Napoleon (Minuet)
Breed Description

The Napoleon cat has undergone a significant name change in its relatively short history, creating some confusion but also reflecting the breed's evolution. Originally named "Napoleon" by its creator Joseph B. Smith in the 1990s, the breed was christened after Napoleon Bonaparte, the famously short French emperor. This name was chosen as a playful reference to the cat's short stature created by its distinctive short legs. The Napoleon name was used for approximately two decades and became well-known among cat enthusiasts and breeders who developed and promoted the breed.

In 2015, The International Cat Association (TICA), which had granted the breed championship status, officially changed the breed name from Napoleon to "Minuet." This change was made at the request of breed clubs and breeders who felt that naming a cat breed after a historical military figure was inappropriate and potentially offensive. The name Minuet was chosen as a reference to the short, delicate steps of the minuet dance, which seemed fitting for these small cats with their short legs and graceful movements. The new name maintains a connection to smallness and elegance while avoiding historical controversy.

Despite the official name change, both names remain in common use today, creating dual recognition for the breed. Many breeders, registries, and cat enthusiasts still refer to these cats as Napoleons, particularly those who were involved with the breed before the name change. However, TICA and other registries that recognize the breed officially use Minuet as the breed name. This means when showing a cat in TICA, it must be registered as a Minuet, but casual conversation and breeder websites may use either name. New cat owners should be aware that Napoleon and Minuet refer to the same breed, and both names are correct depending on context and personal preference. The breed has no other significant alternate names, though it's sometimes informally called "dwarf cat" or "short-legged Persian," descriptive terms that capture its physical characteristics but aren't official designations.

The Napoleon (Minuet) is a small cat with a distinctive appearance that combines short legs with a sweet, rounded face. These cats come in two leg length varieties: standard (short-legged) and non-standard (regular-length legs). The standard Napoleon, which is more commonly associated with the breed, has notably short legs due to inheriting the Munchkin's dwarfism gene. Males typically weigh between 6-9 pounds, while females are smaller at 5-7 pounds. Despite their small size and short legs, they have a surprisingly sturdy, well-muscled body that's compact and solid rather than fragile or delicate.

The body is medium-boned with a rounded appearance, broad chest, and substantial feel when held. The short legs are thick and muscular, supporting their body weight effectively. While standard Napoleons cannot jump as high as regular-legged cats, they're surprisingly agile at ground level and can navigate furniture using intermediate steps or clever routes. The non-standard Napoleons, which have regular-length legs, maintain the same body type and facial features but with normal leg proportions. Both varieties are recognized in the breed and used in breeding programs.

The head is the breed's crowning glory, featuring a rounded, doll-like appearance inherited from Persian and Exotic Shorthair ancestry. The head is broad with full cheeks, creating a sweet, baby-faced expression. Unlike extreme Persian-type cats, Napoleons have a moderate face structure with a definite nose rather than an extremely flat face. The muzzle is short but not completely flat, and the nose shows a gentle break rather than being in line with the forehead or extremely depressed. This moderate structure helps avoid some of the breathing and eye problems associated with extreme brachycephalic breeds while maintaining the adorable, sweet expression that makes them so appealing.

The eyes are large, round, and set wide apart, contributing to the breed's sweet expression. Eye color varies and can be any color, often corresponding with coat color. Blue, copper, green, and odd-eyed variations all occur. The eyes should be clear and bright without excessive tearing, though some individuals may have slight tear staining due to their facial structure. The ears are medium-sized, set fairly wide apart, and may be slightly rounded at the tips. In long-haired varieties, ear tufts add to their fluffy appearance.

The coat comes in two distinct varieties: long-haired and short-haired, both accepted in breed standards. Long-haired Napoleons have plush, flowing coats similar to Persians, with a thick ruff around the neck, full britches on the hind legs, and a plumed tail. The texture is soft and silky, requiring daily grooming to prevent matting. Short-haired Napoleons have dense, plush coats that stand slightly away from the body, similar to Exotic Shorthairs. The texture is soft and requires less maintenance than the long-haired variety. Both coat types come in virtually all colors and patterns including solid colors, tabby patterns, tortoiseshell, calico, bi-color, pointed patterns, and shaded varieties.

