Pet Wiki

Minuet

Also called Napoleon

Charming and very people-oriented, blending the Persian's calm, gentle nature with the Munchkin's curiosity and playfulness.

SizeMedium
Weight3.2 to 3.6 kg (7 to 8 lb)1
Lifespanfrom 15 years1
CoatLonghair or shorthair, dense with undercoat; short legs
OriginUnited States; created from 1995-1996 by Joe Smith by crossing Munchkins with Persians.21
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
gentle, people-oriented lap cat
playful and curious
sweet, round-faced look
1

Personality what they are like

Charming and very people-oriented, blending the Persian's calm, gentle nature with the Munchkin's curiosity and playfulness. Minuets are happy to warm a lap but also like to join in the fun.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Minuet. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Nail trimevery 3 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • Litter scoopevery day
  • Litter changeevery week
  • PlayDaily playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

longhair or shorthair, dense with undercoat; short legs

A sturdy, well-boned cat on short legs (standard) or longer legs (non-standard), with roundness everywhere: a round head, big round eyes, small rounded ears and a short muzzle. The dense coat comes in long and short varieties and has an undercoat, though it is lighter than a Persian's.12

Coloursevery colour and pattern, in both coat lengths12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. Fairly relaxed like a Persian but not a couch potato; despite short legs it can dash through the house surprisingly fast.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Daily combing with a steel comb keeps the coat free of tangles; baths are optional depending on the home. Trim nails and brush teeth regularly.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete cat food with fresh water daily. TICA suggests watching portion sizes and body weight, as the breed is less active than some.1

Company who they like around

Very people-oriented and affectionate; enjoys being close to its family.1

The story where it all began

Joe Smith, a former Basset Hound breeder, read about Munchkins in the Wall Street Journal in 1995 and set out to make a short-legged cat with a Persian look. Working with Persian breeder Deb Kenny, he saw the first litter arrive in late 1997. First called the Napoleon, the breed was renamed Minuet by TICA in 2015 and gained full championship status in 2016.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The breed was originally named after Napoleon Bonaparte, a nod to its short stature.1

  2. 2

    The founder took inspiration from his years of breeding Basset Hounds.2

  3. 3

    Doll-faced Persian lines, with slightly longer noses than modern show Persians, were used in its development.1

  4. 4

    Minuets can also be born with long legs; these are called non-standards.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed was originally called the Napoleon cat, named after Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, who was known for being short. In 2015, TICA renamed the breed to Minuet, which is a type of dance that was popular in Napoleon's time.1

Name ideas for your new friend

NapoleonMunchkinPompadourVelvetCupcakeMimiBiscuitMochiTruffleSmidgenPipPatootie

A day in the life told by a Minuet

This morning, I woke up on my favorite windowsill, the sun warming my fur. My human shuffled in, and I stretched my short legs, ready for our daily cuddle. I hopped onto her lap, purring like a tiny motor. Then I spotted a feather toy and dashed across the room, my little legs surprisingly quick. After a good chase, I pounced and batted it around. Later, I followed my human to the kitchen, supervising her snack. In the afternoon, I curled up in a sunbeam for a long nap. When my human came home, I greeted her at the door, weaving between her ankles. We ended the day with more cuddles on the couch, my favorite place in the world.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

TICA
Experimental 2001, registration 2002, preliminary 2011, championship status 23 January 2016; renamed from Napoleon to Minuet in 20152
CFA / FIFe / GCCF / WCF
Not recognised2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
  • Extra water as needed

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Minuet, and at what times?

Feed your Minuet a complete cat food daily with fresh water always available. Since they are less active, watch portion sizes to keep a healthy weight. For exact amounts and meal times, check the food label and ask your vet.1

What should a Minuet eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A balanced complete cat food is best for your Minuet. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as these can be toxic. Always provide fresh water.13

Does a Minuet need baths?

Baths are optional for a Minuet; only bathe when they are very dirty or sticky. Most cats keep themselves clean, so you may never need to bathe yours.14

How often does a Minuet need brushing?

Daily combing with a steel comb is recommended to prevent tangles, especially for long-haired Minuets. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing weekly, but adjust based on your cat's coat and needs.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Minuet's claws, and how often?

Trim your Minuet's claws every 10 days to 2 weeks using proper cat nail clippers. Start slowly, trimming just two claws per session. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every 21 days, but you can follow the general guidance.4 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Minuet need?

Minuets have moderate activity needs, they enjoy playtime but are fairly relaxed. Daily interactive play sessions will keep them happy and engaged.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Minuet's teeth and ears?

Brush your Minuet's teeth regularly, ideally daily, using a cat-safe toothpaste. For ears, check them weekly for dirt or wax and gently clean with a vet-recommended solution if needed. Since specific ear care isn't detailed here, ask your vet for guidance.1 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Minuet live?

Minuets typically live 15 years or more, bringing you many years of companionship. With good care, they can enjoy a long, healthy life.1

Is a Minuet good with children and other pets?

Minuets are charming and people-oriented, with a gentle nature that usually makes them good with children and other pets when properly introduced. Their playful curiosity helps them get along.1

Can a Minuet be left alone?

Minuets are very people-oriented and love being close to their family, so they may not enjoy long periods alone. If you're away often, consider a companion or plenty of enrichment.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. TICA: Minuet tica.orgused for history, weight, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, activity, grooming, diet, fun facts
  2. Wikipedia: Minuet cat en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, origin, recognition milestones, parent breeds
  3. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.