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Dwarf cats and Miniature Cats
I'm introducing this section on dwarf cats and miniature cats with a photograph (above) of a champion - Rosie Cotton Bar Maid from the KlassyKittens cattery owned by Deborah & Marc Mordente. The photograph is copyright Helmi Flick. Please respect copyright.
Below is a video I made on most of the Dwarf Cat breeds. It allows a quick skim through the breeds but there are links at the base of the page leading to more detailed descriptions.
Update 31-10-08: The first cat in the video, the Elf cat, is not a dwarf cat - sorry. I knew this when I made the video but suffered "brain fade".
Through the efforts of the Dwarf Cat Association and Terri Harris, Dwarf cats were exported to the UK and the Netherlands. On the 4th February 2008 Terri, who founded the Kinkalow dwarf cat breed, was in the UK (specifically Scotland) to deliver three Munchkins to be used in a breeding program by a TICA registered breeder.
Munchkinlane Milton P. Hershey - Milton is a Solid Cinnamon, longhair, male Munchkin cat. He is a TICA champion.He is now in The Netherlands. Great expression on his face - very wise, seen it done it.
Dwarf cat breeders are, it seems, eager to develop and promote their breed and I am sure that they are pleased to see the UK involved for the first time. I believe that there is talk of breeding a bobtailed dwarf cat. Not sure if that is correct though.
Of course dwarf cats and miniature cats are small. But not all small cats are dwarf or miniature. "The Singapura is the smallest cat in the cat fancy. All Singapuras have a ticked coat with a delightful cream underbelly, rather like the coloring of mountain lion here in the US. They are curious and extroverted, intelligent and insist on helping you with anything you are doing. They are loving and playful. Singapura is the Malasian word for Singapore where they are found as street cats. They weigh 5 to 8 pounds, females being slightly smaller." (quote & photograph by and copyright Helmi Flick)
The Singapura has another name, the "Drain Cat" reflecting the cat's ability, due to her small size, to hide in drains in Singapore where they appear to be less appreciated.
Dwarf cats and miniature cats have a very endearing and unusual appearance making them popular and interesting. People can have strong views about their appearance. This is because some people think that this cat breed came about as a result of genetic engineering, which carries with it physical deficiencies. This is not true. The question is how to breed from the natural mutation or to breed at all.
There are a number of blogs and news stories on the internet in which people express their views on dwarf cats and miniature cats. There are also a number of advice websites where questions about dwarf cats and miniature cats are raised and answers given. Their views seem, on occasions, to be based on misconceptions about this breed.
For example, a number of Hollywood gossip writers have criticized Paris Hilton for acquiring a dwarf cat. They say she has too many pets already and say that the dwarf cat breed has too many health problems. They go on to say that they can't function like ordinary cats, e.g. can't jump properly because of short legs and can't land from a jump properly for the same reason. Although they agree that dwarf cats and miniature cats are cute.
Perhaps, not in defense but by way of demonstrating their goals and "mission", The Dwarf Cat Association says that they do not consider the gene mutation that brings about dwarfism a defect or result in a deformity. They say that the mutation shortens the all four legs, the front more than the rear legs.
The fact that the front legs are shortened more than the rear legs raises an interesting point that I have not seen referred to before. A dwarf cat is sometimes referred to as a "Kangaroo Cat" as she likes to sit on her rear legs and raise herself up, using the tail as a support (like a tripod). The leg conformation encourages this behavior.
When walking the portion of the rear leg below the hock (hock: the "elbow" half-way down the rear leg, equivalent to the ankle in humans) is more horizontal and, it seems, almost touching the ground along its length. More strain is probably placed on the front legs and shoulders.
The association makes it clear that they don't consider the cat's quality of life to be affected negatively.
The association vows to not harm cats and to breed cats responsibly.
Received wisdom in respect of the health of dwarf cats and miniature cats is that they are generally healthy. Please though
click here for a full discussion on cat health issues for dwarf cats.
Also, I think it would be worth your while to have a brief look at this page as it looks a condition that may be more prevalent in dwarf cats.
Dwarfism originates in a naturally occurring defective gene a dominant dwarfing gene that causes the legs to be shorter than usual.
Dwarfism occurs rarely as for humans. Some people liked the appearance (different I suppose and "cute") resulting in cat breeders (commercial businesses don't forget) breeding dwarf cats to increase their numbers. They also created different varieties by cross breeding with other breeds. Click here to read about dwarf cat genetics.
These are to be distinguished from
"miniature cats"
or
"teacup cats"
which have a normal "shape" and which have been bred small.
This is achieved by taking a small cat (small because its "normal genes" have created it small) and breeding it with another small cat to try and produce an even smaller cat. Some individual miniature cats may display health problems.
