10 Small Cat Breeds That Stay Tiny Forever

• Weight: 5–10 pounds
• Lifespan: 12–16 years
• Personality: Playful, attention-seeker, lap cat

This little cutie has fluffy ears that curl backward toward their head—hence the name American Curl. Weighing just 5–10 pounds, they’re the perfect pint-sized cuddle buddy. 

Known for being people-oriented and sweet, American Curls keep their playful, kitten-like energy well into adulthood. If you’re not up to speed on how to properly pet a cat, now’s the time to learn. These little cats love attention, and they’re not shy about asking for it!

Though their curled ears aren’t tied to genetic health issues, American Curls can be prone to ear infections. It’s a good idea to regularly check their ears for signs of irritation. 

You may want to keep an over-the-counter ear cleaner, such as Virbac Epi-Optic, on hand for use as needed. Just be sure to talk to your vet before cleaning your cat’s ears!

• Weight: 5–8 pounds
• Lifespan: 15–20 years
• Personality: Chatty, lovey, acrobatic

Balinese cats have a long, silky coat and a full, plumed tail that can make them look a little more robust than they actually are. 

Small as they might be (8 pounds tops), their big personalities and chatty nature mean they’re never overlooked. These vocal kitties love to “talk,” so getting to know cat sounds and what they mean can help you better understand your little companion.

While their long fur may look high-maintenance, Balinese cats are surprisingly low-maintenance. A weekly brushing is all they need to stay tangle-free and gorgeous.

• Weight: 6–9 pounds
• Lifespan: 12–15 years
• Personality: Smarty pants, loves the spotlight, Velcro-kitty 

The Bambino is a unique cross between the hairless Sphynx and the short-legged Munchkin, resulting in a small breed cat with stubby legs and velvety skin. 

As one of the newer designer cat breeds, Bambinos are rare—and their price tag reflects it. Expect to pay $2,000–$2,800 for a Bambino kitten from specialty breeders. But if you’re looking for a truly special cat, don’t let the cost deter you.

“The Bambino cat is described to be a combination of a monkey, a child, a dog, and a cat,” says April Arguin, breeder and founder of LiLNudists Cattery. ”This is because the breed is very social, very intelligent, and very loyal, loving, and they truly desire a lot of interaction and attention from their human companions.”

Caring for a Bambino takes more effort than it does for your average cat. So before bringing one home, make sure you can give them regular baths. Their delicate, hairless skin requires gentle, breed-specific shampoos and conditioning oils.

Arguin recommends the RenewedPet line, which is specially formulated for hairless cat breeds like the Bambino.

• Weight: 7–12 pounds
• Lifespan: 9–15 years
• Personality: Fun-loving, social butterfly, active

Don’t be surprised if you mistake a Bombay cat for a miniature black panther. But unlike their jungle-cat doppelgängers, the Bombay is a total sweetheart who thrives on human companionship. With the right introductions, they’ll happily bond with kids, dogs, and just about anyone else willing to give them attention.

Bombay cats are also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming—a weekly brushing and regular nail trims will do. That leaves more time for the things they love most, like following you from room to room and playing fetch with mouse toys.

• Weight: 6–10 pounds
• Lifespan: 11–15 years
• Personality: Clever, lively, people-loving 

The Cornish Rex is among the tiniest of the Rex bunch—a trio that also includes the Devon Rex and Selkirk Rex. While “Rex” refers to their wavy or curled coat, these breeds aren’t genetically related; they just happen to share a cute ’do.

The Cornish Rex has a petite frame, large ears, high cheekbones, and a distinct short, curly coat. Daily play sessions, puzzle feeders, and plenty of toys go a long way in keeping this tiny cat happy, but they’ll also entertain themselves if you stock your space with high perches to climb and explore.

• Weight: 6–9 pounds
• Lifespan: 9–15 years
• Personality: Happy-go-lucky, goofball, lap cat 

Like the Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex is a small cat breed with curly fur. 

But while the Cornish is bold and busy, the Devon tends to be a bit more mild-mannered—though no less entertaining. With an eagerness to please and a knack for goofball antics, they tend to keep their pet parents smiling.

• Weight: 6–9 pounds
• Lifespan: 12–15 years
• Personality: Playful, social, mischievous

While most tiny cat breeds still grow to around 12 inches tall, Munchkin cats typically top out at just 5–7 inches. Their extra-short legs make them undeniably adorable, but those tiny limbs come with some important considerations. 

The genetic mutation behind the Munchkin’s stature is somewhat controversial because short-legged cats may have a higher risk of osteoarthritis and mobility issues. If you’re considering a Munchkin, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the signs of pain in cats and work closely with your vet to get ahead of their joint health. 

That said, Munchkin cats are the epitome of cute—tiny bodies, big personality, and a playful streak. Once they’ve burned off that energy, they’re all in for a cozy snuggle.

• Weight: 6–14 pounds
• Lifespan: 12–15 years
• Personality: Spunky, chatterbox, intelligent 

The smallest cat breed with the biggest personality—and voice—might just be the Siamese. These sleek, slim cats are anything but laid-back, flaunting striking color points on their ears, face, paws, and tail. Often nicknamed “Velcro cats,” Siamese prefer to stick close to their humans. 

As social and friendly cats, Siamese cats typically get along well with dogs, children, and visiting house guests.

• Weight: 4–8 pounds
• Lifespan: 11–15 years
• Personality: Cheeky, social, loveable

The petite Singapura is also known as the Island Cat because they hail from the island of Singapore, where they remain a living national treasure. 

And a little treasure is the perfect word for these tiny cats. Females can weigh as little as 4 pounds, and even adult males typically max out at just 6–8 pounds. 

But don’t let their small size fool you. Singapuras pack a lot of energy and personality into that little frame. They can be a handful for first-time cat parents, but here’s a tip: the more cat-friendly vertical space you give them to climb and explore, the happier (and less mischievous) they’ll be.

Weight: 6–10 pounds

Lifespan: 11–16 years

Personality: Inquisitive, energetic, attention hog

Do you want a cat so small you could have two? A pair of Somali kittens is just what you need! Standing about 11 inches tall and weighing 6–10 pounds, the Somali is an outgoing companion who craves affection. 

With their sharp mind and eagerness to bond, Somali cats are great buddies to try out clicker training with. You can teach everything from fun tricks to practical skills, like staying off the counters.