Napoleon Breed History
The Napoleon is also known as the Minuet Cat, and the breed’s name is a reference to Napoleon Bonaparte because of its short stature. This is yet another one of the many dwarf cat breeds that have been developed recently.
Joe Smith is the breeder responsible for the Napoleon Cat, which he started to develop in 1996 when he crossed a Munchkin and a Persian. Even though he was a breeder of Basset Hounds, Smith was interested in the Munchkin Cat and its unique genetics.
For his breeding program, Smith used what were known as doll faced Persian kitties that featured a longer nose and also had an attractive expression. It was not until 2001 that he got in touch with TICA to add his new breed to the collection of Experimental Breeds. By 2002, the breed’s status was Registration Only, but he left the project in 2008, allowing other breeders to continue the work of registering the breed.
It was Margie Gardner and Sam Tate who helped to move this breed forward. And Teri Harris was responsible for presenting the Minuet to TICA in 2011, finally getting it to the point of being recognized as Preliminary New Breed.
The Napoleon cat’s name is a reference to Napoleon Bonaparte because of its short stature.
Breed Traits
The petite Napoleon is a wonderful choice for anyone who is looking for a loving, sweet, and easygoing pet. Even families with kids will enjoy the company of these adorable felines. They are social and friendly, and they have a warm personality.
These cats are playful and active, and they enjoy interacting with their human family, so making sure you have the time to spend with your pet is important. They do not like being left alone, and instead prefer the company of people, other pets, and other kitties. And if you are in search of a cat that will enjoy snuggling with you, the Napoleon will not disappoint.
A Napoleon can be described as affectionate, people-oriented, and gentle, but they are also curious and filled with energy. Give your Napoleon a variety of toys to play with, and do not be surprised by this kitty’s energetic demeanor as he runs around your house.
Overall Description
The body of a Napoleon can be compared to that of a Dachshund dog. These cats are medium in size and strong. Their body is low-slung, and they have solid and strong boning with good musculature. The legs will be short for the standard version of the breed, but the legs will be long for the non-standard version.
The beautiful little Napoleon Cat features a round face with big, round eyes that are set moderately apart. The cheeks and the muzzle, as well as the head, are also described as round. The ears will be small to medium in size.
The nose will be broad and straight, and because these cats don’t feature the short nose of the Persian, they also do not tend to have the respiratory problems that could come along with it.
Also, when you pet a Napoleon, you will quickly notice that the fur is luxurious and plush, and it can either be long or short. The longer coat features a thick undercoat and straight, soft hairs. The shorter coat is dense and soft.
Colors
A Napoleon kitty can feature a wide variety of gorgeous colors and patterns.
Grooming Requirements
In terms of grooming, a Napoleon will require a moderate level of care. However, the amount of grooming will also depend upon the type of coat that your kitty sports. If your Napoleon has short fur, brushing your pet once a week may be just enough to keep the coat looking smooth and healthy. But if your cat has a longer coat, you may need to brush your pet at least two times a week, especially to prevent matting.
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