Minuet cat

The Napoleon cat[1] (also known as the Minuet) is a recent popular mix aka "designer breed", basically hybrid cat, result of mix of Persian and Munchkin breeds, with all issues what comes with it. Categorized by The International Cat Association (TICA) ( That association allows you to register your non-pedigreed pet to enter pet show competitions) as domestic hybrid, "and developed from a deliberate cross between two existing domestic breeds, incorporating characteristics of both parental breeds into the new mix. Unfortunately, also kittens get health issues from both parents, so proper genetic testing required . ." [2] The two breeds from which make this cat are the Munchkin and the Persian. According to TICA's official standard for the Minuet, these breeds represent the only permissible outcrosses one may use to create the Napoleon.[3] This includes the combinations Minuet × Minuet, Minuet × Munchkin, and Minuet × one of the Persian-type breeds (including Persians, Himalayans and Exotic Shorthairs). Napoleons come in both long-haired and short-haired varieties.

Origin

The mix was created by Joseph B. Smith, a Basset Hound breeder and American Kennel Club (AKC) judge. He was inspired by the Wall Street Journal's front-page feature of the Munchkin on June 12, 1995. He was a fan of the Munchkin, but felt that the unavoidable long-legged versions were indistinguishable from similar mixed cats, commonly seen in animal shelters. Smith decided that something had to be done to create a cat unique in both short- and long-legged versions, something that looked purebred. He chose the Persian breed group as an outcross to the Munchkin for two reasons: beauty and boning. The original Napoleon standard was written with this in mind.[4]

In January 2015, TICA's board of directors voted to change the name of the mix to the Minuet.[1] It is NOT currently recognized as breed by most cat associations Cat Fanciers' Association, American Cat Fanciers Association, or Fédération Internationale Féline.

Description

The Napoleon inherited its distinctively short legs from the Munchkin, which, in that breed, were caused by a naturally occurring genetic mutation. The short legs do not hinder the cat's agility. They are able to run, jump, and play easily. From the Persian group (including Persians, Exotic Shorthairs and Himalayans) the Napoleon has inherited its round face, eyes, dense coat and substantial boning. The boning provides a good support system for its uniquely short legs. Minuet cats tend to have fluffy tails somewhat like a squirrel's.Unfortunately, Minuet also has genetic issues, carried from both parents, so results of proper genetic testing for hereditary health issues like heart problems, PKD, eye distrophya and others is required before you purchasing the kitten. [5]

Care

The Napoleon/Minuet has health issues from both parents. Because of the incorporation of the Persian bloodline, which has a high incidence of polycystic kidney disease (PKD), breeding stock are required to be tested for it - and for very common hearth problems too. Other common Persian cat problem, such as epiphora (excessive formation of tears), stenosis (narrowing and blockage) of nasolacrimal ducts, flattened facial features, and coats prone to matting.

Napoleons/Minuets can still be prone to breathing problems and infections when exposed to feline coronavirus or herpes. They can also develop health issues like arthritis at a young age due to munchkin genetics, some developing arthritis as young as 1 years old. This can cause grooming to become difficult, so make sure to regularly brush your minuet. [6]

See also

References
  1. "Welcome to TICA - The International Cat Association, TICA cats, TICA pedigreed cats, pedigreed cats, pedigreed cats registry, household pet cat registry, domestic cat registry, Savannah cat, Bengal cat, Persian cat, Maine Coon cat" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-09-12. Retrieved 2015-06-06.
  2. TICA Registration Rules TICA Registration Rules, page 4 Archived 2013-10-22 at the Wayback Machine
  3. TICA Minuet Standard TICA Minuet Standard Archived 2015-06-10 at the Wayback Machine
  4. "Welcome to TICA - The International Cat Association, TICA cats, TICA pedigreed cats, pedigreed cats, pedigreed cats registry, household pet cat registry, domestic cat registry, Savannah cat, Bengal cat, Persian cat, Maine Coon cat". Archived from the original on 2015-09-12. Retrieved 2015-06-06.
  5. Youtube video "Meet Bell A Cat With A Squirrel Like Bushy Tail" at time 1:24
  6. https://www.ufaw.org.uk/cats/munchkin-limb-deformity


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