16 smallest cat breeds in the world that stay tiny, cute and cuddly
Cats are known for their affectionate personalities and playful behaviour, which can bring joy to a household. Domestic cats come in various breeds, each with unique characteristics, appearance, and temperament. Small cat breeds make popular pets because of their compact size and cute features. Discover some of the smallest cat breeds that will be impossible not to fall in love with.
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We strive to provide our readers with valuable insights and information through our various rankings and lists. To create this list of the smallest cat breeds in the world, we used data from credible sources, including PetMD, ASPCA, Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), and The International Cat Association (TICA). We also considered the cat's size, physical features and temperament.
Smallest cat breeds in the world
Small cat breeds stay little when fully grown but have just as much personality as their larger counterparts. Despite their small size, they are big in personality, have plenty of cuddles and love to give. From fluffy to short-haired and even hairless, below are some of the smallest cat breeds that are sure to steal your heart.
| Name | Height | Weight |
| Singapura | 6’’–8’’ (15–20 cm) | 4–8 Ibs (1.8–3.6 kg) |
| Munchkin | 5’’–7’’ (12–18 cm) | 5–9 Ibs (2.3–4 kg) |
| Cornish Rex | 8’’–12’’ (20–30 cm) | 6–10 Ibs (2.7–4.5 kg) |
| Devon Rex | 10’’–12’’ (25–30 cm) | 5–10 Ibs (2.3–4.5 kg) |
| American Curl | 9’’–12’’ (23–30 cm) | 5–10 Ibs (2.3–4.5 kg) |
| Japanese Bobtail | 8’’–9’’ (20–23 cm) | 6–12 lb (2.7–5.4 kg) |
| Turkish Angora | 9’'– 14’’ (23–36 cm) | 5–10 Ibs (2.3–4.5 kg) |
| American Wirehair | 9’’– 11’’ (23–28 cm) | 8 – 15 Ibs (3.6–6.8 kg) |
| Korat | 9’’– 13’’ (23–33 cm) | 6–10 Ibs (2.7–4.5 kg) |
| LaPerm | 6”–10” (15–25 cm) | 6–10 Ibs (2.7–4.5 kg) |
| Burmese | 10”–12” (25–30 cm) | 6–14 lb (2.7– 6.4 kg) |
| Siamese | 8”–10" (20-25 cm) | 8–10 lb (3.6–4.5 kg) |
| The Balinese | 8’’–11’’ (20–28 cm) | 8–15 Ibs (4–7kg) |
| Abyssinian | 8”–10" (20-25 cm) | 8–12 lb (3.6–5.4 kg) |
| Javanese | 9''– 12” (23-30 cm) | 6–10 Ibs (2.7–4.5 kg) |
| Toybob | 7''–9'' (18–23 cm) | 4–9 Ibs (1.8–4.1 kg) |
1. Singapura
Source: Getty Images
- Height: 6’’–8’’ (15–20 cm)
- Weight: 4–8 Ibs (1.8–3.6 kg)
- Lifespan: 11 to 15 years
- Temperament: Curious, affectionate, active, playful
The Singapura is considered the smallest cat breed in the world. It is recognised for its large eyes, ears, ticked coat, and blunt tail. Its ancestors came from the streets of Singapore and have since been bred to show pure traits of their species. They are energetic, often seeking high places to climb and play, and tend to be loyal to their owners.
2. Munchkin
Source: Getty Images
- Height: 5’’–7’’ (12–18 cm)
- Weight: 5–9 Ibs (2.3–4 kg)
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
- Temperament: Friendly, playful, outgoing, affectionate
Munchkins are a breed of cat that originated in the United Kingdom. They are known for their short legs caused by genetic mutation. Munchkins tend to have high energy levels and provide a great deal of love to their owners. They are also considered to be the original breed of miniature cats.
