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The smallest cat breeds in the world differ from other felines not only in their miniature size and light weight, but also sometimes in their unique body structure and eccentric appearance.
Let's find out which cat breeds are the smallest today.
- 2 6. Bambino
- 3 5. Skookum
- 4 4. Lambkin
- 5 3. Kinkaloe
- 6 2. Dwelf
- 7 1.Skif-tay-don
- 8 Conclusion
Munchkin
The smallest cat breed does not necessarily have to have a dwarf body.
It is enough to have short legs, like a munchkin , to receive such a title.
All other body proportions correspond to an ordinary medium-sized cat.
Munchkin
Interesting fact! Due to the peculiarity of the structure of the limbs, this breed was nicknamed “dachshund cat”. These animals are indeed very similar to dwarf and rabbit dachshunds .
For a long time, they did not want to recognize this breed and believed that Munchkins were ordinary cats born with a defect.
The first documented records of the munchkin date back to 1940.
Then a description of a cat appeared, similar to an ordinary one, but with short legs.
During World War II, munchkins disappeared from sight.
But then cats with short legs were spotted in the USA and USSR, similar in description to those mentioned in the 40s.
Munchkins were first presented to the public in the early 90s of the last century, at a national cat show held in the USA.
But the breed was immediately branded, recognizing it as unviable.
After much debate, munchkins were included in the development program for new breeds.
“Dachshund cats” managed to obtain champion status only in 2003.
Despite the assurances and pessimistic views of critics, munchkins are in good health, cheerful and no different from full-fledged pets. Cats of this breed weigh up to 4 kg.
Cats are smaller and weigh from 1.8 to 3.5 kg. The shortest representative of the Machkin is a cat named Liliput from the USA, who was included in the Guinness Book of Records; his height at the withers was just over 13 cm.
The breed got its name in honor of the dwarf people who lived in the Magic Land of Oz in the book by Frank Baum.
Bambino
The smallest cat breeds in the world can have not only short legs, but also an exotic appearance.
We are talking about the Bambino - the most exclusive and expensive breed.
When you first see a photo of a bambino, you may get the impression that this is a sphinx with a limb defect.
But this is just the result of experimental breeding work.
The first representative of the Bambino was born in 2005 as a result of crossing the Canadian Sphynx and the Munchkin. The HolyMoly Cattery nursery, which bought the kitten from the owners, decided to establish an as yet unknown breed as an experiment.
The pet was given the nickname Dityatko, which later gave the name to the breed - Bambino.
Interesting fact! The bambino has a nickname - “dwarf cat”.
Bambino
The breed received experimental status from TICA (International Cat Association) in 2006.
Bambino took from her ancestors only exclusive features - hairless skin, short legs and an elongated body.
Low-growing representatives weigh between 1.8-4 kg.
Lovers of exotic pets, including Don Sphynxes and Peterbalds , can purchase a “gnome cat” for an average of 200 thousand rubles.
Content Features and Issues
Each dwarf breed has its own specific requirements for keeping the animal, and they should definitely be taken into account if you want your pet to be healthy, active and happy for your whole family for a long time.
Nutrition
High-quality food and proper nutrition are especially important for representatives of dwarf breeds. The diet should be energy-rich and balanced - choose proven ready-made food for active animals.
The best diet options will be suggested by a breeder who has experience and his own observations in a particular breed. When feeding natural food, also consult the experience of the breeder - you are unlikely to be able to correctly create a balanced menu for your pet on your own.
A balanced diet is very important for dwarf cats
Veterinary
Unfortunately, toy breeds are characterized by many genetic diseases and problems with the musculoskeletal system. The risks of pathologies are especially high in very young, not fully formed breeds. Deformations of the spine and chest create big problems - for example, the so-called pectus excavatum.
Health is the most important thing for a miniature cat
The process of creating dwarf breeds is very difficult, but it is going on, and its key issues lie in the sphere of responsibility and professionalism of the breeders. Responsibility must prevail over the commercial component of breeding work - only in this case can a healthy and promising population be obtained for the further development of new and really very interesting mini-breeds of cats.
Breeding
Breeding work with dwarf breeds requires serious theoretical training and extensive practical experience.
It is very important to choose the right parental pair, not burdened by inbred origin and poor heredity. And with a limited gene pool of rare breeds, selecting worthy sires can become a huge problem.
