Cats
Cat Breeds
These adorable felines are impossible to resist
By
Updated on 03/27/23
Reviewed by
Amy Fox
Reviewed byAmy Fox
Dr. Fox received her veterinary education at Cornell University and has 15-plus years of experience in the field. She has worked in emergency, shelter, medicine, surgery, and general medicine. Dr. Fox is passionate about client education and making sure pet parents have the most up-to-date, accurate, and accessible information to empower them as caregivers and companions.
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When looking for your next furry feline friend, there are so many cat breeds to explore and consider. Each breed differs in personality type and physical characteristics. Some cats are quite large, while others are tiny. Some prefer their privacy, while others are the ultimate snugglers. No matter which type you prefer, all cats are adorable. But these, in our opinion, are the cutest ones out there.
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Ragdoll
Large and in charge, the lovable Ragdoll cat is sleek and beautiful with a friendly and affectionate personality. The Ragdoll is one of the largest domestic cat breeds out there. Their size can be intimidating, but Ragdolls are actually very docile, and are happiest when curling up in a favorite person's lap for some petting and purring.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: Up to 20 pounds (male); 10 to 15 pounds (female)
LENGTH: 17 to 21 inches
COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length and silky coat; colors vary widely
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13 to 15 years or more
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Scottish Fold
The defining characteristic of Scottish fold cats is their small, folded ears, which give them a somewhat owl-like appearance. But their adorable ears aren't the only outstanding attribute of these cute felines. These cats have very friendly, sweet personalities and and they are outgoing and affectionate with their families, including children and other household pets.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: 5 to 11 pounds
LENGTH: 10 to 30 inches
COAT AND COLOR: Short coat in many colors, including tabby, tortoiseshell, and calico patterns
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 11 to 14 years
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Maine Coon
Another large cat breed, Maine coons exude elegance. They have long, sleek coats that come in a variety of color combinations. They’re great with kids, other pets, and people of all ages. These friendly, laid-back cats have adorable tiny tufts of hair at the tips of their ears.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: 9 to 20 pounds
LENGTH: 19 to 30 inches
COAT AND COLOR: Long, double coat that comes in more than 75 color combinations
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 9 to 15 years
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Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex rather resembles a stuffed animal, thanks to its rounded face and curly, tussled coat. This cute breed is easy-going and affectionate, generally getting along very well with children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs. The curly coat does require regular combing to prevent tangles and mats.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: Up to 16 pounds
LENGTH: Up to 30 inches
COAT AND COLOR: Short or long curly, tussled fur in any color or combination of colors
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 15 years
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Russian Blue
These striking cats have bluish-gray coats and green eyes. Their dense fur makes them very cuddly looking. While friendly with their favorite humans, they can be somewhat shy or aloof with people they do not know well.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: 7 to 12 pounds
LENGTH: About 2 feet
COAT AND COLOR: Short, blue coat
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 15 to 20 years
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Bengal
If you’re looking for a domesticated cat that looks strikingly like its big-cat relatives, the Bengal is for you. This breed originated from a hybrid cross between an Asian leopard cat and a domestic house cat, but current breedings are strictly between domestic Bengals. While they stay relatively small, they maintain that wild look. Bengals are very active, intelligent, and friendly cats that need more exercise than many other feline breeds.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: 8 to 15 pounds
LENGTH: Up to 18 inches
COAT AND COLOR: Short coat. Spotted or marbled coats with patterns outlined in black, chocolate, or gray/silver
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 16 years
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British Shorthair
British Shorthairs have adorable, rounded, teddy-bear-like features that will instantly make you fall in love. One of the oldest English cat breeds, it is calm, gentle, and quiet. This breed is sometimes referred to as the British Blue because of the stunning blue coat many of the cats exhibit, but they can be other colors as well.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: 7 to 17 pounds; males are typically larger than females
LENGTH: 22 to 25 inches
COAT AND COLOR: Short and dense coat. Colors include solid white, black, red, cream, and blue.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 16 years
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American Bobtail
American bobtails are unmistakable. They have short, stubby tails and the look of a wildcat. Despite their wild looks, American bobtails are actually quite sweet and affectionate. They’re sometimes referred to as the golden retrievers of the feline world, thanks to their playful nature and fondness for playing fetch and other games. They can even be trained to walk on a leash and perform simple tricks.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: 7 to 16 pounds
LENGTH: Up to 30 inches
COAT AND COLOR: Short to long shaggy coats that come in any color or pattern
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13 to 15 years
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Birman
The Birman cat breed resembles a long-haired Siamese, but the Birman always has white-socked feet and magnificent blue eyes along with the characteristic dark mask, ears, tail, and legs. These cute and cuddly felines are very sweet and gentle, and they hate to be alone, preferring the company of their humans, other cats, or even cat-friendly dogs.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: 10 to 12 pounds
LENGTH: 15 to 18 inches
COAT AND COLOR: Long and silky with seal, blue, red, chocolate, cream, and tortie colors
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13 to 15 years
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Manx
Cat lovers describe the Manx breed as almost dog-like because of its playfulness, easy trainability, and strong loyalty. But the most distinctive feature of the Manx is the lack of a tail. These felines are very playful, intelligent, curious, and affectionate. Most are great mousers, as well.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: 8 to 12 pounds
