Teacup Kittens - What You Should Know

Miniature breeds of cats, such as toy Persians have become very popular in recent times. These smaller breeds are also referred to as "teacup kittens". This popularity is due to trends in housing, where people are living in smaller houses and apartments. Therefore smaller pets are preferred.

Toy cats are produced by specific selection and breeding of the smallest kittens. The aim after repeated breeding is to produce perfectly proportioned miniature versions of the standard size cats. The toy versions of a breed have the same physical traits and characteristics as the large versions of the same breed. Common breeds used to produce teacup, or miniature versions, are Himalayans and Persians.

A normal sized cat can weigh anything between 10 to 17 pounds. However some cats can fall outside this weight range. Some less than reputable breeders may try to sell cats under ten pounds as a teacup cat when actually the weight of the cat falls within the standard weight range. It is not right to generalise and say that any feline less than 10 pounds is a miniature cat. Generally a toy sized cat weighs between 3 and 8 pounds.

The Napoleon Cat is a hybrid of the Munchkin and Persian breeds such as the Himalayan Persian. The Napoleon combines traits from both breeds into a unique look. It is a short-legged cat round eyes and a colourful coat.

Lambkins are a cross of the Munchkin, which is already a small breed, and the Selkirk Rex. This results in a cute cat with short legs and a soft, curly coat.

The MiniPer is a combination of a Persian and Exotic breed. Their bodies are completely proportionate so that they are just smaller that a normal Persian or Exotic.

Toy cats are expensive to buy from a reputable breeder and can cost anywhere from $1800 to $3000 depending on the breed, size and colour of the individual.

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Teacup Kittens - The World's Smallest Kitten

Not all cats advertised as miniature are teacup kittens. Be aware that the standard size female cat will weight about 11 to 14 pounds. The standard size male cat will weight about 12 to 17 pounds. A teacup size female cat will weight about 3 to 6.5 pounds and the teacup size male will weight about 3 to 7.5 pounds. This is a good rule-of-thumb to keep in mind when shopping for a teacup. Some unscrupulous breeders will try to sell you a cat under ten pounds as a teacup when that weight falls within the normal weight range for a standard cat. When shopping for a teacup do not be fooled by a breeder that will try to sell you a runt or tell you that any cat less than ten pounds is a miniature.

Teacup kittens come in a variety of breeds. These cats are bred to be small by inbreeding. The smallest cat of one breed is mated with the smallest cat of another breed progressively in each generation and with each mating a miniature or teacup cat is born. The result of this type of breeding results in dwarfism. There are two forms of dwarfism where teacups and other miniature animals are concerned and they are achondroplastic where the dominant gene will, through mutation, affect the hormones that control bone growth, and the primordial which occurs naturally. At this point let's cover the most common breeds of miniature (teacup) cats.

The most popular of the teacup kittens is the combination of Persian and Exotic. The MiniPer, a combination of Persians and Exotics was developed in California by Cher Simmitt. The MiniPers are primordial dwarves and their bodies are proportionate in every way except that they are smaller than the standard Persian and Exotic. The MiniPaws are a hybrid and carry the genes of both the achondroplastic and primordial dwarfism. They are small in proportion and have shortened legs thus, causing the legs to be somewhat deformed. They are a good example of the mutation of the dominant gene and its affect on the hormones that control bone growth. .

The Napoleon was developed intentionally by mating a Munchkin with a Persian. They have long coats and beautiful big eyes much like the Persian. The Napoleon is the newest of the teacup breeds.

The Lambkin was developed by cross breeding a Munchkin with a Selkirk Rex. They are called Lambkin because of their soft curly coats that resemble the coat of a lamb. Most of the miniature or teacup kittens are cross breeds of Persians and Exotics and are the most popular and sought after of all of the miniature breeds.

Many people want the teacups because they're cute and resemble kittens. They are easy to hold and carry and most of them are lap cats. However, be forewarned, they may be kittens when you buy them but like all other cats they grow up and lose their kittenish ways. They are after all, cats and cats do not stay kittens forever.

Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

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