| Height | 5–7 inches |
| Weight | 6–9 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Colors | Sable, lilac, fawn, cream, white, black, gray/blue, red/orange, silver/lavender, cinnamon, blue |
| Patterns | Solid, calico, tabby, tri-colored, bi/colored, color point |
| Suitable for | Families, seniors, children, dogs, cats |
| Temperament | Playful, sociable, affectionate, active, intelligent, energetic |
An Exotic Shorthair Munchkin Mix, aka Napoleon or Minuet, is a hybrid breed that is new and dates to the 1990s. It is a mixed breed, crossing an Exotic Shorthair (one of the Persian breeds) and a Munchkin cat.
An Exotic Shorthair Munchkin Mix (The Napoleon or Minuet)
The Minuet is an adorable medium-sized cat that has a delightful face with a delicate expression. It is a beautiful breed with the shortened legs of a Munchkin and the doll face of a Persian. Not all Minuets have short legs, however. Genetics will play a role in the length of the kitten’s legs, so they can be standard (short-legged) or non-standard (regular length).
Minuets are known to remain kitten-like for life. They have playful personalities and love to spend time with their humans. These cats love to be social. They will happily greet visitors to your home, and they get along well with other cats and dogs. The breed does not do well if it is left alone for extended periods, however.
The breed is recognized at the championship level in cat associations like Catz, Inc., Australian National Cats Inc (Ancats), Cat Fanciers Federation (CFF), and The International Cat Association (TICA).
Exotic Shorthair Cat
An exotic shorthair cat (not an Oriental Shorthair) has many similarities to the Persian breed. The shorthair version of the Persian was developed in the 1950s when breeders secretly used Persian cats as an outcross to change the type of body of the American Shorthair. In some instances, the breeders made crosses with the Burmese and the Russian Blue. The new breed was eventually recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association as an exotic shorthair in 1966. In 1987, the association decided that only Persian outcrosses were allowed.
Munchkin Cat
Like corgi and dachshund dog breeds, the Munchkin cat breed has short legs and is sometimes referred to as a “sausage cat.” The short legs of the munchkin are caused by a genetic mutation. Although the cat has been around since the 1940s, it was not officially recognized until 1997. The breed was introduced by The International Cat Association (TICA) during a cat show in Davis, Oklahoma in 1991.
In 1997 The International Cat Association (TICA) recognized the Munchkin breed. The recognition caused a stir as critics had concerns about mobility and health issues. Munchkin breeding continues to be controversial because of concerns about leg, hip, and back problems.
The controversy over the unethical breeding of the Munchkin cat has prevented the breed from being recognized by cat registries like the Cat Fanciers’ Association and The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy.
Exotic Shorthair and Munchkin Mix
The Napoleon cat breed has not been in existence for a long time. Although the breed is healthy, both Persians and Munchkins can be prone to some genetic issues like respiratory problems, cataracts, the curvature of the spine, and enzyme deficiencies.
They are a healthy breed, however, with a lifespan of 9–15 years. Like all pets, it is important to get regular vet checks and watch your feline for any unusual issues or behaviors.
3 Little-Known Facts About Exotic Shorthair and Munchkin Mix Cats
1. What are they called: Napoleon or Minuet?
The Exotic Shorthair and Munchkin Mix cat was known as Napoleon. It gets its name from Napoleon Bonaparte because of its small stature. The International Cat Association (TICA) changed the name from Napoleon to Minuet in 2015.
2. They can have short or long legs
Genetics will play a role in whether Minuet kittens will have standard (short legs) or non-standard (regular legs).
3. Two Munchkins cannot be bred
Due to the genetic mutation of the Munchkin breed, two munchkin cats cannot be mated. If kittens inherit the Munchkin gene from both parents, they will not survive.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Exotic Shorthair and Munchkin Mix
Are These Felines Good for Families? 👪
Both Persian cats and Munchkins are people-oriented, affectionate breeds that love their humans. The Minuet is no different than their parents. They have wonderful personalities but need socialization. They are sociable and playful and will make visitors feel right at home. They love to climb, run, and play. Their short legs may keep them off the table and counters, however.
If you like to sleep, this short-legged creature may disturb your REM when it is bolting through the house at full speed in the middle of the night, however. So, if you want to tire this adorable little munchkin out and prevent unwanted behaviors, you should stimulate your Minuet with interactive puzzles and toys.
The breed is highly adaptable and curious, so they do well in most environments.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
The Minuet breed is a warm and playful cat that gets along well with others. They do not do well when left alone for a long time, so they appreciate the company of other cats and dogs in the household.
Things to Know When Owning an Exotic Shorthair and Munchkin Mix
Food & Diet Requirements
Like humans, a healthy diet is essential for the well-being and health of your cat. They are carnivores so be sure to give them food with a high-protein content and meat as the first ingredient.
Food with fillers, unrecognizable ingredients, by-products, artificial flavors, and colors should be avoided. These ingredients can wreak havoc with your Minuet’s digestive system, and it lacks the nutrients your cat needs to thrive.
Once you find food that is satisfactory for your cat, follow the feeding instructions and adjust the amount if necessary. You don’t want the cat to be hungry, but it is important not to allow it to become overweight, either.
If you are unsure, you should seek the advice of your veterinarian about your cat’s diet.
Exercise 🐈
To avoid obesity and keep your cat happy and healthy, be sure it has ample space to run and play.
Grooming ✂️
The coat of your Minuet may be long or short. The length of the coat will determine the amount of grooming necessary to keep it free from tangles and matting. Typically, brushing requirements can range from daily to weekly to keep the coat soft, shiny, and free of tangles.
You should only bathe your cat when it needs it. Overbathing can strip the natural oils from their coat and cause skin irritation.
Clean your cat’s ears regularly and monitor them for ear infections. In addition, you should brush your cat’s teeth weekly to remove plaque and bacteria. Giving your cat chew toys and dental treats can also help to improve their dental hygiene and prevent other problems.
Health and Conditions 🏥
The Minuet breed is known to be a healthy breed with a life span of 9–15 years. However, they may be prone to some issues due to their genetics.
- Respiratory Problems
- Peritoneopericardial defect
- Cataracts
- Lysosomal Accumulation Neuropathy
- Photophobia
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
- Lordosis (an inward curvature of the spine)
- Pectus excavatum (deformity of the chest, sunken or funnel chest)
Final Thoughts
Although there is some controversy about breeding the Minuet, there is no denying that cat lovers find them very desirable. These adorable little doll faces are playful and energetic and make an excellent cat for active homes with children and other pets. It is recommended that you do your research and find a reputable breeder if you decide to buy one of these curious little creatures.
Featured Image Credit: Ewa Studio, Shutterstock
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