The tail is in proportion to the body, medium in length, and well-furred. In long-haired varieties, the tail is particularly luxurious and plume-like. The paws are rounded and may appear slightly large in proportion to the short legs in standard Napoleons. Overall, the Napoleon presents as an adorable, compact cat with a sweet expression that melts hearts, combining the unique short-legged structure with the plush coat and gentle face that makes them irresistibly appealing.

The Napoleon (Minuet) has a relatively recent and well-documented history that began in the mid-1990s. The breed was created by Joseph B. Smith, a longtime breeder of Basset Hounds who became fascinated by the Munchkin breed after seeing an article about them in the Wall Street Journal in 1995. Smith was struck by how the short-legged Munchkins reminded him of his beloved Basset Hounds – both breeds featured the appealing combination of short legs with otherwise normal body structure. However, as he researched Munchkins, he felt they could be improved through selective breeding to create a more consistent type with additional desirable features.

Smith envisioned creating a short-legged cat that combined the Munchkin's distinctive legs with the sweet, rounded face and luxurious coat of Persian-type cats. He believed this combination would result in an irresistibly adorable cat with the added benefit of potentially fewer health issues than extremely flat-faced Persians. In 1996, Smith began his breeding program, crossing Munchkins with Persians and Exotic Shorthairs. His goal was to create a breed that would consistently produce kittens with short legs and sweet faces while maintaining good health through moderate rather than extreme features.

The breeding program required careful planning due to the genetics involved. The Munchkin's short-legged trait is caused by a dominant gene, meaning only one parent needs to carry it for short-legged offspring to be produced. However, breeding two short-legged cats together can be lethal, with some embryos not surviving. Responsible Napoleon breeding, like Munchkin breeding, requires breeding a short-legged cat to a regular-legged cat. This produces approximately 50% short-legged (standard) kittens and 50% regular-legged (non-standard) kittens. Both types are valuable for breeding programs and show the same sweet facial features and coat quality.

Smith spent several years developing and refining the breed, establishing a breed standard that defined the ideal Napoleon characteristics. He named the breed "Napoleon" as a playful reference to Napoleon Bonaparte's short stature, finding it an apt comparison for these small, dignified cats. The name was also chosen partly to create controversy and draw attention to the new breed, which it certainly accomplished. Smith worked to gain recognition for his creation through various cat registries.

The breed gained its first recognition from The International Cat Association (TICA), which accepted Napoleons for registration in 2001 under the "preliminary new breed" category. This was an important milestone that allowed breeders to register their cats and work toward full championship status. The breed advanced through TICA's recognition process: achieving Advanced New Breed status, and finally gaining Championship status in 2016, allowing Napoleons to compete in championship classes at TICA shows. This recognition validated years of work by Smith and other dedicated breeders.

However, the breed's name became controversial. Some people felt naming a cat breed after a military dictator was inappropriate, leading to discussions within breed clubs and TICA about changing the name. In 2015, TICA officially changed the breed name from Napoleon to "Minuet," chosen to reference the short, delicate steps of the minuet dance. Not all breeders and enthusiasts supported this change, and both names continue to be used today, though Minuet is the official TICA designation.

The breed has had varied success gaining recognition from other major registries. Some smaller organizations have accepted the breed, but large registries like the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) have not granted recognition, partly due to concerns about breeding cats with dwarfism genes and questions about health implications. This limited recognition has kept the Napoleon/Minuet relatively rare compared to more established breeds.

Joseph Smith stepped back from active breeding in the early 2000s, but other breeders continued developing the Napoleon. Today, dedicated breeders work to maintain breed standards while prioritizing health through moderate facial features rather than extreme flat faces. The breeding programs continue to produce both long-haired and short-haired varieties in numerous colors. The Napoleon/Minuet remains relatively rare but has gained a devoted following among people who appreciate their unique combination of short stature, sweet expression, and gentle temperament.

