Formerly called the Napoleon, the Minuet crosses the Munchkin's short legs with the Persian group's round, sweet face. The result is a low-slung, endearing companion that stays kitten-like in looks and temperament for life.
- Origin
- United States
- Category
- shorthair
- Lifespan
- 12–15 yrs
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 2.5–4 kg
- Coat
- Short or long, soft and dense
- Colours
- All colours and patterns
😺 Temperament
🏡 Best suited to
📊 Personality ratings
📜 History & origin
The breed was created in the 1990s by American Basset Hound breeder Joe Smith, who was inspired by a newspaper photograph of Munchkin cats. He named it 'Napoleon' after the famously short French leader. TICA accepted the breed under the new name 'Minuet' in 2015, and it remains rare but steadily growing in popularity.
🧼 Care & grooming
Weekly brushing keeps the plush coat tidy — more often for longhaired individuals. Despite the short legs the Minuet is agile and loves interactive play, though it climbs a little less than long-legged breeds. Keep an eye on weight, as a compact frame hides extra pounds easily.
🩺 Health notes
The short-leg gene is the same dominant mutation as the Munchkin's; responsible breeders never pair two short-legged cats together. Outcrossing to Persian lines means Minuets can inherit Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), so DNA screening of breeding cats is important.