When it comes to the different types of small-breed cats, there are more around than you might think. In order to be classified as small, cats typically need to weigh less than 10 pounds which gives them that kitten-like look even when they're fully grown.
Small cat breeds tend to be popular because of their compact size and cute features, but while they may be tiny, they still require the same things as their larger brothers and sisters – including plenty of play time with the best cat toys.
And just like large breeds, their personalities all vary. For some, being small makes them more shy and reserved, while others make up for their tiny stature with larger-than-life personalities.
Either way, all make wonderful companions, so read on as we reveal 32 types of small-breed cats.
32 types of small breed cats
1. Singapura
The smallest cat breed in the world, the singapura may be tiny but they have a big personality. A playful kitty who loves zooming around after the best interactive cat toys, these energetic extroverts are bold, social, and love being the center of attention. Weighing between four and eight pounds and measuring no more than eight inches in height, the petite singapura retains its kitten-like nature well into adulthood. Good with people of all ages and stages, they like to be a full part of day to day family life and don’t enjoy being left alone.
2. Munchkin
What the munchkin lacks in legs, they more than makeup for in personality with these cats known for being energetic, fun-loving, and affectionate. A relatively rare breed, the munchkin has legs that are three inches shorter than the average feline, but they certainly don’t let that hold them back. A curious cat who loves exploring the world around them, the munchkin is a confident and self-assured kitty who is well suited to most living situations.
3. Devon Rex
Can you train a cat? You certainly can if they’re a Devon Rex! This intelligent feline loves learning new commands and tricks, and most can even be trained to play fetch. Known for their short and curly coats and bat-like ears, the cheeky and mischievous Devon Rex has a dog-like personality who makes a very loyal and loving family companion. Active, outgoing, and attention-seeking, this gregarious breed will certainly keep you on your toes.
4. American Curl
Weighing five to 10 pounds and measuring 9 to twelve inches in height, the American Curl is a charming cat who is quickly gaining in popularity. Characterized by their unusual ears, they have infectious personalities and are known for being incredibly people-oriented. Social kitties who get along well with children, other cats and respectful dogs, the American Curl loves attention and has a curious nature. It can be a good idea to invest in one of the best cat trees if you have a curl in your family as they love perching up high and keeping an eye on everything that’s going on.
5. Toybob
Small cats with big hearts, the toybob hails from Russia and has an affectionate and cuddly nature that makes it a wonderful companion for people of all ages. Gentle cats with a quiet nature, they’re known for their happy disposition and tend to like to follow their humans from room to room. While they enjoy short play sessions, they’re very much lap cats and will enjoy snuggling up with their owners and being lavished with pets.
6. Cornish Rex
With their soft velvety coats, enormous ears, and graceful appearance, the elegant Cornish Rex is a cat that stands out from the crowd. Thriving on human interaction, this kitty loves to be in the thick of all the family action and they’re one of the most affectionate cat breeds, so if you’re looking for a feline friend who’s always up for a cuddle, the Cornish Rex could well be the kitty for you. Energetic, acrobatic, and goofy, they have an endearing nature that makes them a joy to have in the home.
7. Japanese Bobtail
You’ll want to brush up on tricks to teach your cat if you have a Japanese Bobtail in your family as these intelligent and curious felines love to learn. Always up for an adventure, this sweet-natured kitty is incredibly loyal to their humans and they get on well with children and other pets. Weighing between five and 10 pounds, they have a cute pom pom tail and come in a variety of colors. Japanese Bobtails love playing fetch and they are always on the go, so if you’re looking for a quiet lap cat, you’ll want to steer clear of this active kitty.
8. Korat
The silver-tipped Korat hails from Thailand where it is known as the ‘good-luck cat’ and is traditionally given as pairs to newlyweds to bring good fortune as they begin their life together. Loving lap cats who develop deep bonds with their owners, the korat is thoughtful, laid-back, and always happy to cuddle. Highly intelligent, cat puzzle feeders are something they particularly enjoy, but any toy that gives their brain a good workout will be much appreciated by this smart and social kitty.