Here is a list of dwarf cat breeds. The majority are linked to full page descriptions and Helmi Flick photographs. The links open up to a new window.
Foundation breed of dwarf cats from which other breeds have been developed. See a new page featuring a large format image and reference to TICA breed standard plus other views on the Munchkin cat
A cross between the Munchkin and LaPerm. Appearance - short legs and curly coats and an interesting origin to the name
Click on this link to read about the origin of dwarf breed names.
The names of dwarf cat breeds are I think, interesting and I believe that you will find the story behind their creation interesting too. Plus, you get the information from the "horses mouth"! I mean the mouth of the creator of the dwarf cat breed.
If you want to visit the KlassyKittens cattery mentioned at the top of this page
click on this link.
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
I Love My Small Cat!
I actually saved a kitten from being killed by a horrible woman that lets her cats breed uncontrollably. I named him Tamaki from a Japanese anime show....
Three Legged Dwarf Cat
I live with a dwarf cat and accept him for who he is. His name is Francis. Francis is a beautiful cat with only three legs due to a tragic scooter accident ...
Smurfie
One of my friends adopted a dwarf cat (named Smurfie) from a local rescue organization. It was just a tiny kitten when she got it so, naturally, we assumed ...
Is My Kitten a Dwarf Cat?
Hi. I have a normal house cat. To my surprise she went into labor one morning. Out of 4 only one survived after a lot of cpr. She was half the size of ...
Moon Lover a Miniature or Dwarf Cat?
Hello, all...A year ago, a lady was giving away kittens in front of a Walgreen's. She had only one left, a female approximately 6 weeks old. She said ...
Our Dwarf Cat Sophie
In July of 2008, I took a friend of mine to get a kitten that was listed on Craigslist. The momma cat was a stray that had babies in his camper out back....
Black and White Dwarf Persian Cat
I have a 15 year old female black and white dwarf Persian cat. She is the sweetest little girl ever. The only real problem that I notice is that she needs ...
MUNCHKIN & BAMBINO CATS
Having bred Sphynx cats I wanted to own a Bambino being a lover of the dwarf breeds.
I found it virtually impossible to obtain a Bambino kitten or adult ...
Dwarf Cats Have No Problem Running or Jumping
I have had several dwarf cats with short legs, Bambinos. They have no problem running or jumping. In fact, one of my Bambino girls could jump to a countertop ...
Cruel !!! PERIOD!!!
It is cruel to breed a cat, an animal that loves to jump and run, with such short legs.
This should be illegal and those who breed them must not have ...
Dwarfism?
I think my two kittens are dwarfs because the are eight months old and look like a 2 month old kitten. I can hold them each in one hand yet they weigh ...
Oh Kinkalow You Stole My Heart!
Not rated yet
It was January 3rd that my heart was completely broken by the loss of my 9 year old domestic shorthair rescue cat. He was a simple boy, short black hair....
Is My Kitty Gonna be Alright
I am frightened that the very small cat I love might die when she gives birth to kittens. Please help.
Melvin My Teacup Himalayan Kitten
Not rated yet
I own a "primordial" dwarf Himalayan kitten. Meaning that he has dwarfism much like the Munchkin cat, but his body is proportionate and he's just small....
Healthy Munchkins
Not rated yet
I am planning on getting a Munchkin next year after falling in love with my aunt's Munchkin - the breeder has been breeding for many years and has had ...
Keno and Neko
Not rated yet
I'm not sure if the orange cat is a "dwarf" or not. He was found as a stray and I'm not sure what breed he is other than domestic. Enclosed is a picture ...
Is My Cat a Dwarf Cat?
Not rated yet
My mom was outside in her garden about a month ago and to her surprise this cute little calico cat popped out from under her garden shed and came right ...
i love these cats
Not rated yet
these cats are the cutest and i know they have health problems, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun with them anyway! if they want a ledge to a window ...
I hope you enjoyed reading about Dwarf Cats and Miniature Cats. You might like to share your ideas in the form above.
"The Singapura is the smallest cat in the cat fancy. All 
Dwarf cats and miniature cats have a very endearing and unusual appearance making them popular and interesting. People can have strong views about their appearance. This is because some people think that this cat breed came about as a result of genetic engineering, which carries with it physical deficiencies. This is not true. The question is how to breed from the natural mutation or to breed at all.
For example, a number of Hollywood gossip writers have criticized Paris Hilton for acquiring a dwarf cat. They say she has too many pets already and say that the dwarf cat breed has too many health problems. They go on to say that they can't function like ordinary cats, e.g. can't jump properly because of short legs and can't land from a jump properly for the same reason. Although they agree that dwarf cats and miniature cats are cute.
Also, I think it would be worth your while to have a brief look at 
