Dwarf Cats And Cats: What Breed Is Recognized As The Smallest In The World, The Peculiarities Of Their Maintenance And Breeding, The Nuances Of Choosing A Pet

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 22:26

Cute crumbs: the smallest cat breeds

Probably, many cat lovers would like their kitten to never grow up, but would remain the same cute, playful and spontaneous baby. The breeders helped the dream come true - they bred dwarf cat breeds that retain the funny appearance and habits of a kitten until old age.

Content

• 1 Dwarf cat breeds

  • 1.1 Bambino

    1.1.1 Video: bambino - "suede" cats with short legs

  • 1.2 Napoleon

    1.2.1 Video: Napoleon is a hassle-free cutie

  • 1.3 Lemkin

    1.3.1 Video: very few people have seen Lemkin - but he is

  • 1.4 Munchkin

    1.4.1 Video: everything about these amazing munchkins

  • 1.5 Skoom

    1.5.1 Video: boredom - curly hair with a golden character

  • 1.6 Singapore

    1.6.1 Video: Singapore - a small cat with huge eyes

  • 1.7 Kinkalow

    1.7.1 Video: Kinkalow - short legs, curled ears

  • 1.8 Minskin

    1.8.1 Video: minskin - a gnome cat with big ears

  • 1.9 Dwelf

    1.9.1 Video: dwelf - three mutations in one cat

  • 1.10 Skif-tai-don - the smallest breed

    • 1.10.1 Video: the smallest breed - Scythian-Tai Don
    • 1.10.2 Photo Gallery: Miniature Cat Breeds
  • 1.11 Little cat-record holder

• 2 Features of dwarf cats

  • 2.1 What problems arise

    • 2.1.1 Health
    • 2.1.2 Risks

  • 2.2 Nuances of care and maintenance

    • 2.2.1 How to care
    • 2.2.2 How to feed
    • 2.2.3 Video: Miniature Domestic Cats

• 3 How to choose a dwarf kitten

  • 3.1 Better closer than further away
  • 3.2 Decide on desires and possibilities
• 4 Reviews of owners of dwarf breeds

Dwarf cat breeds

If miniature dogs have been popular since ancient times, then the fashion for dwarf cats has appeared quite recently. It all started with the munchkins. Lovers of original cats liked their unmatched paws so much that breeders soon revealed to the world a whole "bunch" of new short-footed breeds, in the creation of which Munchkin was present in one way or another. For example, in alliance with the Persian, he made a Napoleon, with a Sphinx - a bambino, with a Curl - a kinkalow, and so on.

Little cats have a big loving heart

Since many of the miniatures are short-legged, the main criterion for assessing breed size is the weight of the animal, and not its height or body length. The undoubted leadership in the "construction" of designer breeds belongs to American breeders.

Bambino

The Italian word "bambino" is translated as "baby". The creators of the breed conceived the bambino as an eternal child - a cat that will remain a kitten until old age and, with its touching appearance, will encourage a person to care and other good feelings. As already mentioned, this "child" came from the targeted mating of munchkins with Canadian sphinxes. The name of the breed was suggested by one of the initiators of its creation, an Italian breeder.

Bambino is always ready to play

The largest cat of this breed weighs up to four kilograms. Watching the bambino, you understand: the game is the main meaning of his life. These cats are sociable and friendly, they enthusiastically respond to any offer to play - from whoever it comes from: from an adult or a child, from another cat or even a dog.

Video: bambino - "suede" cats with short legs

Napoleon

The Emperor of France, after whom this cat was named, had a proud, albeit cocky disposition, and also differed in small stature. Such an image was imagined by the American breeder Joe Smith, conceiving a new breed, in the ancestors of which he chose the royal Persians and babies of the Munchkins.

The name of Napoleon's cat is nothing more than a joke from the creator of the breed

Napoleon weighs no more than two kilograms. Having inherited a round muzzle and large expressive eyes from the Persians, the short-footed descendants "abandoned" the flattened Persian nose - Napoleons have a proud, almost Roman profile, and therefore they never snort, snore or have other problems in this regard.

These are generally almost problem-free cats with an ideal character, much better than their crowned namesake. Even caring for the luxurious fur of a Napoleon is not a big deal - it combes well and does not fall into felt, like the Persians.