The Napoleon (Minuet) possesses one of the sweetest, gentlest temperaments in the cat world, making them exceptional companions for people seeking an affectionate, easy-going pet. These cats are extraordinarily people-oriented and form deep, loving bonds with their families. They crave human companionship and attention, often following their favorite people from room to room and insisting on being involved in daily activities. Unlike more independent breeds, Napoleons genuinely need their people and thrive on interaction, making them ideal for individuals or families who want a devoted companion who provides constant affection and companionship.

Affection is the Napoleon's defining characteristic. These cats are natural lap cats who love being held, cuddled, and petted. They'll happily spend hours curled up on a lap or snuggled beside their person, purring contentedly. Their desire for physical contact is genuine and constant – they seek out opportunities to be close to their people whether sitting on laps during television watching, sleeping on beds at night, or simply being in the same room. This intense need for closeness makes them perfect for people who work from home or spend significant time indoors, as they provide continuous companionship and affection.

The breed's temperament is notably calm and peaceful. Napoleons are not hyperactive or demanding cats; instead, they're content to observe household activities quietly or engage in gentle play. Their energy level is low to moderate, matching their physical capabilities – their short legs mean they're not high jumpers or extreme climbers, and they seem to accept this limitation without frustration. They're perfectly happy with ground-level activities and will use furniture strategically to reach desired heights rather than attempting impressive leaps. This calm nature makes them ideal for apartment living and peaceful households.

Playfulness exists in Napoleons but is expressed in a gentle, measured way. They enjoy interactive toys, particularly those that allow them to bat, pounce, and chase at ground level. Feather wands, balls, and small toys they can carry appeal to them. Their play style is more about engagement and entertainment than intense physical exertion. Play sessions tend to be relatively brief, after which they're ready to settle down for cuddles and rest. This moderate playfulness means they don't require extensive exercise routines or constant entertainment, making them low-maintenance regarding activity needs.

Socially, Napoleons are friendly and welcoming to virtually everyone. They typically greet visitors with curiosity rather than hiding, making them excellent hosts. Their trusting, gentle nature means they accept attention from strangers readily, assuming goodwill from everyone they meet. This social confidence extends to other pets as well – Napoleons generally get along wonderfully with other cats and cat-friendly dogs, showing neither aggression nor fearfulness. Their easygoing temperament allows them to adapt to various household configurations, whether as only cats or in multi-pet homes.

Vocalization is minimal in Napoleons. These are quiet cats who rarely meow unless they have something important to communicate. They express themselves more through purring, body language, and gentle presence than through voice. This quiet nature adds to their appeal as peaceful, undemanding companions. Intelligence is evident in how they learn household routines and adapt to their environment, though they're not typically problem-solvers who manipulate objects or open doors. The Napoleon's combination of sweetness, gentleness, affection, and calm makes them nearly perfect companions for people seeking a loving, peaceful pet who will provide unwavering devotion without excessive demands or disruption.

Caring for a Napoleon (Minuet) is generally straightforward, though these cats do have some specific needs related to their physical structure and coat type. These cats are strictly indoor pets – their short legs make them vulnerable outdoors where they cannot escape predators or navigate challenging terrain as effectively as regular-legged cats. Indoor living protects them from dangers while providing the safe, comfortable environment they need. Ensure your home is safe by removing hazards and providing easy access to essential resources. Their short legs mean they may struggle with very high jumps, so provide steps, ramps, or strategically placed furniture to help them access favorite high spots like beds or window perches.

Exercise needs are minimal for Napoleons due to their low energy level and physical limitations. However, they still benefit from daily play sessions to maintain healthy weight and provide mental stimulation. Plan for two to three short play sessions of 10-15 minutes each using ground-level toys. Feather wands, balls, and small toys they can chase and pounce on work well. Avoid activities requiring high jumps or extreme agility. Puzzle feeders provide mental stimulation and slow down eating, which benefits their tendency toward weight gain. Their calm nature means they're easily entertained and don't require extensive exercise routines that more active breeds demand.

