Napoleon

The Napoleon is a small companion cat developed in the United States, recognised in many circles under its newer name, the Minuet. The breed pairs the short legs associated with the Munchkin with the round head, large eyes, and sweet expression of the Persian and Exotic group.

Most Napoleons are gentle and people-oriented. They tend to stay close to their owners, follow household activity, and settle easily into a quiet home. Despite the short legs, they move well, climb to low and medium heights, and enjoy short bursts of play.

The breed comes in two leg lengths. Standard Napoleons have short legs, while non-standard cats carry longer legs of a more typical length. Both types share the same head shape, body proportions, and friendly character.

Who it suits

The Napoleon suits owners who want a calm, affectionate cat that enjoys company and does not demand constant high activity. It is at home in flats and houses alike, since exercise needs are moderate. Households should be prepared for routine coat care and for keeping climbing and jumping within reasonable limits for a short-legged cat.

The Napoleon was developed in the United States in the mid-1990s. The breeding programme set out to combine the short legs of the Munchkin with the rounded head and sweet face of the Persian and Exotic Shorthair.

The original goal was a small, gentle cat with a doll-like look but a sturdier body and fewer of the extreme features sometimes seen in flat-faced breeds. Breeders kept the muzzle moderate rather than fully flattened, which helps with breathing and feeding.

The foundation crosses used Munchkin cats for leg length and Persian-group cats for head type and coat. Because two leg lengths appear in litters, the breed standard allows both standard short-legged and non-standard longer-legged cats.

The breed was later renamed the Minuet, and both names remain in use. Recognition has grown over time within several cat associations, though status varies by registry. The Napoleon is still considered a relatively new and uncommon breed.

The Napoleon has a small to medium body with a broad chest and a rounded, balanced frame. The head is round with full cheeks, a short to moderate nose, and large, round, well-spaced eyes that give an open and gentle expression. Ears are medium and set to keep the rounded outline of the head.

The most distinctive feature is the leg length. Standard Napoleons have short legs caused by the same gene found in the Munchkin, while non-standard cats have legs of normal length. The tail is in proportion to the body and carried with a slight curve.

Coat and colours

The Napoleon comes in two coat lengths. The shorthair coat is plush and easy to manage, while the longhair coat is soft and fuller and requires more frequent grooming. Both lengths have a dense, even texture. The breed is accepted in a wide range of colours and patterns, including solids, tabby, bicolour, tortoiseshell, and pointed varieties.

The Napoleon has a calm and friendly temperament. It is affectionate without being demanding and usually seeks out company, often resting near its owner or moving from room to room to stay close.

With family members the breed is gentle and tolerant, which makes it a good match for households with children who handle pets carefully. Napoleons tend to be confident rather than shy with visitors, though some take a short time to warm to strangers.

The breed is playful in moderate bursts and enjoys interactive toys and gentle games. Many Napoleons live well alongside other cats and calm dogs when introductions are made gradually. They are not heavy talkers, but will use a soft voice to ask for attention or food.

Grooming

• Brush shorthair Napoleons once or twice a week to remove loose hair.
• Brush longhair Napoleons several times a week to prevent mats and tangles.
• Check and clean the eyes gently, as rounded faces can collect tear staining.
• Trim nails every two to three weeks.
• Brush the teeth regularly and schedule dental checks.

Exercise

• Offer short daily play sessions with wand toys and balls.
• Provide low platforms and ramps that suit short legs.
• Use food puzzles to keep the mind active.
• Keep climbing options at safe, moderate heights.

Environment

The Napoleon is best kept as an indoor cat. A quiet, stable home suits its calm nature. Provide scratching posts, resting spots, and easy access to litter trays and food without large jumps. Short-legged cats can manage stairs and low furniture but benefit from steps or ramps to reach higher resting places.

The Napoleon needs a complete and balanced diet formulated for cats, with animal protein as the main ingredient. Because the breed is small and can be prone to weight gain, portions should be measured rather than left out all day. Fresh water should always be available, and wet food can help support hydration.

Treats and supplements

Keep treats to about 10 per cent of daily calories so the main diet stays balanced. A healthy cat on a complete food usually needs no extra supplements. Speak with a veterinary surgeon before adding any supplement, and weigh the cat regularly to catch early weight changes.

The Napoleon is generally a healthy breed with a typical lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Because it descends from Persian-type and Munchkin cats, it can carry health risks associated with both lines. Responsible breeders screen parent cats and avoid pairings that would worsen short-leg or flat-face traits.

Preventive care

• Schedule yearly veterinary check-ups, with twice yearly visits for seniors.
• Keep vaccinations and parasite prevention current.
• Maintain dental care at home and through professional cleaning.
• Monitor weight and body condition to avoid joint and spine strain.
• Choose kittens from breeders who screen parents for PKD and heart disease.

The Napoleon is intelligent and willing to engage, which makes basic training achievable. The breed responds best to positive methods and short sessions. Its calm nature means it can learn to accept grooming, nail trims, and carrier handling with patience and consistency.

Basics

1. Set up the litter tray early and keep it clean and easy to enter.
2. Reward use of scratching posts to protect furniture.
3. Introduce the carrier as a calm, familiar resting spot.
4. Practise gentle handling of paws and face for future grooming.
5. Teach simple cues such as 'come' or 'sit' using treats and a clear word.

Napoleons reach sexual maturity at around 6 to 10 months, though responsible breeders wait until cats are fully grown and health-tested before mating. The short-leg gene is dominant and cannot be safely carried in a double dose, so two standard short-legged cats are not bred together. Instead, a standard cat is paired with a non-standard longer-legged cat or an outcross partner.

Gestation lasts about 63 to 67 days. Litters are usually small, often two to four kittens, and include both short-legged and longer-legged kittens. Queens generally raise their young well, but breeders monitor delivery and early growth closely because of the breed's small size.

Kittens are weaned at around 8 weeks and usually leave for new homes at 12 to 14 weeks, once they are litter trained, vaccinated, and socialised. Outcrossing to approved breeds helps keep the gene pool healthy in this young breed.

How to register a Napoleon in the United Kingdom

A Napoleon that lives entirely indoors can still end up at a rescue centre; a propped-open door is all it takes. The free United Pet Club profile keeps your name, number and the cat's photo where a scan can find them. Register your cat once and the record holds for the whole of her life.

The vet surgery implants the chip; recording it is yours to do, and in England the law now expects it done for cats. Register the microchip with United Pet Club free on the lifetime plan: every brand is accepted, amendments after moving house cost nothing, and the record answers the database checks rescue centres run on every stray. Create your free account and have both jobs sorted the same afternoon.