Video: Napoleon is a hassle-free cutie

Lemkin

This very rare breed is bred only in a few breeding nurseries in New Zealand and the USA. "Lemkin" is translated into Russian as "lamb" - this name was given to cats for their soft curly fur and gentle docile nature. Lambkins (or Lambkins) are the fruits of love between Munchkins and Silkirk Rexes. Therefore, they are also sometimes called nanus rex.

Lemkin really looks like a tiny curly lamb

In adulthood, the weight of a lemkin can range from one and a half to four kilograms. Such a large range of body weight and other significant differences in the appearance of animals is explained by the fact that the breed is still too young and unstable. No one will say for sure how many Lemkin are living in the world right now - perhaps just over a hundred.

Video: very few people have seen Lemkin - but he is

Munchkin

As soon as they call munchkins: dachshund cats - for short legs and a long body, cats-magpies - for thieves' passion for small things, kangaroo cats - for the ability to sit for a long time "in a column" … In fact, the breed got its name from a small a fantastic people, invented by the writer Lyman Frank Baum.

A true gentleman Munchkin - the ancestor of the short-legged feline "people"

The average weight of a munchkin is three kilograms, but there are individuals that weigh more - up to five kilograms. So this is far from the smallest of the dwarf cat breeds. Munchkins are all about merit: they are smart, extremely charming, friendly, cheerful and agreeable. The inquisitiveness of this cat literally knows no boundaries and … obstacles - he examines all the corners, cabinets and shelves in the house, by all means hiding "as a keepsake" a few things he liked.

"Cat-magpie" - lover of fumbling on boxes

Video: everything about these amazing munchkins

Skokum

Skokum is an exotic name and somewhat unexpected for a cute curly cat, because in translation from one of the Indian languages the word means “strong, huge, mighty, unbending”. Like most dwarf breeds, the boredom is also a descendant of the munchkin, and the laperm became its second progenitor.

Bored cat, "huge and mighty"

The weight of boredom can range from one and a half to four kilograms. They may seem larger than their actual size due to a cloud of wonderful curls, which they proudly carry. You can really be proud and admired such an incomparable coat - of course, if the owners pay enough attention to caring for it. Pet-level boredom can cost from six hundred dollars, and the price of a show animal is several times higher.

Video: boredom - a curly hair with a golden character

Singapore

The Singapore cat is almost the only dwarf breed that does not come from America, but from Asia and has a fairly long history. The name "Singapura" clearly speaks of the country of its origin: it was in Sigapur that for a long time very special cats, "mongrels" lived, from which one of the most elite breeds in the world originated from.

Singapore - "alien" from the feline family

Singapura cats weigh up to two kilograms, and the largest cats weigh up to three. They are distinguished by a unique quality of wool, ticked color and incredible, "alien" eyes with a piercing gaze. Surprisingly, these babies grow up very late - only by the age of two.

Video: singapore - a small cat with huge eyes

Kinkalow

The kinkalow cat (or kankalow) managed to collect all the best from the parent breeds - a funny appearance from a munchkin, and from an American curl - not only exclusively curled ears, but also much more important qualities: wonderful character and good health. These American-bred cats are famous for their high intelligence, which is especially valuable in combination with their childlike spontaneity.

Kinkalows know how to "sit in a column", like their ancestors Munchkins

The maximum weight of an adult kinkalow cat is three kilograms. The breed is very difficult to breed, since the genetics of kinkalows are still unstable and unpredictable - in each litter there may be kittens with the appearance and heredity of either Munchkins or Curls. All babies are born with normal ears, and only from the age of one and a half weeks in some kittens they suddenly begin to curl back.

There are only a few dozen “pure” kinkalows in the world. Such kittens cannot cost less than a thousand dollars, or even several times more - if delivered from overseas catteries. However, it is possible to buy non-standard kittens, which are the majority in litters, it is possible to buy much cheaper - for two or three hundred dollars - and they will have a kinkalow pedigree, although these babies may look like anyone.

Video: kinkalow - short legs, curled ears

Minskin

A young dwarf breed originally from the American state of Massachusetts was obtained by successive crossing of four breeds: the Canadian Sphynx, Munchkin, Devon Rex and Burmese. An inquisitive and sociable fidget minskin adores its owner and does not tolerate loneliness.

Minskin is an eternal kitten that looks like a monkey

Representatives of the breed do not grow heavier than three kilograms. Interestingly, they are not completely devoid of wool - in some places along the folded body there are islands of fur, short, soft and very pleasant to the touch. In this they differ from the absolutely hairless bambino breed, which is considered to be a minskin breed. But to create minskins, four breeds were used, and for bambino - two.