Grooming requirements depend on coat length and must be addressed consistently. Long-haired Napoleons need daily brushing to prevent matting and tangles in their luxurious coats. Use a stainless steel comb to work through the coat, followed by a soft slicker brush. Pay particular attention to areas prone to matting including behind ears, under arms, and around the hindquarters. Short-haired Napoleons require less maintenance, needing brushing two to three times weekly to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils. Both coat types benefit from regular grooming sessions that also serve as bonding time.

Facial care requires attention due to their somewhat flattened face structure. Check the area around eyes daily for tear staining or discharge. Use pet-safe wipes or damp cloths to gently clean the face, particularly around eyes and in any facial folds. Some Napoleons have more pronounced tearing than others depending on individual facial structure. If tearing seems excessive or eye discharge changes color or consistency, consult your veterinarian as this may indicate problems requiring treatment.

Litter box accessibility is important for short-legged Napoleons. Provide boxes with low sides or cut-down entry points that allow easy access without requiring high steps. Tall-sided boxes may be difficult for them to enter comfortably. Keep boxes clean with daily scooping, as these cats appreciate cleanliness. Most Napoleons aren't overly particular compared to some breeds, but clean boxes prevent inappropriate elimination issues. Place boxes in accessible locations, ensuring your cat can reach them easily.

Regular veterinary care maintains your Napoleon's health throughout life. Schedule annual wellness exams where your veterinarian performs physical examinations, monitors weight, updates vaccinations, and discusses any health concerns. Their short legs and compact build make weight management particularly important, as excess weight places strain on their structure. Dental care is critical – establish tooth brushing routines early, aiming for daily brushing with cat-specific toothpaste. Their facial structure may make them somewhat prone to dental crowding, making oral hygiene even more important. Your veterinarian may recommend professional dental cleanings to maintain optimal oral health throughout your cat's life.

Napoleon (Minuet) cats require high-quality nutrition appropriate for their age and activity level, with particular attention to portion control due to their small size and low energy expenditure. As obligate carnivores, they need animal-based protein as their nutrition foundation. Select cat foods listing specific meat sources like chicken, turkey, fish, or beef as the first ingredient. Avoid foods with excessive fillers like corn, wheat, or soy. Both wet and dry foods can meet their needs, though many experts recommend a combination. Wet food provides hydration and is often easier to portion control, while dry food offers convenience and may help with dental health.

Portion control is critically important for Napoleons due to their small size, low activity level, and tendency toward weight gain. These cats don't burn many calories through activity, making them prone to obesity if overfed. Adult Napoleons typically need about 20 calories per pound of body weight daily, though individual requirements vary. Given their small size (5-9 pounds), this means most need only 100-180 calories daily – significantly less than larger breeds. Measure portions carefully and feed at scheduled times rather than free-feeding. Most adult Napoleons do well with two to three small meals daily. Monitor body condition closely – you should feel ribs without excessive fat covering, and they should have a visible waist when viewed from above.

Weight management is essential for these short-legged cats. Excess weight places additional strain on their compact skeletal structure and short legs, potentially leading to joint problems, arthritis, and reduced mobility. Obesity also increases risks for diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems. If your Napoleon is overweight, work with your veterinarian to develop a safe weight loss plan involving gradual calorie reduction and increased activity. Never drastically cut calories, as rapid weight loss can cause serious health problems in cats.

Kittens have higher nutritional requirements than adults to support rapid growth. Feed Napoleon kittens food specifically formulated for kittens until they reach approximately one year of age. Kitten food contains higher protein, fat, and calories necessary for development. Kittens typically need three to four small meals daily until about six months old, then can transition to twice or three times daily. Even kittens should be monitored for appropriate growth without becoming overweight. As they approach adulthood, gradually transition from kitten to adult food over 7-10 days by mixing increasing amounts of adult food with decreasing amounts of kitten food.

