14 best small cat breeds for every family

All cats are pretty adorable in their own right. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a kitty cat that didn’t elicit a drawn-out “awww!” But we’ve gone ahead and upped the ante with this list of small cat breeds that weigh no more than 4.5kg. Aside from being super cute and super tiny, each one has a distinct personality type that makes it perfect for families – maybe your family! – especially since some of them happen to be the most affectionate cat breeds around.

From floofy and fluffy to short-haired and even hairless, these sweet kitties are sure to steal your heart.

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At an average of just over 2kg, the Singapura is the smallest cat breed out there. A fully grown female often maxes out around 1.8kg, and males around 2.7kg. This short-haired breed is known for its adorably large ears and eyes and a striped tabby pattern.

“Despite the Singapura’s small size, they’re excellent helpers who get along well with the whole family, including children and pets,” says veterinarian Katie Lytle. She adds that Singapuras are also known for their friendliness and inquisitive nature. They have high energy and love to keep busy, and when it’s time to chill, they’re all about the cuddles.

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If plump, rounded kitties with loads of fur is your jam, the Napoleon cat (also known as the Minuet) is the way to go. Though their fluff might have you assume otherwise, these tiny felines weigh between 2.2 and 4kg. These cats do well with families, children and even other pets. Considered a dwarf cat breed, they’ve been around since the late 1960s when breeder Joe Smith cross-bred a Munchkin and Persian.

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The name’s a pretty clear giveaway of the miniature size of this small cat breed. These affectionate cuties, which weigh between 2.7- 4kg, have short legs and longer bodies akin to a dachshund or corgi shape. “Munchkins tend to play well with other cats and dogs, and they also like to stow away shiny objects if owners enjoy a game of hide-and-seek,” says veterinarian Stacy Choczynski Johnson. But one word of warning: “Due to their [shape], they do not jump very high and owners need to beware of potential joint injuries.”

The Cornish Rex is a small cat recognised for its strikingly beautiful, elegant appearance. Females are usually between 2.2-3.6kg, while the boys weigh in between 3.6-4.5kg. “These long, thin felines have big ears and a curl to their soft fur,” says Dr Choczynski Johnson. “[Personality-wise], these cats are dog-like in that they are known for playing an occasional game of fetch. They also tend to be quick eaters with good appetites.”

Slightly smaller than their Cornish cousins, the Devon Rex weighs between 2.2 and 3.2kg if female, and between 3.2-4kg if male. “Devons are intelligent, active cats who are known for their childlike looks and mischievous temperament to match,” says Dr Lytle. “This small cat breed is great for families because they love being in a busy environment with children and other pets, and they don’t need much grooming.” She adds that they are quite social and crave a good cuddle session!

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About the size of a bag of sugar – and way sweeter if you ask us. “This furry feline is known for its characteristic backward curling of the ears,” says veterinarian Shawna Garner. “They have a wide array of colour patterns and either short- or long-haired varieties, and adult weights average between 2.2 -3.6kg. These cats are also very playful and affectionate, and they love to cuddle.”

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Break out the bagpipes and prepare yourself or a serious canoodling should you ever find yourself in the company of a Scottish Fold. Similar in appearance to the American Curl, this breed has tightly folded ears (hence, the name) and comes in numerous coats and colours. “Families love the Scottish Fold for their affectionate and gentle nature and their intelligence,” says Dr Choczynski Johnson.

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Siamese kitties are known for being major talkers with bright blue eyes and a striking soft white, grey and black coat. They’re on the larger end of the small cat spectrum, weighing between 3.6 and 5.4kg for females and up to 6.8kg for males. If you wanted a particularly small Siamese cat, you’d need to specifically seek that out from a breeder.

In addition to their beauty, Siamese are also very smart cats who are less ‘fraidy cat and more curious kitty. “You may see Siamese walking down the street with their families as they can be leash-trained as kittens,” says Dr Choczynski Johnson. “Siamese fanciers will say that this breed has elegance and beauty greater than any other feline.”

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If the Balinese cat looks familiar to you, it’s because it’s related to the Siamese! There are a few key differences, though. First, they’re smaller at between 2.2 to 4.5kg. Second, they have longer fur coats that are quite silky and soft. Like the Siamese, however, they are very intelligent creatures who enjoy being social and affectionate. They’re also quite talkative and aren’t afraid to give you an earful when they have something to say, though less so than the Siamese.

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The Colourpoint Shorthair is part of the same cat breed family as the Siamese and Balinese. They, too, weigh in between 2.2-4.5kg. “This breed has the body shape, voice and personality of a Siamese cat, but can be the colours of the domestic shorthair,” says veterinarian Jeff Werber. In fact, they come in 16 different colours! “I’ve had a few throughout the years, and they are wonderful cats that are quite inquisitive and curious.” They’ll play fetch, sit on your lap and purr, and remain loyal to their owners.

Weighing in at a mere 1.8-2.7kg and only 18cm in height, the hairless Dwelf cat is certainly one of the tiniest cat breeds out there. It’s a cross between a Munchkin, American Curl and Sphynx – and to be honest, it looks every bit the part of all three. They’re known for being quite active, almost like a puppy, and they are quite social and interactive. Because it’s hairless, the Dwelf is also considered a hypoallergenic cat, making it ideal for families with allergies. It is important to note, however, that these cats can be predisposed to genetic issues, including fragility. They are also expensive and hard to come by in some regions.

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The Russian Blue is a gentle, reserved feline that makes a wonderful addition to small households with older children and adults. They have a very unique look with their bluish-grey short coats and sparkling green eyes. While shy, they are devoted to their owners and are even known to greet you at the door. At between 3 and 5.4kg, they are considered a small to medium cat breed. What makes them extra special is that they tend to live longer than other breeds; their average life span is between 15 and 20 years, and some have lived closer to 25.

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The Snowshoe is also distantly related to the Siamese cat. Its name goes back to the very first litter, which was born with white feet; it is believed to be a mix between a Siamese and an American Shorthair. Today, they are born mostly white and then later in life develop their darker markings. Male snowshoes are between 4 and 5.4kg, while females are smaller at between 3 and 4.5kg.

“Snowshoes are well-suited to family life, thanks to their playfulness and loyalty,” says Dr Lytle. “For example, some snowshoes are known to be bossy and some shy. The breed is also known for its unique spectrum of personalities.” Snowshoes are generally active and intelligent, and they love being around people.

Weighing between 2.7 and 5.4kg, the Sphynx is a small cat breed best known for its wrinkly, hairless body. While they do look a bit ferocious, their personality is the opposite. “The breed has been called the most dog-like of cat breeds because they tend to follow their owners around like a puppy and like to greet you at the door when you come home,” says veterinarian Anthony Hall. “That said, these playful and curious cats also love to lounge and can keep themselves entertained, which makes them pretty low-maintenance.” Dr Hall recommends these cats for families with older children and without other pets since they tend to prefer being the centre of attention.

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Source: RD.com