16 Small Cat Breeds That Look Like Cuddly Kittens Forever

Singapura

The smallest cat breed in the world, the Singapura may be half the size of the average cat (as little as 4 pounds!) but he has a big presence. This tiny breed is active and affectionate and wants to know what everybody's doing all the time. The friendly breed is ideal for families with kids and other pets because the last thing the Singapura wants is to be left alone.

Burmese Cat

Looking for a cat that can keep your kiddos entertained? For a feline, the Burmese breed is outgoing and extremely patient with youngsters, known to follow the kiddos around the house and adore affection. Burmese cats are smaller than average with compact bodies but big brains. They like to use their smarts to solve pet puzzles and learn new tricks.

Devon Rex

With a dainty face, small body, and huge ears, the Devon Rex has an impish personality to match his looks. These highly social cats don't do well when left alone for too long, according to the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA). When this breed isn't sticking by your side like glue, he's fetching a toy for you to throw or looking for other ways to have fun. But don't worry, this kitty is all about snuggling too and will be happy to warm you up on a cold day—the Devon Rex radiates more body heat because of his short, wavy coat. The breed's unique fur is super-soft, doesn't shed much, and doesn't need to be brushed, ideal for those who'd rather not use a lint roller every day.

Cornish Rex

The Cornish rex looks and sounds like a relative of the Devon rex, but these are two distinct cat breeds that both happen to have downy fur, sleek frames, and similar personalities. The best way to identify a Cornish is by the face, which is not as wide as the Devon and has a more triangular shape. Like the Devon, the Cornish rex is small, playful, social, and affectionate.

Siamese

Although they're small to average in size, Siamese cats are surprisingly lightweight. The supermodel of the cat world, the breed is long, lean, and has brains to boot. They're no couch potatoes and thrive on lots of activity, from playing fetch to walking on a leash to pawing at faucets until they turn on. Siamese cats are known for being very vocal. They like to express their opinion about everything and are best for people who like to "chat" with their kitties.

Balinese

Their fluffy coats might make them seem large, but many Balinese cats are often leaner than the average feline due to their lineage. The Balinese is essentially a long-haired Siamese cat that can range in size depending on parentage. These cats are a lot like their relatives: affectionate, social, and often quite vocal. Brush their long, soft coats regularly to prevent mats and reduce shedding.

Tonkinese

Developed by crossing the Siamese and Burmese breeds, Tonkinese cats share many traits with their ancestors, including smaller-than-average size. Beyond their strikingly svelte appearance, these cats are affectionate and friendly towards humans yet bold enough to want to explore every nook of your home (when they're not on your lap, of course).

Munchkin

The munchkin is a cat breed with small legs and a full-size body, much like a corgi or Dachshund in the dog world (the trait occurs due to a genetic mutation sometimes called dwarfism). What munchkins lack in jumping ability, they make up for on the ground—running at turbo speeds to chase after anything they're curious about (which is everything!). Munchkin kitties can't jump high, which is perfect if cats on countertops drive you nuts. Instead, they leapfrog from one surface to another and stand up on their back legs to get a better view, especially of shiny objects, says TICA.

Somali

Just call them TNT, because Somali cats are full of explosive energy. These small packages are always on the hunt for fun and want you, or someone (anyone!), to be a part of it too. You can keep bright-eyed and bushy-tailed Somali kitties happy by teaching them tricks, giving them plenty of playtime, and incorporating cat trees for climbing and window perches for exploring the outside world. VCA Hospitals says jokingly that Somali cats possess the 'hairdresser' gene, as these cats love to play with hair (and mustaches and beards!). They also appreciate having other fur buddies to pal around with.

LaPerm

A fluffy, curly coat makes LaPerm cats look like they've been to the salon. Although you'd think their hair is high maintenance, that's not so. Their coats don't shed much and they rarely mat. Giving these mini kitties a weekly brushing is enough, which means you have more time to cuddle with this extremely loving breed. Prepare for lots of deep stares, purrs, and kitty kisses!

Turkish Angora

The Turkish Angora is a rare and ancient breed considered a national treasure by its namesake country. Thought to be the breed from which all other long-haired cats descended, this kitty is special indeed. For one, the Turkish Angora actually likes playing in water—showers, baths, and swimming pools! These kitties are also super social, even with strangers, but independent enough to be fine with some alone time at home. Turkish Angora cats also get a lot of attention for their silky locks and stunning eye colors, which include white with blue, amber, or green-colored eyes or a mismatched combination.

Toybob

It's easy to mistake a toybob cat for a kitten since their adult size is the same as an average cat at 3 to 6 months old. These cuties also have naturally short tails—created by a genetic mutation that doesn't affect their health—and sweet dispositions. If you're looking for a lap cat, this breed fits the bill though they're happy to play some, too. According to the CFA, these gentle sweethearts are all-around great kitties, especially for apartment living since they don't make much noise.

Japanese Bobtail

Japanese bobtails are easily recognized by their short, kinked tails and small bodies. The breed developed naturally in Japan and can be traced back to the 6th century. Historically used to control rodent populations, they retain their boldness to this day. But Japanese bobtails are also highly social cats who enjoy being cherished as family members.

Korat

The Korat is another old cat breed that goes back centuries. In their native Thailand, they're called "good luck cats" and were historically given as gifts. Korats are small, lean and always have beautiful gray-blue coats. These smart, social kitties enjoy spending time around their humans or other animal companions.

Abyssinian

One of the oldest known cat breeds, the Abyssinian's origins are disputed, perhaps adding to their mystique. Though they tend to weigh around the same as the average cat, they have long, slim bodies that give them a smaller appearance. Abys are active, intelligent cats that need plenty of enrichment to remain happy. When not on an adventure, they enjoy the company of their humans.

American Curl

The American curl is a newer breed that, according to The International Cat Association (TICA), got its start in 1981 when a stray with funny ears was found and gave birth to kittens with the same strange ears. Due to a harmless genetic mutation, the breed's ears naturally turn backwards exposing the furry under-flap and making their ears seem tiny.

This pint-sized breed usually coos quietly rather than meowing to get your attention and is loving and playful, maintaining a kittenish curiosity into old age. Certainly charming, the American curl also has a sharp intellect—they're known for their ability to turn door knobs and open cabinets!