9. Bambino
A cross between the sphynx and the munchkin, the bambino is an affectionate and active cat who weighs up to nine pounds. Vulnerable to feeling the cold, this hairless cat breed needs special care to ensure they don’t feel chilly in the winter or have their delicate skin burn in the summer. But while they can be high maintenance from that perspective, these gentle and friendly cats love to be surrounded by their family and because they suffer from separation anxiety, they do best in homes where there’s someone around all day to keep them company.
10. Dwelf
With the short legs of the munchkin, the hairlessness of the sphynx and the curled ears of the American Curl, the dwelf is one unique kitty indeed. These elf-like designer cats are both rare and expensive, with most kittens costing around $3,000. Sweet, social and very affectionate, the dwelf is deeply attached to their owners and likes being picked up and cuddled.
One of the cat breeds most likely to suffer from separation anxiety, they don't do well with being left alone and they also hate change, preferring a consistent routine. While they are wonderfully devoted companions, they are prone to genetic conditions due to their breeding — some minor but others quite serious.
11. Minuet
Also known by the name Napoleon, the minuet is a new breed of cat that's a cross between the munchkin and the Persian. While they can grow to have substantial bodies, they're still classified as a small breed due to their short legs. Minuets love to play and because they're generally quite good at self-motivating and playing independently, you can leave out some of the best automated cat toys for them to amuse themselves when you're too busy to join in.
However, bear in mind that they adore interacting with their humans so a few minutes of interactive play each day will be greatly appreciated by these charming, affectionate and people-oriented felines. The minuet gets on well with everyone, but they're very much a lap cat, so they're particularly well suited to seniors in search of a sweet-natured companion.
12. Minskin
Mix together the munchkin and the Burmese with a dash of sphynx and Devon Rex and you get the eye-catching hairless minskin. Small and stocky, they reach heights of between five and seven inches and weigh no more than nine pounds. Intelligent, outgoing, lovable, and playful, the minskin is an active and agile feline with a gentle nature. Depending on which genes are dominant, they can look almost entirely like one of the four breeds that make them, or their appearance may reflect a combination of all of them.
13. Siamese
Graceful and elegant, the people-oriented Siamese thrive on human companionship and is never happier than when they're fully involved in all aspects of family life. Weighing around eight pounds, the sophisticated Siamese is always well-dressed with a chic coat and striking tanzanite-blue eyes. When it comes to the cat breeds with the biggest meows, this vocal kitty is right up there and they're also known for being demanding and attention-seeking.
However, while they are definitely not quiet or low-maintenance, they are incredibly loyal, loving and intuitive, so if you're looking for a cat with bucketloads of personality, the Siamese is well worth considering.
14. LaPerm
With a reputation for being a curly-coated cuddler, the LaPerm is a great choice if you're looking for a lap cat. Getting on beautifully with people of all ages and stages, the LaPerm fits comfortably into almost any living situation and is known for putting their paws on their human's shoulders, staring into their eyes, and seeking out kisses. Intuitive and sensitive cats who seem to understand how their people are feeling and respond accordingly, the LaPerm is curious, and active and tend to like to follow their owners from room to room.
15. Burmese
A sweet-natured, vocal, and people-oriented breed, the lovable and affectionate Burmese is incredibly tolerant, patient, and good-natured, making them a fantastic choice for families with children. Very playful, don't be surprised if you're enjoying a board game with your loved ones and the Burmese decides to join in by knocking the pieces off the board! Social and devoted cats that thrive on human interaction, mean they don't do well if left alone for long periods of time.
