Teacup cat breeds are one of the smallest breeds of cat in the world. They are a subgroup of small cats, the other two being Miniature cats and Dwarf cats.There is no denying the cuteness of this literally tea-cupped sizes felines, yet there are a lot of moral questions regarding their background. Read this article to find out more about them.
Teacup cat breeds first started popping up in the US about 30 years ago. Most of them come from breeders who use inbreeding techniques to minimize their sizes as much as possible. Even though small often looks cute, it isn´t always the best for the cat.
Aside from an ethical viewpoint, inbreeding can cause many health problems in the litter. This is why you should think twice before purchasing teacup cat breeds, so let´s focus on these cute small cat breeds instead:
1. Singapura
Known to be a rather curious and playful cat, the Singapura is one of the smallest of all cat breeds from across the globe. Fur coat colours are often varying degrees of brown and white, giving it a tabby cat image. Its origins are argued to be from the US and Singapore (as the name would suggest). With a weight of only 1.8 Kg for females and 2.7 Kg for males, this cute feline currently sits on the tiny throne.
In the UK they can cost between 1000 to 2000 Pounds, all the way up to 3000 for show animals. Some are known to have health problems, so it is best to consult a vet before purchasing one of those cute creatures.
2. Persian ( Teacup)
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Originally coming from Iran, this majestic feline is loved in both of its size variants. One of their key features is their very, very long and thick fur coat. They have short muzzles and legs. This breed is so old , they even appeared in the hieroglyphics!
There are many different types of this breed, coming in all fur colours:
The price of one of these cure fluffers can range between 400 to 600 Pounds for a kitten , and depneding on their fur colour can increase or decrease.
However, just like most other pure-bred breeds (say this three times fast) , the Persian is one of the most at risk breeds when it comes to health problems. The most common one being Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD).
3. American Curl
As the name suggest this breed is both: American and curl(y) eared. According to a story, this breed started as stray cats . In 1981 a black female cat named Shulamith gave birth to a litter of kittens with curled ears and thus became the ancestors of all American Curls.
This breed loves to spend time with their owners and have long, shiny fur that falls slat against their bodies. A fully grown adult can weigh about 4.0 Kg. A kitten of this breed can cost between 1000 and 2000 Pounds.
Good news! Since this cat breed has a large genetic pool, only few genetic health problems exist. So, it is a healthy cat breed for you to adopt.
4. Munchkin
As cute as the name may sound, munchkin cats are not actual inhabitants of the Land of Oz. They received their name based on a race of L.Frank Baum´s famous novel. This breed has incredibly short legs, too.
They are one of the very few "real" Teacup cat breeds from around the world.
They are a playful, outgoing, people-loving and intelligent breed. Male cats can weigh between 3.0 to 4.0 Kg while females usually weigh between 2.0 to 3.6 Kg.
Those cuties short legs do not prevent them from enjoying life and running around, though their jumping capabilities may be affected.
Two of it´s best known derived breeds are the Napoleon and the Kinkalow.
5. Napoleon
Despite what the name may suggest these felines are known to be...rather short. Their namesake was actually proven to be rather tall for a man in his time period, but that is not what we will be talking about today.
Also known as the Minuet cat, this mixed breed is derived from the Munchkin and the Persian. It is one of two "real" Teacup cat breeds.
It has the former´s short legs. From the latter it inherited a long, thick fur and a lovable round face. It weighs between 2.0 Kg to 4.0 Kg, depending on its gender.
But, do not be mistaken. This breed isn´t simply a combination of the two breeds, rather it is a unique and distinguished new breed that can easily win over people´s hears.
It is a rather pricey breed, with standard kittens costing between 2000 and 2600 Pounds. Non-standards cost around 1400 Pounds.
Furthermore, thanks to specific breeding procedures, it has few health problems and could make an ideal companion for you.
6. Devon Rex
If I could be a cat, I would probably be this one. This breed is known to be highly intelligent and capable of learning difficult tricks. However, it is rather hard to motivate this feline.
It is a slender, big-eared breed with a unique wavy coat, similar to the Cornish Rex.
Due to their small size (they weigh between 2.0 Kg and 4.0 Kg), they like staying in the highest place available in their territory.
It has been described as "a monkey in a catsuit" due to its mischievous, playful and outgoing nature. It can perform many "canine" tricks such as fetch, heel and can be trained to walk on a leash.
Additionally, if you are looking for a cute cuddle companion, look no further! If this cat imprints onto you, it will love you unconditionally for the rest of it´s life.
Adopting one of these magnificent creatures can range between 60 and 100 Pounds. On the other hand, buying a purebred one can cost you up to 900 Pounds.
Remember, adopt then shop.
7. Siamese
Last but not least, one of the most well known and beloved of all cat breeds.
Even though they are not strictly part of the Teacup cat breeds, these small and elegant felines are especially loved for their sky blue eyes and creme fur coats.
Similar to the Devon Rex, they imprint on one person and are known to have rather dog-like behaviour. They are known to be intelligent and socially mature cats. TheSiamese breed weighs between 2.0 and 5.0 Kg and most can be purchased for 150 to 400 Pounds.
Health wise they may encounter some problems, particularly mammary tumours and liver diseases. One of their main features is their distinct "meow" which has been compared to the crying of a little baby.
Furthermore, two of the most popular derived breeds of the Siamese are the adventurous Bengal cat and the beautiful Burmese cat.
According to Guinness World Records, The smallest cat ever recorded was actually a male blue point Himalayan-Persian. His name was Tinker Toy. He was measured to be only 7 cm tall and 19 cm long when fully grown at the age of 2.5 years.
We love cats in all shapes and size, and whether they are stray runts or purebred felines, they all have a heart of gold. If you saw your favorite breed above, let me know in the comments down below. Read you next time!