3. Cornish Rex
Source: Getty Images
- Height: 8’’–12’’ (20–30 cm)
- Weight: 6–10 Ibs (2.7–4.5 kg)
- Lifespan: 11 to 15 years
- Temperament: Curious, friendly, mischievous
Cornish Rex cats are a small breed known for their unusual coats and large ears. They possess only the 'down' hair that makes up the undercoat of an average cat. Their fine, light, naturally curly coats make them best suited for indoor living in warm and dry conditions, as they are sensitive to low temperatures. Cornish Rex cats are energetic and friendly.
4. Devon Rex
Source: Getty Images
- Height: 10’’– 12’’ (25–30 cm)
- Weight: 5–10 Ibs (2.3–4.5 kg)
- Lifespan: 9 to 15 years
- Temperament: Companionable, intelligent, playful, mischievous
The Devon Rex is a tall-eared, short-haired cat from England. It is characterised by its typical appearance: an oddly shaped head, large eyes, and a short and wavy coat. Devon Rex cats are intelligent and adaptable and get along well with children and other pets.
5. American Curl
Source: Getty Images
- Height: 9’'–12’’ (23–30 cm)
- Weight: 5–10 Ibs (2.3–4.5 kg)
- Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
- Temperament: Friendly, curious, playful, and adaptable
American Curl cats are one of the cats that stay small and fluffy. They are most recognisable by their unusual ears, which curl back from the face toward the centre of the back of the skull. As one of the most expensive cat breeds in the world, these cute small cats are social and affectionate. They enjoy interacting with people and adapt well to various households.
6. Japanese Bobtail
Source: Getty Images
- Height: 8’’–9’’ (20–23 cm)
- Weight: 6–12 lbs (2.7–5.4 kg)
- Lifespan: 9 to 15 years
- Temperament: Active, affectionate, intelligent, social
Japanese Bobtails are small to medium-sized cat breeds with soft and silky short or long coats. Their distinct small pom pom tail is a natural feature, adding to their unique look and appeal. Due to their affectionate nature, they are well-suited pets for children and communicate with people using soft, chirpy noises.
7. Turkish Angora
Source: Getty Images
- Height: 9’’–14’’ (23–36 cm)
- Weight: 5–10 Ibs (2.3–4.5 kg)
- Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
- Temperament: Curious, devoted, intelligent, active
Turkish Angoras are one of central Anatolia's ancient, natural cat breeds. They are known for their slender frame, muscular build, and long tails. They are also fine-boned, with long legs slightly longer in the back than in the front. These cats are also known for being playful, social, and intelligent.
8. American Wirehair
Source: Getty Images
- Height: 9’’–11’’ (23–28 cm)
- Weight: 8–15 Ibs (3.6–6.8 kg)
- Lifespan: 14 to 18 years
- Temperament: Friendly, adaptable, calm, playful
The American Wirehair is a small breed of domestic cat originating in upstate New York. It is characterised by its wiry fur and crinkly whiskers, which are caused by a genetic mutation. This cute small cat is affectionate with its owners but can be shy with strangers. It is ranked as the rarest of the 41 Cat Fanciers' Association breeds.
9. Korat
Source: Getty Images
- Height: 9’’–13’’ (23–33 cm)
- Weight: 6–10 Ibs (2.7–4.5 kg)
- Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
- Temperament: Affectionate, intelligent, playful, reserved
Korat cat is a silver-tipped blue-grey, short-haired breed of domestic cat with large eyes. They are smart, playful, and active cats who form a strong bond with their owners and are considered reasonably easy to care for. These cats are also considered symbols of good luck in their home country, Thailand.
10. LaPerm
Source: Getty Images
- Height: 6”–10” (15-25 cm)
- Weight: 6–10 Ibs (2.7–4.5 kg)
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
- Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, intelligent, playful
The LaPerm is a small cat breed with the tightest curls on the throat and at the base of the ears. They come in many colours and patterns and are known for being friendly and affectionate. They often follow their owners around and enjoy interactive play. Linda and Koehl developed the breed in Oregon in the early 1980s.
11. Burmese cat
Source: Getty Images
- Height: 10”– 12” (25–30 cm)
- Weight: 6–14 lb (2.7–6.4 kg)
- Lifespan: 10 to 16 years
- Temperament: Sociable, intelligent, playful, people-oriented
The Burmese cat is a medium-sized breed with a strong, compact body. Their legs are delicate, but their oval-shaped paws are neat. They are highly affectionate, social, and vocal cats. They like to stay close to their owners but also have an adventurous and fearless nature.