16. Javanese
Possessing a very similar nature to that of the Siamese, the Javanese is an alert, curious, and outgoing kitty who is highly attached to their people. Never happier than when following their humans from room to room, they have little sense of privacy and will quite happily sit and watch you while you have a shower. While slightly less vocal and loud than the Siamese, this is still a very chatty breed and because they love company, they tend to live very well with other pets.
17. American Wirehair
A good-natured and easy-going cat who adapts well to any type of household, the American Wirehair has a muscular and athletic build and while calm overall, they can be playful all into old age. Gentle with children, they are mild-mannered and tolerant cats and while they enjoy the company of their family, they also have an independent streak which means they're happy to be left to their own devices for part of the day. Strong hunters, American Wirehairs will quite easily adapt to indoor life as long as there's a cat tree or window sill that they can perch on to enjoy a spot of bird watching.
18. Tonkinese
The tonkinese is a cross between the Siamese and the Burmese, so as you'd expect, this is a cat that loves to chat! An attention-seeking feline who loves being showered with affection, the tonkinese delights in curling up on a nice warm lap and is very sweet and loving. That being said, they're also known for having quite a stubborn streak and are strong-willed, so you'll want plenty of patience and a few of the best cat treats on hand when it comes to training them. If you don't mind that though, they have a wonderfully clownish nature that will forever keep a smile on your face, and because they're so gregarious, they get on incredibly well with children and other pets.
19. Turkish Angora
Generally regarded as the ballerina of the cat world, the Turkish Angora is prized in their homeland of Turkey for its beauty and sweetness. Weighing between five and 10 pounds, healthy Turkish Angora's have been known to live well into their 20s, making them a fantastic choice if you're after a long-term companion. Elegant yet athletic, they are extremely agile and can often be found in high places surveying the goings on below. Clever cats who can quite easily open cupboards, they are outgoing and obedient with a reputation for being able to follow commands.
20. Kinkalow
What do you get when you mix together the American Curl and the munchkin? Why, the kinkalow of course! Weighing just three to seven pounds and reaching heights of no more than eight inches, the kinkalow is full of spunk and has an adventurous and comical nature that will fill your home with joy. Real brainiacs who are the life and soul of the party, this breed wants to be involved in everything you do so don't be surprised if they try to join you at the dinner table and partake in your evening meal. That being said, they're not Velcro cats and will happily amuse themselves if you're not around, making them a good choice for people with a 9-5 job — just make sure to leave out plenty of toys for them to amuse themselves with.
21. Sphynx
Known for its show-stopping hairless coat, the striking sphynx thrives on attention, and with their unique looks, they certainly attract it wherever they go! Soft to the touch, these Velcro lap cats love nothing more than curling up on their owner's lap or snuggling with them under the covers. They are an extremely friendly breed and get on well with children and most pets, but because they're so dedicated to their humans, this social kitty needs someone at home with them all the time to keep them company.
22. Scottish Fold
With their unique folded ears that sit close to their heads, the Scottish Fold bears a striking resemblance to an owl. Intelligent and docile cats who bask in the company of their family, they are a very sweet and charming breed and are known for what's called the 'Buddha sit' — a position where they sit on their bottoms with their legs outstretched in much the same way a human would. A chilled cat who has the odd burst of activity, the Scottish Fold is one of our favorite low-energy cat breeds for people who like to live a chilled-out lifestyle.
23. Balinese
A graceful cat that looks like it would have been a dancer in another life, the Balinese is part of the Siamese breed group and shares many of the same characteristics. Weighing between five and eight pounds, the Balinese is a dainty cat with a long and slender body.
They love conversing with their humans but tend to have a much softer voice than the Siamese but they remain a very interactive breed. Balinese cats have loving temperaments and bond deeply with their humans, remaining devoted companions for life. They get along well with children and other pets, fitting easily into family life and adapting to all living environments.
24. Colorpoint shorthair
Loud, loving, and full of personality, the colorpoint shorthair is a highly intelligent breed that's often described as "needy" because of how much they adore being around their humans. Exceedingly friendly and affectionate, they tend to attach particularly strongly to one family member and can become quite possessive of them. Energetic and curious, when they're not busy playing or exploring they love cuddling up with their favorite human.
