Everyone knows that kittens are small but they don’t usually stay that way. Many people don’t realize that there are some breeds that stay small. So here are a few breeds that do.

Singapura

The Singapura is considered the smallest of the cat breeds. These cuties grow to weigh between 5 and 8 pounds which is about half the size of a normal cat. They have large eyes and long ears with a petite, delicate frame. Their markings are like the ticked tabby. Singapura’s love to climb and have a very busy and playful personality. These are very loving cats and need lots of attention. Engaging them in activity multiple times each day will help keep them healthy. The origin of the Singapura is unclear. It is thought that cats from Singapore where exported to the US then taken back over. The result was the Singapura breed. It was then recognized in Japan as a formal breed by cat breeders.

Munchkin

The Munchkin breed is slightly smaller than the average cat but has short legs. This breed was established in the 1980’s and are very energetic. Their running and jumping abilities are close to that of a normal sized cat but they may not be able to jump quite as high. These cats weigh between 5 and 9 pounds and are bred to emphasize their dwarfism. The shortness of their legs is caused by a genetic mutation. This mutation can cause some health issues but generally these are healthy cats.

Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex has a different look from most cats. They don’t have any outer layers of hair. They are covered in a soft wavy under coat that feels like down feathers. These are a petite cat with features similar to the Siamese as well as being very intelligent. With a slender body and big ears, the Cornish Rex is very affectionate and creates a strong bond with its owner. These cat weigh between 6 and 10 pounds and retain a kitten-like appearance and personality.

Devon Rex

The Devon Rex has some similarities to the Cornish Rex but they are not closely related. Both breeds come from the same area in England but have a different genetic mutation. These cats have a slender body, big ears and a waxiness to their coats. The Devon Rex is a highly intelligent cat and can be taught tricks, similar to a dog. These cats weigh between 5 and 10 pounds and have a bold personality.

American Curl

The American Curl is typically a smaller breed but can come in a range of sizes. Their name is derived from the outward curl on the end of its ears. This "earl curl", as it’s called, requires some extra care from their owners to keep their ears clean. Their ears are rather delicate so you need to be careful around them. The American Curl is very active and friendly. They make great family pets and weigh between 5 and 10 pounds.

There are three types of small cat breeds. These are dwarf, miniature and teacup. While there are subtle differences between them, they all have the common trait of being smaller when full grown. You should be warned that when seeking a small cat that not all petite cats are true miniatures.