Minskins differ for the better from many other designer cat breeds in that they do not have serious health problems. Their correct breeding is monitored by the international felinological association TICA, which not only officially recognized the experiment with minskins as successful, but also proposed a separate program to control the development of this unusual breed.

Video: minskin - a gnome cat with big ears

Dwelf

Charming bald hair with bent ears is a product of the most complicated selection of American felinologists. The mini-breed was bred on the basis of the Canadian Sphynx, to which the blood of the American Curl and Munchkin was added. The result is three mutations in one dwelf: hairlessness, short-toed and "ears-horns".

Dwelf - an angel with the appearance of an imp

The weight of an adult animal of this breed rarely exceeds two kilograms, and breeders strive to further reduce the size of the dwelf. However, one has to experiment in this direction with great caution, since the breeding of cat minis is already extremely difficult. With the correct selection of the parental pair, the triple breed mutation does not negatively affect either the health or the genetics of the offspring.

Video: dwelf - three mutations in one cat

Skif-tai-don is the smallest breed

Skif-tai-don (or skiff-toy-bob) ranks first in the ranking of dwarf cats. A very unusual breed is the pride of Russian felinology, since it was bred in Rostov-on-Don. The first officially registered kittens were born in 1987.

Skif-tai-don is a matter of special pride for Russian breeders

Skif-tai-don does not grow more than a five-month-old kitten of ordinary breeds and weighs an average of two kilograms. Toy-bean crumbs are very beautiful and harmonious, which experts always note at exhibitions.

Video: the smallest breed - Scythian-Tai Don

Many more domestic breeds can be ranked in the pool of dwarf cats, however, among outbred animals there are individuals that differ in their miniature dimensions.

Photo gallery: miniature cat breeds

Minskin is also called a cat-dog - for loyalty to the owner

Kinkalow is a funny but very expensive cat

Singapore is a descendant of street cats

Skokum - a cat-sheep with a loud name

Skif-tai-don - non-standard Thai

One dwelf has three mutations at once

Munchkin is the "father" of all short-legged minis

Bamibino may have a funny little tassel on its tail

Napoleon - the owner of a regal appearance and the sweetest character

Hypoallergenic cat with big eyes and ears

Balinese cat - relative of the Siamese

There are only a few dozen lemkin in the world

Little cat record holder

Dwarf cats do not have to be a rare and expensive breed. Supermodels are also found among outbred cats, such as the handsome Mr. Peebles, who lives in the American city … Beijing.

Veterinarian Robin Svendson liked his friend's kitten, and he took it to himself. But after the examination I found out: this is not a kitten, but an adult cat, whose development for some reason stopped in childhood. Weighs Mr. Peebles is one and a half kilograms, its body length is 18 centimeters.

There are other powerpuff cats known; here are just a few of them:

• cat Bitsy (Scarce), Florida (USA) - height 6.5 cm, weight 1.5 kg;
• cat Tinker Toy, Illinois (USA) - height 7 cm, weight 680 g;
• kitten Heed, San Diego (USA) - height 8 cm, weight less than 1 kg.

Features of dwarf cats

Many miniature breeds are difficult to maintain and even more difficult to breed - it is recommended to have such animals only for experienced breeders. Already by the fact of their existence, exclusive dwarf cats, which cost a lot of money, are one of the elements of prestige - like other expensive luxury goods. But they are not toys at all - they are alive, they require attention, love, careful and competent care, proper nutrition, and often, unfortunately, treatment.

What problems arise

When the dream comes true, and the long-awaited kitten finally moves into your home, this happy moment will be the beginning of big changes - not only in his life, but also in yours. Be prepared for this in order to anticipate possible problems in advance and minimize risks - all this should not interfere with a long and joyful joint future.

So, the choice has already taken place - we hope it was deliberate and successful. You really got a lucky ticket if your pet has three main factors:

• he is healthy and has no hereditary pathologies;
• he has a strong and stable nervous system;
• the breed qualities promised to you are really present.

Health

It is the fact that miniature breeds have been predominantly bred on the basis of one or more genetic mutations that determines most of the health problems in these cats. So, in general, very healthy Munchkins are sometimes diagnosed with lordosis - an incurable congenital pathology of the thoracic spine. This serious disease was transmitted along a chain to other young breeds derived from the Munchkins.