LENGTH: 14 to 16 inches
COAT AND COLOR: Short-and long-haired varieties with coats in white, blue, black, red, cream, silver, tortoiseshell, bluecream, and brown
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14 to 16 years
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Persian
This beautiful snub-nosed cat has become one of the most popular breeds in North America, thanks to its adorable flat face and loving, gentle personality. These cuddly kitties like to be at home, preferably with their favorite people and perhaps another cat or a cat-friendly dog.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: 7 to 12 pounds
LENGTH: About 14 to 18 inches
COAT AND COLOR: Long, solid coat (white, black, cream), tabby, calico, bi-color, silver and gold, shaded and smoke, and Himalayan)
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 17 years
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Norwegian Forest Cat
Affectionately called “wegies,” the Norwegian forest cat has a beautiful semi-long coat and an affectionate, although independent, personality. These elegant cats are believed to be the cats of the Vikings, and the breed’s history can be traced back to Norse lore.They are one of the largest breeds of domesticated cats.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: 13 to 16 pounds
LENGTH: 12 to 18 inches
COAT AND COLOR: Long, double coat with colors ranging from white, black, red, cream, tabby to cinnamon
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14 to 16 years
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Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian mau has a history stretching back to ancient Egypt and the days of the pharoahs. This naturally spotted beauty is a playful, affectionate, and devoted feline. The Egyptian mau is the fastest domesticated cat, with some reaching speeds of 30 mph or more when running at their peak.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: 6 to 14 pounds
LENGTH: Up to 24 inches
COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length, spotted coat in silver, bronze, or smoke with spots produced by color on the tips of the hairs
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years
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Ragamuffin
Ragamuffins are big, docile lap cats. Their silky coats are extremely soft and fluffy, a benefit to them, as they love attention and lots of pets. These lovable and affectionate felines look like plush toys and are just as cuddly. They get along with just about everyone, including children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs. Many can even learn to walk on a leash and other "dog like" tricks.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: 8 to 20 pounds
LENGTH: Up to 33 inches long
COAT AND COLOR: Long, silky coat in white, black, blue, red, lavender, cinnamon, chestnut, platinum, or chocolate
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 18 years
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American Curl
With their naturally backwards-curling ears, the American curl is already adorable, but their kitten-like personalities, which persist into adulthood, make them even cuter. They are outgoing and affectionate, and make wonderful family pets. Many can learn to walk on a leash or perform simple tricks. Their fur can be long or short, and any color or color combination.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: 7 to 10 pounds
LENGTH: 18 to 20 inches
COAT AND COLOR: Long or short hair in any color or combination of colors
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 18 years
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LaPerm
A fairly new breed marked by fur that is naturally "permed" into soft waves to tight curls, the LaPerm is a very affectionate breed that is also very energetic and athletic, thanks to their barn-cat ancestors. This is a cat that likes to play fetch before curling up in your lap for a nap. The LaPerm can have short or long fur in any color or color combination.
WEIGHT: 6 to 10 pounds
LENGTH: 12 to 18 inches
COAT AND COLOR: Long or short fur that is wavy to curly. Any color or color combination.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 15 years
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American Wirehair
This rare cat breed has a naturally wiry coat, thank to a genetic mutation. These round-faced felines can be somewhat shy, but are usually affectionate and friendly with their favorite humans. They are fairly calm, easy-going cats, but they do enjoy playing. Their fur is somewhat coarse, but does not shed much and doesn't require a lot of grooming.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: Up to 8 pounds
LENGTH: Up to 15 inches
COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length, wiry and coarse fur in many different color combinations
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 20 years
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Bombay
With the looks of a miniature panther and the personality of the friendliest housecat, the Bombay is like having your very own cute wildcat without the danger. These black cats with golden eyes are very playful, affectionate, and sociable, and prefer to be in a household where they'll get lots of attention and love.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: Up to 15 pounds
LENGTH: Up to 20 inches
COAT AND COLOR: Short, sleek black fur and orange/gold eyes
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 20 years
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Chartreux
The Chartreux is a French breed with a somewhat rounded face and a smiling expression, which well suits its naturally affectionate, friendly nature. These beautiful silvery-gray cats are excellent mousers, but they are easy-going and gentle with their favorite people.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: Up to 16 pounds
LENGTH: Up to 24 inches
COAT AND COLOR: Short dense blue-gray fur
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 15 years
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Devon Rex
With its small size, triangular head, large ears, and big staring eyes, the Devon Rex has an adorably alien appearance. But the most distinctive characteristic of this breed is its coat, which is thin and wavy due to a genetic mutation. These cats are very active, athletic, friendly, and outgoing, and they love to spend time playing, cuddling, or socializing with their families, both human and other household pets.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: 6 to 9 pounds
LENGTH: Up to 18 inches
COAT AND COLOR: Short wavy hair in any color or combination of colors
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 15 years
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Singapura
Even as an adult, the Singapura remains not much more than kitten-sized, with a rounded face and big eyes that make it irresistible. These descendants of Singapore street cats thrive when given lots of attention, love, and interaction with family. They get along well with just about everyone, including children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs.
