The Napoleon Cat, also known as the ‘Minuet Cat’, was developed by crossing the Munchkins with the Persians. With their dwarf looks they can be called the feline counterpart of the Pekingese, the Corgis, or the Terrier dogs. The Minuets have a round face, with big eyes and small, erect ears. They have a furry coat, a fluffy tail, and short legs, for which they are famous. They are known for their modest demeanor, and can be a constant source of joy, surprise, and laughter to their families.
Napoleon Munchkin Cat 
Napoleon Kittens 
Napoleon Cats
Quick Description
Physical Appearance & Size
| Body Type: | Medium |
| Length: | Medium |
| Weight (Size): | 5 to 9 pounds |
Colors & Patterns
| Coat Type: | Short, long, dense, plush |
| Coat Colors: | All colors including gray, orange, white, brindle, bicolor, tricolor |
Other Characteristics
| Life Expectancy (Lifespan): | 12-14 years |
| Characteristics: | Obedient, docile, intelligent, playful, social |
| Lap Cat: | No |
| Shedding: | Less |
| Good with Children: | Yes |
| Vocalization: | Less |
| Hypoallergenic: | Yes |
| Country of Origin: | USA |
| Competitive Registration/Qualification Information: | TICA, CFF |
History and Development
An AKC (American Kennel Club) judge and Basset Hound breeder named Joseph B. Smith developed the Napoleon Cat for the very first time in the USA.
It began with a front-page feature in the Wall Street Journal published on June 12, 1995 that caught the sight of Smith. The journal featured a Munchkin cat, a breed that was a favorite to the breeder. However, he thought that this breed is not clearly distinguishable from other similar long-legged crosses and mixes that are commonly found in animal shelters. He decided to create a new breed that would have unique features in both its long- and short-legged versions, and at the same time, will resemble purebreds.
As an outcross, Smith chose the Persian group of felines to the Munchkin cat because the former has both an exotic look, as well as good boning. It was these traits that were considered while writing the standard of the latter-day Napoleon cats that showed the unique traits of hairiness combined with short legs.
The name ‘Napoleon’ was changed to ‘Minuet’ with a round of votes by the directors of the International Cat Association (TICA) in January, 2015. However, it is still addressed as ‘Napoleon’ by the Cat Fanciers Federation (CFF). The Napoleon cat is yet to be recognized by other cat associations including Cat Fancier’s Association, American Cat Fanciers Association, or Fédération Internationale Féline.
Temperament and Personality
Like the Persian cats, the minuets have a good nature, and a sweet, docile temperament. They are human-oriented, and with their love for their families and fondness to get petted and snuggled, they make perfect family pets.
They are extremely intelligent, and can easily understand the needs of their family members, and can adapt themselves accordingly in the household. They are neither demanding, nor attention-seeking, and (hence) not very vocal. It will never disturb its master, if he is busy.
Napoleon Cat Images 
Minuet Cat 
Napoleon Dwarf Cat
The Napoleons are quite inquisitive, and would greet their family members at the door, and follow them around the house. They are cats devoid of aggressiveness, and hence, are complete safe for other pets and children. With all its loyalty, it will stay devoted to its master throughout its life.
Care
The Minuet cat comes in both long-haired and short-haired varieties, and the latter, naturally, needs a bit more care. Napoleons shed less, but brush its coat once or twice a week to avoid matting. Keep an eye so that its nails do not overgrow. You can trim them once a month.
The Minuet cat has very few health issues, except for general feline issues like allergies, etc. However, since the Persian cat blood has been incorporated in this breed, only PKD negative tested Minuet cats should be used for breeding.
Also, the minuets that are suffering from common Persian cat issues like Stenosis (blockage) of Nasolacrimal Ducts, Epiphora (excessive eye tearing), matting prone coats, and flat facial features should be avoided for breeding purposes.
Diet/Feeding
For both the adults and the kittens, a general cat diet is recommended.
Napoleon Cat 
Napoleon Kitten 
Napoleon Cat Pictures
Interesting Facts
- Napoleons can jump, but not the same like other cats.
- As a new breed, these cats enter the show halls under the “Preliminary New Breed” status.
- This short-legged feline has a strikingly cute and innocent facial expression that is referred to as “the baby doll face”.
- Napoleons are often referred to as the ‘puppy of the cat world’.
