Napoleon Cat

Breed Profile

The Napoleon cat, now officially recognized as the Minuet by major cat associations like TICA, is a delightful hybrid that captures the best qualities of its parent breeds: the playful energy of the Munchkin and the sweet, luxurious beauty of the Persian. With its short legs, round face, and plush coat, the Napoleon looks like a permanent kitten—a “living doll” that brings warmth and joy to any home. But don’t let its angelic appearance fool you; this breed is surprisingly agile, active, and full of life.

History and Origins

The breed was created in 1996 by Joseph Smith, an American Basset Hound breeder and cat enthusiast. Smith was inspired by the Munchkin but wanted to create a short-legged cat that had a specific look—one that distinguished it from the common domestic cat. He admired the Munchkin’s short legs but felt that long-legged Munchkins (which are often indistinguishable from regular house cats) often ended up in shelters. He envisioned a breed where both the short-legged and long-legged versions would be distinct and valuable.

To achieve this, he crossed Munchkins with Persians (and related breeds like Himalayans and Exotic Shorthairs). The goal was to incorporate the Persian’s adorable “doll face,” dense coat, and sturdy boning while maintaining the Munchkin’s short stature. He named the breed “Napoleon” after the famous French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, a nod to the cat’s small size. In 2015, TICA voted to change the breed’s name to the Minuet, though many enthusiasts still use the original name.

Physical Characteristics

The Napoleon is a medium-sized cat with substantial boning and strong muscles, giving it a solid feel despite its small height. The legs are short but straight, not bowed, with the hind legs slightly longer than the front.

The head is round with large, expressive eyes that give it a sweet, innocent expression. Unlike the extreme flat face of some show Persians (PEKE-faced), the Napoleon has a more moderate, “doll-faced” profile with a distinct nose break but a longer muzzle, which helps avoid the respiratory issues sometimes seen in Persians. Their ears are small to medium and set wide apart.

The coat is another hallmark of the breed. It comes in both short (plush and dense) and long (silky and flowing) varieties. The fur is thick and soft, standing away from the body, and comes in every color and pattern imaginable, including solids, shaded, smoke, and colorpoints.

Personality and Temperament

The Napoleon is the perfect blend of its parents. From the Persian, it inherits a gentle, affectionate, and people-oriented nature. They love to cuddle and will happily warm your lap for hours. However, the Munchkin influence adds a spark of curiosity and energy that prevents them from being mere “furniture with fur.”

They are playful and active, often running through the house with a “ferret-like” motion due to their short legs. They are intelligent and navigate their surroundings with ease. While they may not be high jumpers, they are excellent climbers and will find their way onto beds and low tables. They are known for being incredibly sweet-tempered, getting along famously with children and other pets, making them ideal family companions.

Health and Care

Generally, Napoleons are healthy cats. By avoiding the extreme facial structure of the show Persian, they bypass many breathing and tear duct issues. However, they can be prone to Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a condition common in Persians. Responsible breeders screen their cats for this. Like all short-legged breeds, care should be taken to monitor their weight to prevent stress on their spine, though they don’t typically suffer from spinal issues.

Grooming is an important part of caring for a Napoleon. Whether long or short-haired, their dense coat requires regular brushing (at least twice a week) to prevent mats and tangles. They are generally patient with grooming if introduced to it early.

Conclusion

The Napoleon (Minuet) is a cat that truly has it all: unique looks, a loving heart, and a playful spirit. They are robust little cats that offer endless affection and entertainment. If you are looking for a beautiful, low-riding companion who will be your shadow and your snuggle buddy, the Napoleon is the perfect choice.