Minuet
The Minuet (formerly Napoleon) is a cross between the Munchkin and the Persian (or Exotic Shorthair) — creating a short-legged, often flat-faced cat with a lush, long or short coat.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United States
Lifespan
9–15 years
Weight
2.5–4.5 kg (5.5–10 lbs)
Height
15–20 cm (6–8 in)
Diet
Obligate carnivore — high-quality wet food preferred; shallow wide bowls if flat-faced.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
The Story
The Minuet (formerly Napoleon) is a cross between the Munchkin and the Persian (or Exotic Shorthair) — creating a short-legged, often flat-faced cat with a lush, long or short coat. Developed in the 1990s by breeder Joseph Smith, the breed was initially named Napoleon (after the famously short-statured French emperor) and later renamed Minuet. It combines the Munchkin's short legs with the Persian's round face and plush coat, creating what many consider an extremely cute but ethically complex combination of two structural traits that both raise welfare concerns.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A small cat with very short legs (from Munchkin), a round head (from Persian), and a dense, plush coat in both shorthaired and longhaired varieties. Both flat-faced (brachycephalic) and more moderate-faced individuals occur depending on the degree of Persian influence.
Grooming
High
Shedding
High
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Gentle, calm, and affectionate — combining the Persian's placidity with the Munchkin's curious, active nature. Good with children.
Living Profile
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Daily face cleaning if flat-faced. The longhaired variety requires daily brushing. Same care as Persian for flat-faced individuals. Monitor spine and joints. Avoid high drops. High-moisture diet recommended if flat-faced.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Health Overview
BOAS if flat-faced (from Persian inheritance). Lordosis and joint stress from Munchkin inheritance. PKD from Persian lineage — DNA test available. HCM. The combination of multiple potential welfare concerns makes veterinary monitoring particularly important.
Common Conditions
Fun Facts
The Minuet was originally called "Napoleon" after Napoleon Bonaparte — the short-legged cat named for a short-statured historical figure. The name was changed to Minuet when TICA recognised the breed, avoiding the anthropomorphic comparison.
The Minuet is sometimes marketed as having a "permanently kitten-like" appearance due to the combination of short legs and round face — a description that also reflects the ethical debate around deliberately breeding for neotenous (juvenile) features.