Fresh, clean water must always be available. Some cats prefer running water and will drink more from cat water fountains, which can encourage better hydration important for kidney and urinary tract health. Senior Napoleons, typically those over seven to ten years old, may benefit from senior-specific formulas with adjusted nutrients supporting aging bodies and kidney function. However, if they're overweight, senior formulas' often lower calorie content may be beneficial. Continue monitoring weight and body condition throughout their lives. Never feed your Napoleon dog food, raw meat, cooked bones, or human foods toxic to cats including onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners like xylitol. Their small size means even small amounts of toxic foods can cause serious problems.

The Napoleon (Minuet) is generally a healthy breed with a typical lifespan of 12-15 years, potentially longer with excellent care. However, as a hybrid breed combining Munchkin and Persian genetics, they can inherit health issues from both parent breeds. The short-legged gene (achondroplasia) that creates their distinctive appearance can potentially affect skeletal health, and Persian ancestry brings risks of brachycephalic-related issues. Responsible breeding practices that avoid extreme features and screen for genetic conditions help minimize health problems.

When selecting a Napoleon kitten, work with reputable breeders who health test their breeding cats and can provide documentation of genetic screening, particularly for PKD. Ask about cardiac testing and any skeletal issues in their lines. Responsible breeders avoid extreme features that could compromise health and will be transparent about potential health concerns. They should provide health guarantees and be available for ongoing support. Throughout your Napoleon's life, maintaining preventive care, managing weight carefully, providing excellent dental care, and monitoring for any changes in health or mobility will help ensure they live a long, comfortable life as your devoted, sweet-faced companion.

The Napoleon (Minuet) coat comes in two distinct varieties: long-haired and short-haired, both equally recognized in breed standards. Long-haired Napoleons have luxurious, flowing coats similar to Persians with a thick ruff around the neck, full britches on the hind legs, tufted ears, and a dramatically plumed tail. The texture is soft, silky, and dense with substantial undercoat that gives the coat its full appearance. This coat type requires significant maintenance to prevent matting and maintain its beautiful appearance. Short-haired Napoleons have plush, dense coats that stand slightly away from the body, similar to Exotic Shorthairs. The texture is soft and velvety with good density but much easier to maintain than the long-haired variety.

The breed comes in virtually every color and pattern imaginable, reflecting the diverse genetics of their Persian, Exotic Shorthair, and Munchkin ancestry. Solid colors include white, black, blue, red, cream, chocolate, and lilac. Tabby patterns appear in classic (marbled), mackerel (striped), spotted, and ticked variations in numerous colors. Tortoiseshell and calico patterns showcase complex color combinations. Bi-color and tri-color cats display white combined with other colors in various proportions. Pointed patterns with darker extremities occur, as do shaded, smoke, and chinchilla variations. Eye color varies with coat color and can be blue, copper, gold, green, or odd-eyed. This extraordinary variety means potential owners can find a Napoleon in virtually any preferred color or pattern.

Grooming requirements differ significantly between coat varieties. Long-haired Napoleons need daily brushing to prevent matting and maintain coat health. Use a stainless steel comb to work through the entire coat, checking carefully for mats behind ears, under arms, in the groin area, and around the hindquarters where mats form most easily. Follow with a soft slicker brush to smooth the top layer and remove loose hair. During seasonal shedding periods, grooming may need to occur twice daily. Neglecting grooming can lead to painful mats that may require professional grooming or veterinary intervention to remove.

Short-haired Napoleons require much less maintenance, needing brushing two to three times weekly to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils. Use a rubber curry brush or soft bristle brush to work through the coat. Even short-haired varieties shed moderately, particularly during spring and fall, so consistent grooming helps manage loose hair around the home. Both coat types benefit from regular grooming sessions that provide bonding time and allow health checks.

