enjoy spending time with their friends so much that, if left alone for an extended period, they may experience separation anxiety.

Its vibrant coat, which features red, brown, and blue patterns, gives it a wild cat-like appearance. 

13. LaPerm

Next on our list of small cat breeds is Laperms. LaPerms are so-called because their unique, coily fur gives the impression that they have had a perm. 

Additionally, this cute little cat weighs between 5 and 8 pounds. In the 1980s, Linda and Dick Koehl of Oregon created the breed. 

In addition, the appearance of this Cat was the consequence of a mutation that developed from cats that were raised for pest management. 

14. Russian Blue

The Russian Blue Cat is another popular small cat breed. These cats are known for their distinctive coloration: dark blue, black, and white. 

Moreover, they aren’t related to the Russian Federation despite their name. They’re a mix of several other breeds. 

Most notably, they’re descendants of the Persian and Turkish Van cats. Additionally, they’re also related to the British Shorthair. 

15. Norwegian Forest Cat

Rounding off our list of small cat breeds is the Norwegian forest cat.

They are one of the most miniature cat breeds. Furthermore, they weigh around 4 to 7 pounds. 

This Cat has been bred for centuries by farmers to hunt rats and mice. However, their adorable looks have become more popular than ever.