Teacup Kittens

By definition, tea cup kittens are not dwarf cats. They are smaller versions of a regular cat.  The dwarf mutation does make cats smaller but it disqualifies them from being a teacup cat. Teacup kittens are proportionate in all aspects. Their legs are not abnormally short like the dwarf breeds.

Why Do Breeders Sell Dwarfs Kittens as Teacups Kittens

I would not go as far as to say this is a deceptive marketing technique. However, I would say it is based on misinformation on both sellers and buyers.

First, many buyers looking for teacup kittens are not really concerned about the title “teacup” instead, they are looking for small cats (pocket kittens). They want a cat which is considerably smaller than a regular10-14 pound cat.

Second, some cat breeders and catteries do not know that the dwarf breeds are not teacup cats. It is big misnomer that the Munchkin is a teacup. It is no more a teacup cat than a dachshund is a teacup dog. They both have a form of dwarfism that makes the legs short.

Are There Tea Cup Breeds?

Traditionally, the Persian breed is the only cat breed associated with the teacup title. While the Singupura is the smallest cat breed (coming in at 6+ pounds), they are generally not teacup cats.

Considered the Rolls Royce of cats, silver and golden Persians are the most sought after cat breed. From this, we get the Teacup Persia also known as MiniPer or MiniPurrs.

Since the silver and golden Persians are the smallest of the Persians, they are highly sought after for the Teacup breed. For the smallest of teacups known as micro teacups, you can expect to pay a prime price.

What Are the Dwarf Cat Breeds

• The original dwarf cat breed is the Munchkin. All other official cat breeds come from mating a dwarf Munchkin with another breed.
• Bambino – A cross between a Munchkin and a Sphynx
• Dwelf – A cross between a Munchkin and an American Curl
• Napoleon – A cross between a Munchkin and a Persian
• Skookum – A cross between the Munchkin and LaPerm cat
• Kinkalow – A cross between the Munchkin and the American Cur
• Lambkin – A cross between a Munchkin and Selkirk Rex
• Genetta – A cross between Munchkin, Bengal cat, Savannah cat, Domestic Short Hair cat and Oriental SH – exotic, spotted/marbled cat like a wild African Genet.
• Minskin – A cross between Munchkin and Shynx cat, Devon Rex cat and Burmese cat

Buying a Teacup Kitten

Buying a teacup kitten should be done with extreme caution. There are loads of Persian cats for adoption but most are not teacups. Teacup kittens for adoption

First, make sure you go to a reputable cat breeder.

• Remember, golden or silver persians are most likely to be teacup
• Persians are the only teacup cat breed. A dwarf breed is nor a teacup
• Just because a cat weighs less than 10 lbs it is not necessarily a teacupWhite Persian Cats are extremely rare. Therefore, be mindful when purchasing a white Persian kitten being sold as a teacup.

Some catteries offer a weight guarantee. While this can make you feel better about the purchase, by the time the cat reaches maximum weight, you may be attached to the cat.

Final Thoughts on Teacup Cats

With prices exceeding $1,000 for larger teacups and $2,000 for the smallest teacup kittens, purchasing a teacup cat is a big investment. Anyone purchasing a teacup cat breed should be well informed on the cat needed and the cattery.

Unfortunately, there are lots of irreputable cat breeders who will sell dwarfs, rungs and sickly cats as teacups. Great care and research should be done before choosing a cat breeder.

Pictures of Teacup Kittens

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