Cats come in various sizes and colors. The tiny cats breeds is one such category of cats where small size cats like the tea cup, miniature and dwarf cats exists. Some cats are small or tiny by birth and the reason why that they are born as tiny cat breeds need to be studied. Though these cats are tiny they are equally good as other regular cats. These cats are very popular too. They are good companion cats in apartments and small places where there are space constraints. Handling and shifting these types of cats is pretty easy. If you have a large house with many other pets, then these tiny cat breeds can get lost.
The tiny cat breeds are bred with the intent of using them as lap cats and as an ideal companion cat. Cats that fall under this category can weigh from 4 pounds to 10 pounds depending upon the breed. These kitten like adult cats don’t get heavy and big so you can always have a feel of a kitten around. Other than their cute and attractive looks these dwarf cats are a controversial topic and a large section of people are opposed to the idea of breeding of these cats. Cruelty is cited as a main reason for the opposition, as breeding these cats with a deformity is considered cruel just because they are in demand.
What causes Dwarfism in cats?
Tiny cat breeds are born due to a medical condition that affects these cats. This causes small bodies of different proportions as compared to the regular cats of the same age. Dwarf cats are born due to genetic problems and are in some way related to the bones of the cats, cartilage metabolism, or hormones. The dwarf cats have body of that particular breed, but their legs are shorter than a regular cat. Depending upon the severity these cats may also suffer from mental retardation and several brain issues.
Health Issues that can affect tiny cat breeds
Due to the unusual size of their legs dwarf cats may suffer from irregular body and joint movement. It can also affect proper formation of spine, the head may grow larger with a big sized jaw and an abnormal muzzle. The chest of these cats may be too flat resulting in difficult breathing. Tiny cats coat will never mature as they retain the kitten like coat forever. If the condition of dwarfism is caused due to hormonal imbalances, supplements can be given to help treat the disease to some extent and for any other reasons there is no treatment or cure.
A genuine miniature cat will be bred using selective methods and the resultant kittens will be of same consistent size. Breeders of these cats should ensure that the cats are healthy. Whenever you decide to buy these types of cats always buy them from reputable breeders.
Tiny cats Breeds
Please also see: 20 Small Cat Breeds That Stay Small and Cuddly
The Munchkins
The munchkins are small sized cats that are born due to natural mutation. This results in legs that are short giving these cats a short stature. The short stature of these cats doesn’t prevent them from being active and playful. The only drawback that is seen in these cats is that they cannot jump like regular cats.
Singapura
Believed to be originated from Singapore the Singapura actually is born in the US and was exported to Singapore and brought back as a Singaporean breed. It is very closely related to the Abyssinian cat breed. These cats are known for their small sized bodies and large ears and eyes. The Singapura are friendly, active and playful and enjoy sitting on high places.
Minskins
The Minskins is a dwarf cat that has been classified by the The International Cat Association (TICA) as a new breed. It is a breed that is derived from the cross breeding of the Munchkin and the Sphynx. This breed of cat weighs only 4 pounds, which is almost 8 pounds lesser than the regular cat breeds. Minskins are playful, affectionate, sweet, warm and outgoing.
The Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is a tiny cat breed which originated in Cornwall, England in the 1950s. They are renowned for their exotic looks and curly coats, making them popular among pet owners who love longhair cats. Their large ears and alert eyes give them an almost alien-like beauty while retaining the intelligence of traditional kitties. They often come in bright colors such as white, black, and orange, offering an array of options to choose from.
Equally interesting is the fact that they thrive equally well both indoors and outdoors depending on their owners’ preference. The Cornish Rex’s small size makes them a great fit for tiny living spaces and families with limited room who can’t accommodate any big cats. All things considered, this tiny cat breed offers plenty to admirer!
The Cornish Rex is hypoallergenic because of its short hair.
Some tiny cat breeds like the tea cup and miniature cats are not recognized cat breeds. Tiny cat breeds are very vulnerable to diseases and require good care and attention. Other than the health issues these cats have a good personality, will enjoy playing and have a loving personality.
FAQ
What are some of the most popular tiny cat breeds
For those looking for tiny cats that are full of personality and cuddles, there are several popular tiny cat breeds to choose from. Munchkins Singapura, Minskins and Cornish Rex cats are just a few of the tiny cats that have become increasingly popular in the United States. The tiny frame of these breeds allows them to stay relatively close in size throughout their lifetime. Many people find tiny cats easier to handle and they take up much less space within their homes than larger breeds.
Owners will hardly be able to tell if it is a large breed or small breed because tiny cats seemingly have the same amount of energy as their larger counterparts. For those looking for a pet with lots of love but without the mess that comes with bigger pets, tiny cat breeds are always an option.
What are the benefits of owning a tiny cat breed?
Tiny cat breeds provide a popular option for those looking to have a pet feline in their home. Not only do tiny cats have easy-to-maintain coats, they come in an array of colors, sizes and personalities to fit everyone’s taste and lifestyle. Moreover, tiny cats are generally more low maintenance when it comes to their physical needs. As tiny cats often weigh between three to five pounds, they need less food than the average cat and require simply regular trimmings of their nails.
Finally, tiny cats tend to be more manageable than larger breeds when it comes to traveling or visiting friends and family members with their tiny size making them easier to transport. In short, owning a tiny cat breed can be incredibly rewarding for both felines and humans alike!
Are there any health concerns associated with tiny cat breeds?
Many tiny cat breeds, such as the Singapura and Munchkin, are becoming increasingly popular in homes across the country. While these tiny breeds can offer cuteness overload, there are some serious health issues that prospective owners should be aware of. These little cats are more prone to skeletal disorders including shortened limbs and curvature of the spine due to their diminutive size, as well as potential risk for heart irregularities, respiratory problems, and vision impairments due to overcrowding within their tiny skulls. Careful consideration should be taken when selecting a tiny breed of cat, as there may be more concerns regarding their health than with regular-sized cats.