25. Russian Blue
With their blue, silver-tipped coats and piercing emerald green eyes, the Russian Blue is a handsome cat indeed. Elegant and aristocratic, this quietly observant kitty has a sweet nature and a loyal temperament. They prefer calm and peaceful households and like their daily routine to be predictable and consistent. One of the best cats for introverts, they love their humans dearly but are quite happy to sit nearby while you work or be left to their own devices if you have other things you need to do. But when you are free and curled up on the couch, they'll be quick to jump into your lap for a cuddle.
26. Snowshoe
Much like a snowflake, no two snowshoes are alike. Their coats come in a range of different colors and their personality is hard to predict. But while they are all unique, most would agree that the snowshoe is hugely intelligent, affectionate, and loyal, and all are a great choice for families with children.
A mellow breed that thrives on human companionship, they are very devoted to their humans but tend to attach most strongly to one person. And then there are a few traits that are very much a lucky dip — some snowshoes are bossy (but not in a bad way!), others are shy, and some are very much caregivers who spend their lives looking after those they love.
27. Persian
One of the most popular types of show-breed cats, the Persian also happens to be amongst the oldest and most recognizable breeds in the world. Known for being true companion cats, Persians are quiet, gentle, and placid and prefer living in relaxed and calm environments. They love being combed and petted, and while they relish the attention when it's being dished out, they're not needy or demanding. Comfortable in their surroundings whether you're there to keep them company or not, they may be content to snooze the day away on their own but they'll always be happy to see you when they wake up.
28. Abyssinian
Believed to date back to ancient Egypt more than 4,000 years ago, the Abyssinian is a mischievous and boisterous cat who gets on surprisingly well with dogs. They are quietly chatty and always on the go, so you'll want to make sure you offer them plenty of mental and physical enrichment each day. Retaining their kittenish nature well into adulthood, their energetic nature may not make them the best lap cats but they adore human companionship and are happiest when they have company.
29. Peterbald
A rare but highly sought-after breed, the Peterbald weighs between five and seven pounds and has a long and muscular frame. Hairless or coming with just a fine layer of peach fuzz, the Peterbald is curious, intelligent, and very affectionate. Friendly and social, they'll be the first to greet visitors at the door and consider strangers people they've just not made a buddy out of yet. They will sit on your lap for as long as you'll allow and when they're not able to do that they'll quite happily join you at the breakfast table, accompany you into the bathroom, and crawl under the covers when it's time for bed.
30. Somali
The Somali is the long-haired cousin of the Abyssinian and the two breeds share much in common — their high energy levels being just one example! Never one to let a nook or cranny go unexplored, the active and inquisitive Somali is a very interactive cat, both with their owners and their environment. Interested in everything going on around them, they're a confident breed but also keep their owners entertained with their silly antics. Animated, affectionate, and attentive, the Somali needs high perches and window sills where they can watch the goings on in nature and they're happiest when in the company of their humans.
31. Havana Brown
You'd be forgiven for thinking that this tobacco-colored cat hails from Cuba, what with the name Havana Brown and all. But in actual fact, they originated in England. A rare breed with a charming personality, these people-oriented cats make wonderful companions for people of all ages and stages and they get on well with other pets, too. Extremely curious, if you drop something while you're in the kitchen, they'll be the first to charge into the room to investigate. Although they're overly active, they enjoy short play sessions and are particularly fond of fetch.
32. Burmilla
If you're looking for a sweet-natured and inquisitive companion, the burmilla may just be the kitty for you. A cross between the chinchilla Persian and the Burmese, the burmilla is a gentle breed that gets on well with children and other pets. While they're very laid-back, they're also delightfully mischievous and playful, and although they have an independent streak, they adore their humans and are very devoted to them.