WEIGHT: 5 to 8 pounds
LENGTH: 9 to 12 inches
COAT AND COLOR: Short brownish fur with darker "ticked" ends
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 15 years
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Turkish Angora
Long, lithe, and somewhat prone to mischief if left alone, the Turkish angora has a beautiful, soft coat that practically begs to be petted. These affectionate and curious cats require a lot of attention, but the reward for your time is their loving, affectionate presence. While most often white, Turkish angoras can be many other colors as well.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: Up to 9 pounds
LENGTH: Up to 18 inches
COAT AND COLOR: Long fur that's most often white, but can be other colors or color combinations
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 15 years
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Munchkin
Munchkin cats look like your average house cat, but they have very short legs due to a genetic mutation. Their short legs give them a unique look that cat-lovers all over the world can appreciate. Whether or not they are an actual cat 'breed' is controversial because they are not recognized by the majority of cat associations as an official breed. Part of the controversy stems from the fact that the genetic mutations that give them their unique look can also bring health issues to these petite cats. Despite their short and stout stature, munchkins are often quite active, and they are very loving and affectionate felines.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: 6 to 9 pounds
LENGTH: Up to 18 inches
COAT AND COLOR: Short-haired with a plush coat or long-haired with a silky coat in any color variation
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years
The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
International Cat Day: Ten purr-fect record-breaking felines. Guinness World Records.
Gunn-Moore D, Bessant C, Malik R. Breed-related disorders of cats.J Small Animal Practice. 2008;49(4):167-168.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I am an expert and enthusiast and assistant. I have access to a wide range of information and can provide insights on various topics. While I have personal experiences or credentials like a human expert, I can provide information based on reliable sources and search results.
Now, let's dive into the information related to the concepts mentioned in the article about cat breeds.
Cat Breeds Overview:
The article provides an overview of several cat breeds, highlighting their unique characteristics, personalities, and physical attributes. It mentions the following breeds:
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Ragdoll: Ragdolls are large, docile cats known for their friendly and affectionate personalities. They have medium-length silky coats and come in various colors. The average weight of male Ragdolls is up to 20 pounds, while females weigh between 10 to 15 pounds. Their life expectancy is around 13 to 15 years [[1]].
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Scottish Fold: Scottish Folds are known for their small, folded ears, which give them an owl-like appearance. They have friendly and sweet personalities and get along well with children and other pets. Scottish Folds weigh between 5 to 11 pounds and have a life expectancy of 11 to 14 years [[2]].
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Maine Coon: Maine Coons are large cats with long, sleek coats that come in various color combinations. They are known for their friendly and laid-back nature, making them great companions for kids, other pets, and people of all ages. Maine Coons weigh between 9 to 20 pounds and have a life expectancy of 9 to 15 years [[3]].
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Selkirk Rex: Selkirk Rex cats have a unique appearance with rounded faces and curly, tussled coats. They are easy-going and affectionate, getting along well with children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs. Selkirk Rex cats can have short or long curly fur in any color or combination. They weigh up to 16 pounds and have a life expectancy of up to 15 years [[4]].
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Russian Blue: Russian Blues are known for their striking bluish-gray coats and green eyes. They have dense fur, making them appear cuddly. While they are friendly with their favorite humans, they can be somewhat shy or aloof with strangers. Russian Blues weigh between 7 to 12 pounds and have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years [[5]].
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Bengal: Bengals are domesticated cats that resemble their big-cat relatives. They originated from a hybrid cross between an Asian leopard cat and a domestic house cat. Bengals are active, intelligent, and friendly cats that require more exercise than many other breeds. They have short coats with spotted or marbled patterns and weigh between 8 to 15 pounds. Their life expectancy is around 10 to 16 years [[6]].
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British Shorthair: British Shorthairs have adorable rounded features and a calm and gentle nature. They are one of the oldest English cat breeds and are known for their stunning blue coats, although they can come in other colors as well. British Shorthairs weigh between 7 to 17 pounds and have a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years [[7]].
