Cat Napoleon (Minuet) is a unique hybrid of a munchkin and a Persian!

Brief history of the breed

These animals were bred in the USA in the second half of the 90s of the last century. Their story began when American basset breeder Joe Smith decided to try to create a new breed of short-legged cats with shaggy hair. To do this, he used munchkins and Persians. To his surprise, it turned out that the offspring from such matings had serious defects and were not suitable for further experiments.

After many unsuccessful attempts and careful study of DNA, Smith managed to obtain several short-legged cats without congenital pathologies and gene mutations. But the reluctance of felinological organizations to recognize the new breed and the complete lack of finance forced him to complete his experiments and castrate all males.

The remaining females began to be used in the breeding programs of other breeders. During breeding work, they were crossed with short-haired exotics, as a result of which the Napoleons received an unusual appearance. As a result, thanks to the efforts of several American breeders, the breed not only survived and gained popularity, but also received official recognition from TICA.

Origin story

The origin story of the dwarf cat, whose name mentions a world-famous commander, is simple and uncomplicated.
On a warm June day in 1995, breeder Joseph Smith read an article in the morning newspaper about surprisingly cute munchkin cats. He was so delighted with these tiny short-legged fluffies that he set himself the goal of improving the breed as much as possible. And he succeeded, despite the fact that until that time he had worked exclusively with dogs (the appearance of the Basset Hound breed was solely his merit). As a second participant in the process, Smith decided to involve the Persian breed, no less cute and fluffy than munchkins.

The first attempts suffered a crushing failure: the representatives of the new breed turned out to be beautiful, adopted the best features from their parents (from the Persians - a slightly flattened muzzle and soft shiny fur, from the Munchkins - miniature stature and tiny paws), but they could not boast of good health.

Multiple genetic defects led to cats dying at an early age, and getting an absolutely healthy animal was both difficult and expensive. Therefore, felinological organizations (except TICA) initially refused to register the new breed.

Smith was so upset that he gave up work and burned all his notes. However, there were others who took up the baton. Terry Harris, Margie Gardner and Sam Tate, full of enthusiasm, achieved what they wanted. The breed received another name – Minuet Cat, which means “small”. The new breed was approved, but with a caveat - the name “Napoleon” may offend the national pride of the French, so it is better not to use it.

Interesting Facts

Despite the relative youth of the breed, many interesting things have been associated with it:

1. Short-legged cats are named after Napoleon Bonaparte. Moreover, all historians claim that the famous French commander not only hated these animals, but also suffered from gatophobia.
2. The Napoleon cat breed is in its infancy. Therefore, its representatives are allowed to be bred with Persians, Munchkins, shorthaired exotics and Himalayans.
3. In 2020, TICA management considered the name “Napoleon” offensive to the French and renamed the breed “minuet”, which is translated from French. means "small".

Character

Many exotic animals have an obstinate disposition and can even show aggression, but Napoleon the cat is a real furry angel. The easy-going nature and easy upbringing make the pet the best option for purchasing as a new member of a large family.

This is an ideal animal if there are small children in the house; the cat literally allows itself to be twisted into ropes, indulging in all the pranks of the kids. The furry namesake of the French commander is smart, friendly, neat and affectionate. They learn very quickly and are even able to master several basic “dog” commands.

The only caveat is that Napoleon cats do not tolerate loneliness even for a few hours; these animals simply need company and a lot of attention. They don’t like walks, because the big world is too big and cruel for such cute little ones.

Napoleon minuets will become not only a universal antidepressant for the owners, but also personal healers. Many owners note their unique ability to relieve pain with the touch of a paw.

Breed description, standards, appearance

Napoleons are cats with a specific funny appearance. The flattened muzzle and small dimensions give the representatives of the breed a resemblance to kittens.

Dimensions and weight

Minuets are miniature, harmoniously built cats with a round, elastic body. The female's weight rarely exceeds 2 kg. An adult Napoleon cat weighs about 3 kg.