Facial care is important for all Napoleons due to their somewhat flattened facial structure. Check eyes daily and gently clean around them with pet-safe wipes or damp cloths to remove any discharge or tear staining. Some individuals have more pronounced tearing than others depending on facial structure. If tear staining is heavy, special tear stain removers designed for cats can help, though addressing underlying causes through veterinary consultation is important. Clean any facial folds gently to prevent irritation or infection.

Bathing frequency depends on coat type and individual needs. Long-haired Napoleons may benefit from monthly baths to keep their coats clean and manageable, using high-quality cat shampoo and thorough rinsing. Short-haired varieties need baths less frequently, typically only when visibly dirty or every few months. Both types require careful, complete drying after bathing – use towels and possibly a hairdryer on low, cool settings. Trim nails every two to three weeks using proper cat nail clippers. Check ears weekly and clean with veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner if they appear dirty, using cotton balls and never inserting anything into the ear canal. Regular grooming sessions allow you to check for skin problems, lumps, parasites, or other concerns while maintaining your Napoleon's beautiful coat and bonding with your sweet-natured companion.

Napoleon (Minuet) cats are exceptionally well-suited to families with children, displaying remarkable patience, gentleness, and tolerance that makes them ideal family pets. Their calm, sweet-natured temperament means they handle the enthusiasm and energy of children with grace and composure. Unlike some breeds that are easily startled or irritated by children's unpredictable behavior, Napoleons typically enjoy the attention and affection children provide. They're content to be held, cuddled, and carried around (when done appropriately), making them accessible companions for children learning to interact with pets. Their low energy and calm demeanor mean they won't dart away or react unpredictably, providing stability in interactions.

The breed's tolerance extends to handling and cuddling. Napoleons rarely show aggression even when children's interactions become a bit rough, though this patience shouldn't be taken for granted. Teaching children proper pet handling remains essential. Show them how to support the cat's body when picking them up, avoiding grabbing or pulling. Explain that despite their small size and teddy bear appearance, Napoleons are living animals requiring gentle, respectful treatment. Children should learn to pet softly, avoid bothering the cat during meals or litter box use, and recognize when the cat wants space. Napoleons will typically walk away rather than scratch or bite when they've had enough, and children must learn to respect these boundaries.

Their short legs require special consideration around children. While Napoleons are surprisingly sturdy, their legs can be injured if stepped on or if children land on them during play. Teach children to be aware of where the cat is before running or jumping, and to avoid stepping in areas where the cat might be resting. Despite their physical limitations, most Napoleons adapt well to active households and find safe spots when they need respite from activity. Providing cat-accessible quiet areas ensures they can retreat when overwhelmed.

Napoleons excel in multi-pet households, getting along wonderfully with other cats and cat-friendly dogs. Their gentle, non-confrontational nature means they rarely initiate conflicts and typically accept other pets readily. When introducing a Napoleon to existing pets, use gradual introduction methods including scent swapping, feeding on opposite sides of doors, and controlled visual contact before allowing direct interaction. Most Napoleons are neither dominant nor submissive with other cats, finding comfortable middle ground in household hierarchies. They often appreciate having feline companions for mutual grooming and companionship, particularly beneficial if family members are away during the day.

With dogs, Napoleons typically do well when the dogs are calm and cat-friendly. Their short legs mean they cannot escape aggressive dogs as easily as regular-legged cats, making it crucial that dogs be gentle and non-predatory. Proper introductions are essential – keep pets separated initially, allowing gradual acclimation to each other's presence. Supervise early interactions carefully. Ensure the Napoleon has escape routes to high places, though their jumping ability is limited, so multiple ground-level hiding spots are important. Many Napoleons develop affectionate relationships with household dogs, sometimes sleeping curled together or engaging in gentle play. Their calm temperament and trusting nature make them adaptable to various household configurations when introductions ensure everyone's safety and comfort. Their sweet disposition and patience make Napoleons nearly ideal family cats who enrich households with their gentle, loving presence.