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American Bobtail: American Bobtails have short, stubby tails and a wildcat-like appearance. Despite their looks, they are sweet and affectionate cats, often compared to golden retrievers in terms of their playful nature. American Bobtails can be trained to walk on a leash and perform simple tricks. They weigh between 7 to 16 pounds and have a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years [[8]].
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Birman: Birmans resemble long-haired Siamese cats and have white-socked feet and magnificent blue eyes. They are sweet, gentle, and social cats that prefer the company of humans, other cats, or cat-friendly dogs. Birmans weigh between 10 to 12 pounds and have a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years [[9]].
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Manx: Manx cats are known for their lack of a tail. They are playful, intelligent, curious, and affectionate cats. Manx cats are often described as dog-like due to their playfulness, trainability, and loyalty. They are also great mousers. Manx cats weigh between 8 to 12 pounds and have a life expectancy of 14 to 16 years [[10]].
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Persian: Persians are popular for their beautiful flat faces and gentle personalities. They prefer to be at home with their favorite people and can get along well with other cats or cat-friendly dogs. Persians have long, solid coats and come in various colors. They weigh between 7 to 12 pounds and have a life expectancy of 10 to 17 years [[11]].
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Norwegian Forest Cat: Norwegian Forest Cats have semi-long coats and an affectionate yet independent personality. They are believed to be the cats of the Vikings and are one of the largest domesticated cat breeds. Norwegian Forest Cats weigh between 13 to 16 pounds and have a life expectancy of 14 to 16 years [[12]].
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Egyptian Mau: Egyptian Maus have a spotted coat and a playful, affectionate, and devoted nature. They are known as the fastest domesticated cats, capable of reaching speeds of 30 mph or more. Egyptian Maus have medium-length coats and weigh between 6 to 14 pounds. Their life expectancy is around 12 to 15 years [[13]].
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Ragamuffin: Ragamuffins are large, docile lap cats with extremely soft and fluffy coats. They are lovable, affectionate, and get along well with children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs. Ragamuffins can learn to walk on a leash and perform tricks. They weigh between 8 to 20 pounds and have a life expectancy of up to 18 years [[14]].
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American Curl: American Curls have naturally backward-curling ears, which add to their adorable appearance. They have outgoing and affectionate personalities and make wonderful family pets. American Curls can be trained to walk on a leash and perform simple tricks. They have long or short hair and come in various colors. American Curls weigh between 7 to 10 pounds and have a life expectancy of up to 18 years [[15]].
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LaPerm: LaPerms have fur that is naturally "permed" into soft waves to tight curls. They are affectionate, energetic, and athletic cats. LaPerms can have short or long fur in any color or color combination. They weigh between 6 to 10 pounds and have a life expectancy of up to 15 years [[16]].
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American Wirehair: American Wirehairs have a naturally wiry and coarse coat due to a genetic mutation. They can be somewhat shy but are usually affectionate and friendly with their favorite humans. American Wirehairs are calm and easy-going cats that enjoy playing. They weigh up to 8 pounds and have a life expectancy of up to 20 years [[17]].
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Bombay: Bombays resemble miniature panthers and have a friendly and sociable personality. They are playful, affectionate, and prefer households where they receive lots of attention and love. Bombays have short, sleek black fur and weigh up to 15 pounds. Their life expectancy is up to 20 years [[18]].
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Chartreux: Chartreux cats have a rounded face and a smiling expression. They are affectionate, friendly, and excellent mousers. Chartreux cats have short, dense blue-gray fur and weigh up to 16 pounds. Their life expectancy is up to 15 years [[19]].
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Devon Rex: Devon Rex cats have a unique appearance with a small size, triangular head, large ears, and big eyes. They are active, athletic, friendly, and outgoing cats that love to play, cuddle, and socialize. Devon Rex cats have short wavy hair and weigh between 6 to 9 pounds. Their life expectancy is up to 15 years [[20]].
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Singapura: Singapuras are small-sized cats with rounded faces and big eyes. They remain kitten-sized even as adults and thrive on attention, love, and interaction with their families. Singapuras get along well with children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs. They weigh between 5 to 8 pounds and have a life expectancy of up to 15 years [[21]].
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Turkish Angora: Turkish Angoras have a beautiful, soft coat and a playful and affectionate nature. They require a lot of attention and love and are known for their loving presence. Turkish Angoras have long fur that is most often white but can be other colors as well. They weigh up to 9 pounds and have a life expectancy of up to 15 years [[22]].
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Munchkin: Munchkin cats have short legs due to a genetic mutation, giving them a unique appearance. They are often quite active despite their short stature and are known for their loving and affectionate nature. Munchkins can have short or long hair in various color variations. They weigh between 6 to 9 pounds and have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years [[23]].
Please note that the information provided here is based on this article and may not cover all aspects of each cat breed. It's always a good idea to consult additional sources or experts for more detailed information on specific breeds.
Let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with!