Even though dogs take the cake as the most diverse mammal species, with over 250 breeds recognized, cats can come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, too. From the magnificent Maine Coon to the tiniest Munchkin kitten, even common house cats can look like opposites when standing side by side.
Speaking of Maine Coons, they’re becoming more and more popular for their stunning looks and gentle personalities. They’re also the largest domestic cat breed out there, but what’s the smallest cat breed? Felines on the smaller end of the spectrum don’t get as much time in the spotlight as their larger counterparts, but we’re about to give the little guys their 15 seconds of fame, too. We’ll go over some of the smallest cat breeds, and we’ll even meet the smallest domestic cat ever recorded. Who knew they could get so small?
Small cat breeds
There are pros and cons to having a pocket-sized pet, but every small cat breed has its differences, too. Let’s find out what makes these small cats one of a kind.
Abyssinian
This breed originated in ancient Egypt, and its affinity for water stands out among other cats. Full-grown Abyssinian cats can be as small as 6 pounds, but that doesn’t limit their sense of adventure one bit. These kitties will eagerly walk on a leash and follow you around the house, but their playful and intelligent natures will make any interaction you have full of love and joy.
American Curl
This cat’s coat may be more fluffy than curly, but they’re named after their ears’ curling shape. This distinct feature is just one reason to love them, though. Some even call American Curl cats “forever kittens” due to their tiny stature (females can be as small as 5 pounds) and lifelong, playful personalities. They’re adorable all around!
Burmese
This small and muscular cat breed has a personality that’s certain to charm you. Because of those muscles, males can be slightly larger than other cats on this list at 12 pounds. These active felines have an affinity for climbing and scratching, so you’ll do best with a scratching post and cat tower in your home. Burmese cats also love social time with loved ones, so it really is the best of both worlds.
Cornish rex
These non-shedding cats have a short, wavy coat and an elongated head, so you might know a Cornish rex when you see one. With their slender body and lack of fluff, they can weigh around 9 pounds when fully grown, but many call their personalities “larger than life.”
Munchkin
This list wouldn’t be complete without Munchkin cats, would it? These short-legged felines were named after the Munchkins from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, though you won’t find them breaking out into song (only a meow or two!). Munchkins maintain a kitten-like appearance throughout adulthood, but they can still do anything a cat can do. Those little legs don’t slow them down at all.
Siamese
These cats are famous for their dual-colored coat, bright blue eyes, and tendency for chattiness, but that’s not all that makes them so special. Their sleek and slim bodies don’t weigh much at all, though few Siamese cat owners realize that this breed is on the list of the smallest cats.
What is the smallest cat breed?
Cats from many breeds have the potential to be tiny as the runt of the litter, but only one breed can top the list as the smallest domestic cat breed — it’s the Singapura cat! They can be as small as 4 pounds in adulthood, though they have the personalities of a much larger cat. This may be a rare cat breed, but their small face and silky smooth coat will help you remember them for years to come.
Who was the smallest cat ever recorded?
There’s one cat that still holds a Guinness World Record for his tiny size almost 30 years after getting awarded the title. Tinker Toy was born in Illinois in 1990, and he grew to a whopping 2.5 inches tall and 7 inches long. He was a Himalayan cat, which isn’t known for its small size, but as the runt of the litter, Tinker Toy never grew very big. He lived until the age of 6 and is remembered as the smallest pet cat ever recorded.
If you thought your cat was small, think again. You might need to find the measuring tape and scale to get an accurate idea of your kitty’s size, but it’s extremely rare that your fully grown adult cat would break any standing records. There are lots of small cats out there, but are they as tiny as Tinker Toy? I didn’t think so!
If you’re interested in getting to know more about any of these tiny cat breeds, you can do your research before reaching out to local rescues. Some of the sweetest cats are mixed breeds waiting patiently at the shelter, and many of them are small, too! You just might find that your pocket-sized pet has a personality that’s larger than life. After all, good things come in small packages.