Anatomical characteristics

A typical Minuet cat should fit the following description:

1. The head is round, large, with a neat chin, full cheeks and a flattened muzzle. The nose is short and wide. Napoleon has a peculiar doll-like facial expression - “baby face”.
2. The ears are neat, small, set wide apart, with rounded tips and good lining on the inside of the shell.
3. The eyes are round and expressive. The color of Napoleon's iris is in harmony with the color of his coat.
4. The body is round, elongated, with a short, strong neck and straight back.
5. The tail is proportional to the length of the body and has a uniform edge.

On a note. Depending on the length of the legs, minuets are divided into classic ones with regular, long limbs and extreme ones with short legs.

Color and coat type

Depending on the length of their fur, Napoleon cats are either short-haired or long-haired. The former have thick, dense fur. The latter are covered with silky long hair with developed decorative hair.

Minuet can be any color, including color point, bicolor and tabby.

Possible breed defects

Flaws in appearance, in the presence of which Napoleon the cat will not receive a high expert assessment:

• pronounced eyebrows;
• strong break of the bridge of the nose;
• creases on the tail;
• lacrimation;
• skeletal defects;
• polydactyly;
• cryptorchidism.

Mating

Estrus in cats of this breed occurs at the age of 6-8 months, sometimes earlier or later. If the owner intends to sterilize the animal, then it is worth doing this at the age of 6-10 months. But the most suitable age for mating is a year and a half. Napoleons can be crossed with each other, as well as with Persian, Munchkin, Exotic and Himalayan cats. Breeding with other breeds is not recommended. Cats carry kittens for 63-65 days. A litter usually includes up to 5 kittens. Napoleon mothers are good.

Cute and funny Napoleons will bring joy and a feeling of warmth to your home. Proper care, love and care are the key to the long life of this amazing pet!

Character and temperament

The minuets have an almost ideal character. Napoleons quickly become attached to people and need constant communication with their owners. Friendly and sociable cats are ready to participate in active games for hours and are not capable of aggression.

On a note. Napoleons do not tolerate loneliness well and suffer greatly from their master's inattention. If a minuet is left alone at home for a long time, he may get sick and even die from melancholy.

Peaceful and affectionate minuets happily play with their master's children and never let out their claws. The sociability and good nature of Napoleons helps them easily find a common language with other pets, including dogs and small rodents.

Napoleon's character

Like the Persians, Napoleons or Minuets have a pleasant and docile character. They are oriented towards humans and their family, they love affection and hugs, so in many ways they are ideal pets.

Napoleons also have high intelligence and can easily understand the needs of their owner. They quickly adapt to any home environment. The breed does not require too much attention, so it is quite quiet and rarely meows.

Napoleons, with their highly developed mental abilities, are quite curious, often greeting their family members at the door and following them around the house. These cats are practically devoid of aggressiveness, so they are safe for other pets and children. For all his good nature, Napoleon will remain devoted to his owner throughout his life.

How to choose the right kitten

Representatives of the Napoleon breed are not cheap, so you need to approach their purchase with the utmost responsibility. To be sure of the health and purebred of the animal, it is better to purchase a small minuet from a certified nursery.

Napoleon is easy to recognize by his reduced size, short legs, large round eyes and “childish” expression of his muzzle. And the health of kittens can be judged by their shiny soft coat, good appetite, energetic behavior and clear eyes without signs of tearing.

Kitten care

Competent breeders do not hand over little Napoleons to their owners before they are 3 months old. By this age, kittens become less dependent on their mother and are ready for independent living. Three-month-old minuets usually know how to use a tray and scratching post, and also eat from their own bowl without any problems. Therefore, owners do not have to teach their short-legged pets basic skills.

To prevent Napoleon from being injured, indoor plants, wires, detergents and breakable objects are removed from him in advance. Minuet is also limited in access to large household appliances, open windows and open balconies.

To prevent problems with the gastrointestinal tract, at first, a kitten of this breed is fed only food that is familiar to it. New foods are introduced into the minuet’s diet gradually to monitor the reaction of his body. Napoleon's feeding schedule is based on the cat's age:

• up to 4 months – 6 times a day;
• 4-6 months – 5 times a day;
• 6-9 months – 4 times a day;
• 9-12 months – 3 times a day.

From the age of one year, Napoleons are transferred to twice feeding.