Breeding dwarf breeds is a difficult and responsible process
Considering all the risks for specific animals and the breed as a whole, it is better to leave breeding work to an experienced breeder or engage in breeding under his strict control.
Video: the smallest cat breeds
Charming dwarf cats of prestigious and elite breeds delight owners with their bright, touching appearance and friendly, flexible character. Take care of the health of your little pets - let joy settle in your home for a long time.
Skookum
The breed of the smallest cat, despite its dwarf size, does not necessarily have to have a fragile, miniature body.
She may have strong and well-developed muscles.
This statement is true for the Skookum breed, which translated into Russian means “unbending.”
The history of Skookums begins in 1996, when the first descendants of crossed Munchkins and La Perms appeared.
Their creator is the American breeder Roy Galusha, who for a decade has been trying to breed a small breed with wavy hair.
Skookum
Even in the photo it is noticeable that representatives of Skookum have a strong body, with well-developed muscles.
Interesting fact! Because of their curly fur, Skookums are also called “dwarf la-perm.”
In 2006, TICA recognized the breed as experimental.
In Australia, Skookum has already been able to win the WNCA champion title.
The weight of dwarf fluffies varies from 2 to 4 kg.
Adviсe
When choosing a dwarf cat, you should pay attention to many details. It is better to study in detail the characteristics of the breed and compare them with the conditions in which the animal will be kept.
For example, how well does the cat get along with children, how will it perceive the absence of owners or frequent moves, what hereditary diseases can it develop and how to treat them. Dwarf cat breeds are diverse, so based on the needs and characteristics of each of their representatives, you can find the most suitable animal for yourself.
However, it is important to remember that any purebred pet needs special care, this applies to both hygiene and nutrition. It is also necessary to show it to the veterinarian often to prevent the development of diseases, only then will the cat be completely healthy, which means that it will always be in a good mood
Lambkin
Lambkin
The next breed of the smallest cat appeared as a result of crossing the Munchkin and the Selkirk Rex, from which the Lambkin originated.
Translated into Russian, the word means “lamb.”
This name fully reflects the appearance of this pet, which has curly fur, like a lamb.
The lambkin inherited short, muscular legs, an elongated body and wavy hair from its ancestors.
The body weight of this animal is in the range of 1.8-4 kg.
Since the breed is not yet recognized by any international organization and does not have a standard, any colors are acceptable.
The most common are:
- bicolor;
- smoky;
- tortoiseshell.
Lambkin fur requires regular care and combing with special combs or a furminator .
In photos and in life, even adult individuals resemble a kitten with a naive expression on its face.
They are very agile, playful and full of energy.
Lambkin is in good health, but kittens often suffer from congenital pathology - deformation of the chest or back.
This is a very rare cat that is bred directly in the USA and New Zealand.
Lambkin is already registered as experimental in TICA.
fun lover
Such a cat is tireless in games, she is ready to jump for a long time. She is very devoted to her owner and follows on his heels. She has absolutely no aggression and accepts all manifestations of love from her owners with gratitude. Singapuras are quite smart and will not bother you if the owners are not in the mood for games and entertainment.
However, as soon as the opportunity arises, they are able to spend a lot of time playing with people, children and other animals. Other oriental cats are talkative, but not the Singapura - they “talk” little, and their voice is gentle and quiet. This cat is the best pet in a family with children, because she is completely gentle and loves to play.
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Despite the apparent fragility of these animals, they are full of energy, and their size does not in any way affect their health. They are perky and full of ideas. Dwarf cats of this breed take longer to develop than other representatives of the eastern group. There are few kittens in a litter, usually no more than three or four. At the age of four months, babies become ready to leave their mother.
The Singapura is perhaps one of the rarest breeds; in Russia there are very few nurseries breeding these cats. And in other countries there are an order of magnitude less of them than other species. The Singapura cat is an ideal pet for those who love active games with animals and appreciate their pleasant disposition, quiet voice and unobtrusiveness.
Kinkaloe
Another breed of the smallest cat was bred by crossing the same munchkin and an American curl.
The photo immediately shows what these animals gifted their descendant, the Kinkaloo.
The new breed inherited the same short legs and elongated body from the Munchkin.
