Minuet

The Minuet, also known as the Napoleon cat, is a modern dwarf breed created by crossing Munchkin cats with Persian-type cats (Persian, Himalayan, Exotic Shorthair). It combines short legs from the Munchkin with the rounded face, large eyes, and plush coat of the Persian group.

Origin and recognition

• The breed was begun in the 1990s by breeders aiming for a short-legged cat with the sweet "doll-faced" look of traditional Persians.
• The International Cat Association (TICA) classifies the Minuet as a domestic hybrid and approved the name change from "Napoleon" to "Minuet" in 2015, granting full championship status in 2016.
• Some smaller registries still use the Napoleon name.

Appearance and size

• Minuets are medium-sized but appear low to the ground due to their very short legs, with a sturdy, semi‑cobby body and noticeable bone and muscle.
• They have a round head, large round eyes, small rounded ears, and a short, gently sloped nose that avoids the extreme flatness of show Persians.
• The coat can be long or short, dense and plush, in virtually any color or pattern.

Personality and behavior

• This breed is known for being very affectionate, people‑oriented, and gentle, often bonding closely with household members and enjoying cuddling.
• Thanks to the Munchkin influence, they tend to be playful and curious, staying active but usually not hyper, and they usually get along well with children and other pets when properly socialized.

Health and lifespan

• Minuets typically live into their early to mid‑teens, with common estimates around 12–15 years or more with good care.
• As a dwarf breed, there is ongoing discussion about potential musculoskeletal issues related to short legs, so responsible breeders monitor for structural problems and inherited conditions from both Munchkin and Persian lines (such as heart or kidney issues).
• Regular veterinary checkups and weight control are especially important to protect joints and overall mobility.

Grooming and care

• Long‑haired Minuets usually need frequent brushing (often several times per week) to prevent tangles, while short‑haired individuals need less but still regular grooming due to a dense coat.
• They have high social and attention needs, so they do best in homes where people interact with them daily and provide play, enrichment, and safe indoor space.

Summary Table

Aspect	Minuet details
Origin	Began in the 1990s by breeders aiming for a short-legged cat with the "doll-faced" look of traditional Persians; TICA approved name change from "Napoleon" to "Minuet" in 2015, granted full championship status in 2016; some registries still use Napoleon name.
Foundation breeds	Munchkin (short legs) crossed with Persian-type cats (Persian, Himalayan, Exotic Shorthair).
Size and build	Medium-sized but appear low to the ground due to very short legs; sturdy, semi‑cobby body with noticeable bone and muscle.
Distinctive features	Round head; large round eyes; small rounded ears; short, gently sloped nose (avoids extreme flatness of show Persians); long or short, dense and plush coat in virtually any color or pattern.
Temperament	Very affectionate, people‑oriented, and gentle; bonds closely with household members; enjoys cuddling; playful and curious but usually not hyper; good with children and other pets when properly socialized.
Grooming	Long‑haired: frequent brushing (several times per week) to prevent tangles; short‑haired: less frequent but still regular grooming due to dense coat.
Health	Lifespan typically 12–15 years or more with good care; potential musculoskeletal issues related to short legs; inherited conditions from Munchkin and Persian lines (heart or kidney issues); regular veterinary checkups and weight control important.
Care needs	High social and attention needs; do best in homes with daily interaction; need play, enrichment, and safe indoor space.
Best suited for	Families seeking an affectionate, gentle cat; homes with daily human interaction; owners willing to provide regular grooming and monitor health closely.

The Minuet combines the distinctive short legs of the Munchkin with the sweet, doll-faced appearance and plush coat of Persian-type cats, creating an affectionate, gentle companion that thrives on human interaction and attention, making it ideal for families seeking a loving, people-oriented cat.

References

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