Cost of a kitten

Until recently, it was simply impossible to find Napoleon in Russia. But a couple of years ago, elite clubs, which are engaged exclusively in commerce, purchased manufacturers and began selling these cute babies.

If a kitten is purchased as a pet, then you can turn to them. The price of a pet-class kitten in such clubs is from thirty to seventy thousand rubles.

Breeding or show animals should only be sought in the United States. Moreover, it is necessary to purchase a kitten only with the recommendation of a competent felinologist, having carefully studied the pedigree of the parents. As a result of inbreeding of this young breed, genetic mutations and congenital anomalies are still very common.

The cost of breeding and show class kittens ranges from one to three thousand dollars.

A small photo gallery of Napoleon cats:

Care and maintenance

Due to their anatomical features and excessive gullibility, Napoleons are suitable exclusively for home keeping. To make short-legged cats look neat, they are provided with hygienic care:

1. Minuet's ears are cleaned at least 2 times a week. To do this, a special agent is dripped into each of them, and then wiped with a cotton swab. If unusual or excessive discharge is detected, the short-legged cat is taken to the veterinarian.
2. Napoleon's eyes are wiped daily with a clean cloth soaked in herbal decoction or boiled water.
3. Minuet's claws are carefully trimmed with a nail clipper as they grow.
4. Napoleon's teeth are brushed weekly with a soft silicone brush and a small amount of non-foaming pet paste. This simple procedure helps prevent stone formation and serious dental problems.

Caring for a Napoleon's coat depends on the length of the cat's coat. Minuets with short plush fur are brushed once a week. Long-haired cats are scratched daily. Representatives of the breed are bathed 3-4 times a year using special shampoos.

On a note. Since Napoleons are not delighted at the sight of water, they are accustomed to bathing procedures from an early age.

Diseases of cats Napoleon

Work on the breed is still being carried out, so it is difficult to judge genetic problems and diseases. However, owners should be aware that such cats are hybrids and can carry mutations, which is why most of them are not in good health. Even healthy sires can produce inferior offspring with birth defects.

Persian cats passed on to the Napoleons a predisposition to the following diseases:

• cardiomyopathy;
• polycystic kidney disease;
• ophthalmological diseases.

In addition, due to short legs, animals develop problems with the spine, which bears a large load. It seems to sag, creating difficulties with bearing offspring. In addition to hereditary pathologies, pets are susceptible to other diseases associated with improper feeding or care. The average lifespan of cats is 13-14 years.

Feeding the cat

Napoleons are not picky cats; they can eat both industrial and natural food. The main thing is not to mix these types of nutrition with each other.

When feeding dry food for Napoleon, premium or super-premium products are selected, which do not contain dubious additives such as corn or dyes. The following brands of food are best suited for minuets:

• Grandin;
• Royal Canin;
• Hills;
• Pro Plan.

When feeding natural products, Napoleon's diet should consist mainly of lean, fresh meat. The short-legged cat's menu also includes porridge, vegetables, offal, eggs, fermented milk and ocean fish.

To maintain the health of the digestive system, pork, bones, sausages, sweets, smoked meats and pickles are completely excluded from the minuet diet. Also, the cat is not given river fish, exotic fruits, starchy vegetables, beans, or any food from the owner’s table.

On a note. To prevent the minuet's stomach from becoming clogged with tufts of fur, the cat is systematically given a special paste to dissolve the fur.

Features of caring for cats of the Napoleon breed

Napoleons do not require care. It is enough to periodically wipe the eyes and ears , as well as comb the coat daily.

It is also recommended to occasionally give your cat fur-dissolving medications.

walk on the street under supervision, because a furry baby can easily be hurt, and his short legs will not allow him to escape. Also, because of his gullibility, Napoleon the cat goes into the arms of almost everyone, and his kind character does not allow him to respond aggressively even to pain.

Taking care of the claws consists only of purchasing a scratching post; cutting the claws of a cute fluffy is not at all necessary.

It should be remembered that jumping from a height and falling are extremely undesirable , since short legs will not soften the impact on the ground, and the likelihood of injuring the pet is too high.

Premium food is recommended for feeding your furry baby You need to make sure that your pet does not overeat, as this breed has a tendency to gluttony .