The spine curved during lordosis compresses the internal organs, which can cause the death of the animal

The shorter the legs, the more problems can be.

Another problem characteristic of all short-limbs is directly related to the paws - the cartilage tissue does not develop properly, and the joints become immobile. Other genetic problems in different mini-breeds include:

• hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease - from the Persians;
• myopathy, airway obstruction and skin diseases - from sphinxes;
• cystitis and hypersensitivity of the skin - from lairms.

Risks

Due to their short legs, many mini-cats are more defenseless than ordinary cats. They will easily be able to climb or even jump to a height, but a jump back, down, can harm them, up to broken legs and a broken face. Such animals are not always able to land on all four legs.

Short legs do not prevent the munchkin from running and even jumping

But most of the risks await short-legged ones on the street - they are not able to protect themselves: run away from a dog or a car, quickly climb a tree. Therefore, you should not let such kids go on independent walks. Walk with them on a leash, they love it.

A walk with your beloved owner - what could be more beautiful?

The nuances of care and maintenance

Caring for miniature cats is, in principle, no different from caring for animals of the usual size - you just need to take into account the breed characteristics of the coat or its absence.

How to care

The longer and thicker the fur of a crumble cat, the more often and more thoroughly it is necessary to comb it out: during molting periods it is better to do this daily. You should bathe your pet every three months - or if it gets very dirty. At least once a week, you should clean your ears, eyes and teeth, and maintain an acceptable length of nails.

Caring for minis is not a problem

Hairless "mini-cars" require special care and increased care: they must be washed regularly with special shampoos, protected from the cold - so as not to get sick, as well as from direct sunlight - so as not to burn delicate skin.

How to feed

A complete, high-quality, balanced diet is the basis of any cat's health. Since minikis are distinguished by increased activity, their menu should also be energetically saturated, regardless of what kind of food the owner considers it necessary to give to the pet - ready-made or natural.

Don't skimp on feeding your pets

Video: miniature domestic cats

How to choose a dwarf kitten

Short-legged cats are very rare in Russia. And if you want to get a highly bred animal with rare blood for our latitudes, then it will have to be delivered from afar, most likely - from across the ocean. Healthy kittens usually tolerate such long transportation well, and there should be no problems here.

Problems can appear when you receive a live "package" and suddenly find out that its contents do not correspond to what you dreamed of. This, alas, happens quite often. Is it possible to minimize risks?

This blue dream may well settle in your home.

Better closer than further

Of course, the task is simplified if the future owner has the opportunity to personally go for the chosen baby. On the spot, in the nursery, you can get a lot of useful information:

• get to know the breeder directly;
• find out the real conditions of keeping and the condition of animals in the nursery;
• see littermates and parents of the baby, their tests and other documents;
• observe the behavior of the kitten in the conditions familiar to him;
• "Live" to conclude an agreement and discuss the nuances of pet care.

If possible, look at the parents of your future pet.

If there is an opportunity to choose between a kitten from distant countries and a baby of domestic breeding, perhaps it would make sense to lean in favor of the second option? "Tit in hand" is more reliable in many respects, especially since recently large Russian breeders have begun to breed popular mini-breeds:

• munchkin;
• singapore;
• Napoleon;
• bambino and some others.

You can choose a skiff-tai-don kitten personally, and not by correspondence

Decide on desires and possibilities

Of course, the problem of choosing a pet is not at all limited to the framework of "close-far" - this is a very serious question, and you need to take it with full responsibility:

1. Do not buy a kitten spontaneously - just because, for example, your friends have the same one.
2. Discuss the breed and sex of the pet with your family in advance - you will not have a toy, but a new family member.
3. Decide whether you need a show animal or a pet - the price of a kitten depends on this.
4. Get as much information as possible about the characteristics of the breed you have chosen - no unpleasant surprises should arise.
5. Consult with specialists in which nursery it is better and more reliable to make a purchase.
6. Do not rush to take the baby away from mom too early - by four months he will be fully vaccinated and strong enough to move to a new place.

And be sure to take care of the dowry for your pet in advance - everything should be ready for his arrival at your house. And a lot will be needed, because even dwarf cats grow very quickly, their interests and needs can change dramatically in just a few months.

Reviews of the owners of dwarf breeds

Dwarf cats are charismatic, smart and devoted to their owner. For the most part, these are not ordinary creatures of nature, but the embodiment of human fantasy. They will decorate not only your home, but also your life.