The Minuet cat, also knows as Napoleon cat, is a charming and adorable, fluffy and short-legged cat.
Minuets are an adorable, medium-sized cat breed. Their dainty legs may have you believe they are a miniature cat, but they actually range in size from 2 and 5 KG. Their fluffy and luxurious coat, paired with a wonderfully gentle temperament has contributed to an increase in their popularity as a companion cat.
The Minuet cat breed has a recognisable circular and slightly flat face with rounded tipped ears as a result of its Persian ancestry, with the shorter legs adopted from the Munchkin side of its heritage.
Minuet cats, due to its background of crossbreeding, come in a wide variety of colours and patterns. This coat can be long or short, but will always feel dense and full.
Eye Colour: Amber, green, blue
Features:
Short legs, fluffy tail, round gentle face
Expectations:
Longevity Range, life span: 12 - 15 years
Social/Attention Needs: High
Tendency to Shed: Moderate
Coat:
Length: Short
Characteristics: Silky, dense, smooth
Colours: Mink, chocolate, lilac, white
Patterns: Solid, pointed, mitted, bicolor
Less Allergenic: No
Overall Grooming Needs: Low
Club recognition:
Cat Association Recognition: TICA
Prevalence: Moderate
Personality:.
Minuet cats are an endearing cat breed, largely thanks to their charming, cuddly appearance. With a personality to match, these nicknamed ‘Napoleon’ cats are small but mighty when it comes to making their presence known. With a love of showing affection with abundance, and just as friendly with other pets as with children, they are a true crowd pleaser cat breed.
With an intelligent and curious nature, paired with a natural love of being social, there is an elegance to their playfulness, often thanks to their miniature legs. When given enough attention and brain-teasing cat toys, they can make for a truly entertaining member of the family.
Living With:
Minuet cats are a delightful addition to the household and thanks to their adaptable nature and not-too-excessive energy levels, they can thrive in either a family home or a smaller apartment. It’s important to note that they do yearn for companionship so prepare for plenty of one-on-one interaction and playtime to form a strong bond.
This cat breed shouldn’t be left alone for too long, as a lack of attention may help form poor behaviour habits. Minuets do enjoy some alone playtime, and their curious nature can keep them entertained provided they have adequate to accessible furniture. Lower-level climbing opportunities are of particular importance because of their shorter legs, but their shorter stature never gets in the way of their fun.
Minuet’s coat may often be short and silky, but it will need regular attention to maintain its health and to avoid excessive shedding. Generally, Minuets are a loveable and low maintenance cat breed to live with.
Recommended Diet:
Kitten Food: Hill’s Science Diet Kitten Range
Adult Cat Food: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Range
Mature Cat Food: Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Range
History:
The Minuet cat is a relatively modern breed that emerged from a purposeful crossbreeding experiment involving Persian and Munchkin cats. The moniker "Minuet" was aptly chosen to encapsulate the breed's charming nature but it is also commonly known as the Napolean Cat, as a nod to Napolean Bonaparte, referencing the French historical figure’s short stature.
During the early 1990s, astute breeders embarked on a deliberate endeavor, selectively pairing Munchkin cats known for their endearing short legs with Persian cats celebrated for their elegant coats and amiable dispositions. This well-calculated blend gave rise to what we now recognise as the Minuet breed.
While the Minuet cat might not have an extensive cultural legacy due to it only being established as recently as the 1990s, it has swiftly captured the hearts of cat enthusiasts and pet aficionados alike.
Health Concerns:
In general, Minuet cats are quite robust and healthy, yet it's wise to be aware of some specific genetic factors, just as you would with any cat breed.
With Minuets, as they are the result of two cat breeds it’s not uncommon to occasionally see similar health risks as their parent breed. Some of these include:
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): As a result of their Persian ancestry, Minuet cats may be at risk of PKD due to a genetic predisposition. This is an inherited disorder characterised by fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys which affects kidney function. Regular screening at your local veterinarian can help to spot signs of this condition early, for the best success at management.
Epiphora: Due to their Persian heritage, Minuets may be prone to a condition called Epiphora; a tendency to have excessive tearing or watery eyes.The distinct flat face of Minuets can lead to issues with draining tears due to the facial structure of short nose and large, round eyes. Not all Minuets will develop this condition but typically, the flatter the face, the higher the risk. Be sure to discuss eye care with your vet for the best hygiene routines.
Osteoarthritis: As part of the Munchkin cat traits that Minuets have adopted, the short leg feature can sometimes affect how the cat’s weight is distributed, ultimately affecting the joints over time. Ensuring that your cat maintains a healthy weight and regular exercise can help to limit this risk.