The cat got curled ears from Curls.
Interesting fact! The name of the breed comes from two English words: kink, which means “bend” and low, which means “low.”
In 1997, kinkalow was registered by the TICA Association, and since 2008 it has received experimental status.
Kinkaloe
Representatives of this breed can have different colors and any coat length.
Adult pets weigh from 1.5 to 2.5 kg.
Kinkalow kittens that are born have straight ears at first, but already in the second week of life they begin to bend.
However, not everyone in the litter is born with short legs.
Although the Kinkaloo is considered a relatively healthy breed, it has many genetic problems that can affect its offspring.
How to feed small pets
An important point is proper nutrition of animals. If you do not want your pet to gain excess weight, refuse economy-class food. They are essentially the same to cats as fast food is to humans. Therefore, purchase premium food that is balanced and supplied with all the additives your cat needs.
There is no need to give your pet the food that you eat yourself. Your favorite soup is not suitable for a cat. She needs something completely different.
Fatty, salty, sweet and smoked foods are strictly contraindicated for all cats. There is no need to give them raw fish and meat either. The diet should be balanced and include lean meat, eggs, lactic acid products, and vegetables. If your cat doesn't mind eating fruit, it's okay to give it to him, but always follow your veterinarian's instructions.
The diet for cats has long been drawn up, and it is clear what and when and what is best to give. The main thing is that the menu is adjusted to the age and activity of the cat, as well as different periods of life, for example, the molting period, when the cat is given vitamins for its fur.
Dwelf
The next breed of the smallest cat is the result of complex breeding work, which was bred by crossing the Munchkin, the American Curl and the Canadian Sphynx.
The result is a very cute creature with short legs, the body of a dachshund and the ears of an elf, who has practically no fur.
The breed received the name Dwelf, which is derived from two words dwarf - “dwarf” and elf - “fairytale”.
The photo cannot convey the extravagant appearance of this animal, which resembles a fairy-tale elf.
The breed originated in 2009 and today has experimental status.
In total, there are about several dozen Dwelf representatives in the world.
Dwelf
Despite their dwarf size and low weight, which does not exceed 2 kg, these cats have a very muscular and strong body.
Like all sphinxes, dwelfs are sensitive to temperature changes.
It is imperative to ensure that the pet does not become overcooled or exposed to drafts.
Once every two weeks, the Dwelf needs to be bathed using a special veterinary shampoo.
1.Skif-tay-don
A very rare breed of the smallest cat in the world appeared in 1988, thanks to a selection experiment by breeder Elena Krasnichenko, who was breeding Thai and Kuril bobtails .
A non-standard Old Siamese-type cat with a kink in its tail came into her cattery, and then a Thai cat with a tail resembling a donut.
As a result of crossing this unusual pair, a tiny kitten with a short tail was born.
The representative of the future new breed was named Kutsy.
Skif-tay-don
In 2009, the breed was registered with TICA as an experimental breed.
Skif-tay-don has a miniature size and looks like a four-month-old kitten.
Pets of this breed weigh no more than 2 kg.
Origin of dwarf cat breeds
If in cynology decorative dog breeds are thoroughly balanced by service, hunting and numerous companion dogs, then felinology has been developing exclusively in the direction of decorativeness for a long time. No, really, an elite purebred cat from a good home will not hone its working skills in catching mice and rats - where can I get them, in a good home? An exclusive bright appearance is much more valuable, and all the efforts of breeders are aimed at improving it.
Decorative dwarf cat breeds are becoming increasingly popular in the world
In the last twenty to thirty years, a new trend has emerged - the breeding of cute, touching and funny dwarf cats, which until old age remain eternal kittens both in appearance and in behavior. Fashion determined demand, demand gave birth to supply - breeders in Europe and America began to develop new breeds according to a single principle: the smaller and funnier the cat, the better.
There have been many attempts, but not all of them were successful - now we can name up to one and a half dozen more or less mature young breeds of baby cats, and most of them are of American origin. Almost all of them are the result of either gene mutation or hybridization; only, perhaps, the Singapore cat can be classified as a native breed.
The Singapore cat is the only native dwarf breed
Rare dwarf breeds still have many disadvantages, the main ones of which are:
- instability;
- limited gene pool;
- lack of knowledge of hereditary pathologies.
