Cats That Stay Small, Because We Don’t All Have Room For Big Cats

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By Martha Sorren, Woman's Day

Like dogs, different cat breeds can grow to be different sizes. Sure, the ranges aren't as wide as they are with dogs; the smallest can be three pounds and the largest reaching over 200. But the difference is still important when choosing which cat breed is right for you.

Some cats are smaller than others, which may be ideal for pet owners living in small homes or apartments that don't have room for what are essentially mini lions. Other cat breeds can grow to be quite big. The largest cat breed is the Maine Coon, which can weigh up to 25 pounds. That's basically the size of a 2-year-old child.

The average cat weighs about 10 pounds, but some breeds can even run smaller than that. For owners searching for a pet that stays more the size of a kitten than a toddler, here are 14 breeds to choose from.

Singapura

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Known as the smallest breed of cat, the Singapura weighs four to eight pounds, according to Hills Pet. Females are typically smaller than males, but both weigh less than other breeds.

Devon Rex

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Pretty much the biggest thing about this breed are its ears. Cat Fancier's Association reports that they're only about six to nine pounds in weight when fully grown.

Cornish Rex

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Another slender Rex breed is the Cornish Rex also known for its big ears and small frame. They weigh anywhere from five to nine pounds, according to Purina, with females ringing in on the lower end of that range.

American Curl

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Like the Rex breeds, American Curls are also known for their ears. But rather than having large ones, they have unique ears that curl backwards — the result of a natural genetic mutation, according to Cat Time. They can be as small as five pounds or as large as 10, but usually fall in the smaller range.

Munchkin

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This cat is known for its short legs and small stature that came about from a natural mutation during a regular cat breeding process, according to Vet Street. They weigh five to nine pounds.

Sphynx

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The lack of hair helps keep the overall size of the Sphynx cat down, and without fur it's easy to see that their bodies are quite svelte. They weigh anywhere from six to 12 pounds, according to Vet Street, with the females being on the smaller side of that spectrum.

Dwelf

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According to Simple Most, three different small breeds combined to make the Dwelf: Munchkin, Sphynx, and American Curl with signifying traits of all three. They have ears that curl, short legs, and no hair. They weigh about four to nine pounds, according to Pet Guide.

Bambino

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Another mixed breed cat that runs small is the Bambino. It's a cross between a Sphynx and a Munchkin cat, according to Cat Time, so it's basically a Dwelf without the American Curl. Because of its ancestry, it has short legs and no fur and also rings in on the smaller side of the scale. They're about four to nine pounds fully grown.

Scottish Fold

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Like the American Curl, the ears are what makes the Scottish Fold breed unique. However, unlike with the American Curl — where the ears curl backward — the Scottish Fold cat ears curl forward. They weigh about six to 13 pounds, according to Cat Times, so opt for a female if you're hoping for the smaller weight.

Egyptian Mau

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These spotted cats get their markings purely from nature and not from any breed tampering. Definitely get a female cat if you want a small one. Purina notes that they're six to 10 pounds, whereas the males can grow up to 14 pounds.

Minuet

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A cross between a Persian and a Munchkin cat, the Minuet has the signature short legs of the Munchkin and a beautiful coat characteristic of the Persian, according to Pet Guide. Underneath all that hair, they weigh about five to nine pounds.

Siamese

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These cats are light on their feet and usually fairly small — around six pounds, according to Cat Time. But they can grow to be as large as 14 pounds. So if you're dead set on a very tiny cat, the Siamese may not be for you.

Oriental Shorthair

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The ears on this breed are quite large and distinctive. They are a little bigger than most small cats, according to Hills Pet, with females being a little less than eight pounds and males running eight to 12 pounds.

Turkish Angora

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These slight cats are very agile and graceful. Their slim bodies (under that hair) carry about five to nine pounds worth of weight, according to Vet Street.

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