If the cat eats from the home table, then you should take care of a complete diet - give them fermented milk products, eggs, fish, yolk, vegetables and offal. However, care must be taken to ensure that the food is not too fatty, salty or sweet.

Education and physical activity

Napoleons are highly intelligent cats; they quickly understand what is required of them. Clean and harmless minuets easily get used to the litter box and learn the rules of behavior in the house.

Short legs do not affect the activity of these temperamental and playful cats. To maintain good physical shape, minuets need sports complexes with tunnels.

Vaccinations

In the first two months of a cat's life, there is no need for vaccinations, since until this time his body receives all the necessary substances with protective functions from the mother cat.

At the age of 3 months, the first polyvalent vaccination is required. It will protect against the most common dangerous diseases. After 3-4 weeks, revaccination is carried out. Then this vaccination is repeated every year.

A month after revaccination, it is necessary to get a rabies vaccination. Before vaccination, a doctor's examination is necessary; sick and weakened animals cannot be vaccinated. When vaccinating a kitten, the doctor issues a veterinary passport. It makes it easy to track the timing of vaccinations.

Vaccinations and antiparasitic treatment

To prevent viral and infectious diseases, cats of this breed are regularly vaccinated with a complex drug that activates the production of immunity to rhinotracheitis, calcivirosis and panleukopenia. The first vaccination for a Napoleon kitten is given at the age of 7-8 weeks. After 28 days, the minuet is vaccinated against the same diseases and against rabies. In the future, cats of this breed are vaccinated once a year.

To prevent diseases transmitted by fleas and worms, minuet is regularly subjected to antiparasitic treatment. Anthelmintics are given to a cat of this breed twice a year with mandatory repetition after 10-14 days. The dosage of the drug is selected depending on the weight of Napoleon.

Cats of this breed are treated against fleas with drops, sprays or shampoos. And if Minuet goes on walks, he is put on an anti-parasitic collar.

Health and nutrition

The capricious genetic nature of Persian cats has had a significant impact on the health of these cute babies. A litter may produce kittens with congenital deformities and severe hereditary diseases, such as:

• polycystic kidney disease;
• cardiomyopathy;
• impaired spinal mobility.

The good thing is that the Napoleons did not inherit the “snub nose” of the Persians, so they did not have problems with breathing or pulmonary diseases.

It is necessary to carefully monitor the pet’s condition and promptly contact a veterinary clinic at the slightest suspicion of illness.

To maintain your pet's health you must:

• regularly deworm the animal - at least once a quarter;
• promptly treat fleas and other external parasites;
• Vaccinate against rabies and all known feline viral infectious diseases annually at a state veterinary clinic.

Due to the poor health of children, their nutrition must also be treated with special care. It is recommended to feed your pets only with ready-made dry formulas of super-premium quality - their composition is balanced and contains all the necessary vitamins, micro and macroelements.

Napoleons are prone to overeating, so you should monitor their diet.

Bulk hair often causes the formation of hairballs in the stomach, so periodically it is necessary to offer your pet a special hair removal paste.

Pros and cons of the breed

Napoleons, like cats of any other breed, have not only positive, but also negative traits.

Napoleons are cute cats with a friendly and sociable disposition. Playful animals with a doll-like expression do not require special care and will become true friends to those who are ready to give them care and warmth.

Health

When buying a kitten of this breed, it is worth researching its parents. If the descendants of Napoleon are Persians, then the kittens may be susceptible to kidney disease - polycystic disease. As a result of this disease, multiple cysts form on the kidneys, and the blood purification function is also disrupted. The first symptoms of this disease are cat lethargy and weight loss. Then there is pain in the kidneys and increased thirst, with frequent urination. At the third stage, vomiting and convulsions appear, the animal stops responding to stimuli. Of course, this disease must be detected as early as possible. For this purpose, ultrasound and genetic testing are used.

Often representatives of this breed have problems with the spine, due to the fact that they have short legs and increased stress on the back. This is why it is very difficult for cats to bear offspring. It is also worth giving vitamin preparations twice a year. And take preventive measures to get rid of parasites in a timely manner. You should not think that an animal is not susceptible to parasite infection if it does not go outside. After all, the owner can bring something home on street shoes.