Not all cats that are advertised as miniature are teacup kittens. Keep in mind that the standard size cat will weigh between 11 and 14 pounds. The standard size male cat will weigh between 12 and 17 pounds. A teacup-sized cat will weigh between 3 and 6.5 pounds and a teacup-sized male will weigh between 3 and 7.5 pounds. This is a good rule of thumb to keep in mind when buying a cup of tea. Some unscrupulous breeders will try to sell you a cat under ten pounds as a cup of tea when that weight is within the normal weight range for a standard cat. When shopping for a cup of tea, don’t be fooled by a breeder who will try to sell you a dwarf or tell you that any cat under 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 mates 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 reproduction results in dwarfism. There are two forms of dwarfism in regards to teacups and other miniature animals and they are achondroplastic where the dominant gene, through mutation, will affect the hormones that control bone growth, and the primordial one that is produced in a natural. 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. MiniPers are primordial dwarfs and their bodies are proportionate in every way except that they are smaller than standard Persians and Exotics. MiniPaws are a hybrid and carry the genes for achondroplastic and primordial dwarfism. They are small in proportion and have shortened legs, which causes the legs to deform a bit. They are a good example of the dominant gene mutation and its effect 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 like the Persians. The Napoleon is the newest of the teacup breeds.
The Lambkin was developed by crossing a Munchkin with a Selkirk Rex. They are called Lambkin for their soft curly coats that resemble the coat of a lamb. Most miniature or teacup kittens are Persian and exotic cross breeds and are the most popular and sought after of all miniature breeds.
Many people love teacups because they are cute and look like kittens. They are easy to hold and transport and most are lap cats. Be careful though, they may be kittens when you buy them, but like all other cats, they grow up and lose their kitty style. After all, cats and cats are not kittens forever.