Tiniest cat breeds

Written by:
December 31, 2018
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Tiniest cat breeds

Baby socks, mini cupcakes, doll houses鈥攕ometimes, bigger isn't better. has 12 million views on YouTube. Customers pay hundreds of dollars for in their likeness. There's even an entire cadre of artists ." Humans have an undeniable affinity for tiny things. 

The devotion to all things tiny extends to pets. Puppies and kittens make animal-lovers squeal because of their small size鈥攐r " size," in internet slang. Though pint-size dog breeds like Chihuahuas and French bulldogs have become hugely popular, the tiniest cat breeds aren't as well-known.

To discover which felines really are the smallest, 麻豆原创 compared the average weights of cats listed in the , , and . All cat breeds had to be registered by the and have a weight range midpoint of 9 pounds or less to make the cut.

Read on to discover which 22 cat breeds are the teeny-tiniest鈥攁nd get your daily dose of cute cat pictures. 

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#20. Abyssinian (tie)

Size range: 8鈥10 pounds

The Abyssinian is one of the oldest cat breeds in the world鈥攁rchaeologists have even found what they believe to be . These adventurous, playful cats love to climb up on high places like bookshelves, and enjoy learning tricks.

#20. Khao Manee (tie)

Size range: 8鈥10 pounds

Khao Manee were once bred exclusively as pets for Thai royalty. In fact, the first Khao Manee cat . These adventurous, playful, and attention-loving cats have pure white coats, and frequently have one blue and one amber or green eye.

#20. Burmilla (tie)

Size range: 8鈥10 pounds

Sweet and gentle, Burmilla cats love their owners and . They're a cross between Burmese and Chinchilla Persian, and come in two coat types: short and semi-long.  

#14. Tonkinese (tie)

Size range: 6鈥12 pounds

Known for their , these outgoing, active cats like to be involved in what their owners are doing at all times. Tonkinese cats have even been known to ride on their humans' shoulders.

#14. Somali (tie)

Size range: 6鈥12 pounds

The Somali cat's athletic physique and mischievous look points to its personality: . This cat is a great choice for anyone who wants a furry best friend they can spend a lot of time with.

#14. Havana brown (tie)

Size range: 6鈥12 pounds

With a short, mahogany brown coat and bright green eyes, the Havana brown cat is a striking feline. , and will often follow you around to see what you are doing, tap you with their paw to get pets, or chat to you in a soft voice.

#14. British shorthairs (tie)

Size range: 6鈥12 pounds

The round eyes, round head, and fluffy body of the British shorthair give the cat a slightly 鈥攁nd indeed he is, until he gets to know you. Later, British shorthairs will become laid back and affectionate with their families.

#14. Bengal (tie)

Size range: 6鈥12 pounds

A cross between , the Bengal cat gets its high energy and temperament from its wild roots. These cats like to play, climb up to high places, and even go for walks on a leash. Bengals will be especially happy if they have an outdoor space where they can watch birds fly by.

#14. Sphynx (tie)

Size range: 6鈥12 pounds

Prospective owners might be put off by the appearance of these at first, but the Sphynx's personality will soon win them over. Warm, intelligent, and funny, the Sphynx loves to investigate new things, and cuddle up with the people he loves.

#12. Bombay (tie)

Size range: 6鈥11 pounds

Easygoing and tolerant, are equally welcoming to new people and new animals. Though Bombay cats are intelligent and can be trained to play fetch and walk on a leash, they'd be equally happy laying in your lap.

#12. American wirehair (tie)

Size range: 6鈥11 pounds

As its name implies, the American wirehair cat has a thick, springy coat that feels like . Calm, patient, and friendly, this cat loves nothing more than sitting on a windowsill and watching the birds outside.  

#10. Siamese (tie)

Size range: 6鈥10 pounds

This is easily recognizable, thanks to its signature tan and dark brown markings, and bright blue eyes. Highly curious and intelligent, Siamese cats can be a bit demanding of their owners, and often get into trouble if left alone.

#10. Korat (tie)

Size range: 6鈥10 pounds

in its native Thailand, the Korat is a bit quieter than its Siamese cousin, but no less intelligent. These cats are striking, with sleek blue-gray fur and adorable heart-shaped faces.

#6. Turkish Angora (tie)

Size range: 5鈥10 pounds

Unlike many of the other breeds on this list, 鈥攖hey weren't purposefully bred for looks or temperament. Delicate and elegant in appearance, these small cats have a plumed, bottlebrush tail, and come in all kinds of colors and patterns.

#6. Japanese bobtail (tie)

Size range: 5鈥10 pounds

The Japanese bobtail's signature stubbed tail is the , and is said to bring good fortune. These active, intelligent cats love to play and often splash around in water, chase after balls, and ride on their owner's shoulders.

#6. American curl (tie)

Size range: 5鈥10 pounds

Instead of the usual triangular ears that stand straight up, bend backward. This sociable, loving, and family-friendly cat gets along well with older children, other cats, and even dogs.

#6. LaPerm (tie)

Size range: 5鈥10 pounds

Though the LaPerm cat doesn't regularly go to a groomer, its sure looks like the work of a cat stylist. These cats are inquisitive and highly active鈥攖hey welcome guests into the home with ease, and will even bat your hand to get your attention.

 

 

#5. Cornish rex

Size range: 6鈥8 pounds

Cornish rex cats have an , with oversized ears, curly whiskers, wavy coats, and oval-shaped heads. These high-energy cats are always on the go, and love to play tricks on their owners.

#4. Colorpoint shorthair

Size range: 5鈥9 pounds

This is one of the most talkative cats out there: They'll meow loudly if they want your attention, and won't stop until they get it. Their active, social, and fun-loving personalities mean that colorpoint shorthairs need lots of toys and playtime to be happy.

#3. Balinese

Size range: 5鈥8 pounds

Balinese cats are , so it's only natural that they have the same stunning blue eyes as their cousins. One of the most intelligent long-haired breeds, Balinese cats can live up to 22 years.  

#2. Singapura

Size range: 4鈥8 pounds

As their name implies, , and are now considered a national treasure. Their tiny bodies make their big ears and black-tipped tails stand out even more.

#1. Lykoi

Size range: 4鈥7 pounds

The Lykoi is also known as the 鈥溾 because of its partially hairless body, and sparse white and black fur. These small cats aren't scary, though: Lykois are usually highly intelligent problem-solvers who like to cuddle with their humans.  

 

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