12. Siamese cat
Source: Getty Images
- Height: 8”–10" (20-25 cm)
- Weight: 8–10 lb (3.6–4.5 kg)
- Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
- Temperament: Intelligent, vocal, affectionate, social
Siamese cats are one of the most recognisable small cat breeds. They are also one of the oldest breeds in the world and are believed to have descended from the sacred temple cats in Thailand. Depending on their gender, they are small to medium and weigh between 6 and 14 pounds. They can easily be trained to walk on a leash and make loyal companions.
13. The Balinese
Source: Getty Images
- Height: 8’’–11’’ (20–28 cm)
- Weight: 8–15 Ibs (4–7kg)
- Lifespan: 18 to 22 years
- Temperament: Intelligent, vocal, affectionate, social
The Balinese is a long-haired breed of domestic cat with Siamese-style point colouration and sapphire-blue eyes. They have long, tubular bodies and delicate bones and are known for being muscular but slender. Balinese cats are intelligent and playful, enjoying interactive activities. Their long, silky coat requires regular trimming but is one of their most striking features.
14. Abyssinian
Source: Getty Images
- Height: 8”– 10" (20-25 cm)
- Weight: 8–12 lb (3.6–5.4 kg)
- Lifespan: 9 to 15 years
- Temperament: Active, intelligent, playful, and affectionate
The Abyssinian is one of the oldest and most distinctive breeds, known for its sleek coat, elegant body, and short hair. Abyssinian cats are intelligent and have active minds. They do not sleep as much as other breeds. They are the perfect companion for almost anyone due to their unusual loyalty.
15. Javanese
Source: Getty Images
- Height: 9”–12” (23-30 cm)
- Weight: 6–10 Ibs (2.7–4.5 kg)
- Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
- Temperament: Refined, intelligent, playful
The Javanese is a long-haired breed closely related to the Siamese and Balinese. One of the fun facts about Javanese cats is that they are friendly and outgoing, forming strong bonds with their family members. Their semi-long coat is fine and silky, perfect for cuddling this affectionate cat.
16. Toybob
Source: Getty Images
- Height: 7''–9'' (18–23 cm)
- Weight: 4–9 Ibs (1.8–4.1 kg)
- Lifespan: 14 to 15 years
- Temperament: Friendly, playful, affectionate, social
The Toybob is a breed cat known for its small size and short kinked tail, and it originated in Russia. Due to a spontaneous mutation, it is often considered one of the most miniature breeds of cats. Despite its small size, the Toybob cat has a strong body with legs that are excellent musculature and proportionate to the body.
What is the teacup's smallest cat breed?
The Singapura is considered the smallest natural domestic cat breed and is often considered the smallest cat breed in the world.
What are some of the cats that stay small forever and don't shed?
Such cats include the Singapura, Munchkin, Cornish Rex, and Devon Rex. These breeds stay small and shed minimally, making them ideal for low-maintenance owners.
Which are the smallest wild cat breeds?
The smallest wild cat breeds include Black-footed cat, Rusty-spotted cat, and Margay.
What is the smallest species of cat?
The smallest cat species is a tie between the rusty-spotted cat and the black-footed cat, both wild cats.
Some cat breeds are loved for their cuddly nature, offering companionship and fostering deep connections with their owners. Domestic cats often vary in size, but some are bred to remain small. These smallest cat breeds are perfect indoor pets, combining low maintenance with endearing personalities, making them ideal for those with limited space.
Legit.ng recently published an article about scary dog breeds. Dogs are great companions who have proven their loyalty and devotion through the ages. While every dog breed has its unique charm, some are considered scary because of their intimidating appearance.
While they may be labelled as scary or intimidating, these breeds have a range of extraordinary characteristics that make them genuinely fascinating. Some dogs are typically bred for hunting and protecting and are often trained for guard duties and police work.
Source: Legit.ng
