Cat lovers are becoming more demanding, wanting to get exotic representatives of the cat family and not being satisfied with recognized beauties of Persian, Siberian or Angora breeds. In this regard, breeders are experimenting, trying to develop new breeds, which will subsequently be in high demand among buyers who want to get an unusual pet. One of these is the surprisingly cute Napoleon minuets, which appeared only thirteen years ago, but are rapidly gaining popularity.
The history of the breed
Joseph B. Smith is known as a Basset Hound dog breeder. But once having seen an article in the newspaper about unusual munchkin cats, which are distinguished by short legs, he decided to start breeding mini-cats.
At that time, the Manchkins were an experimental breed, in which there were many shortcomings. It is interesting that in one litter both short-legged and ordinary long-legged kittens were born, not differing from their yard counterparts.
Smith decided to breed a breed that would differ from other breeds not only in short paws. The fact that all the kittens in the litter will not be short-legged did not stop the breeder, as he was betting on a cute face. Therefore, he crossed with Manchkin one of the most beautiful cat breeds - the Persian, as well as the exotic short-haired, Himalayan. The result was a breed of cats Napoleon-minuet. Napoleons come in two types: classic (long-legged individuals) and extreme (miniature short-legged individuals with a body elongated, like a dachshund).
Smith faced a serious problem: the genes of the Persians and Manchkins were quite ācapriciousā, so too many newborn kittens were born with various physical abnormalities, and some died at all. This was a serious reason that international clubs did not want to recognize the Napoleonic minuets as a separate, full-fledged breed.
Smith was so upset by this that he refused to breed them, gave friends all cats and destroyed documents. But his experiments and achievements impressed other breeders, who completed the work begun by Smith. Their goal was to breed a physically full, healthy and active breed. And so, in 2005, the Napoleons were recognized by the International Cat Association.
Appearance
Cats of the Napoleon breed have a developed powerful skeleton, rounded shapes, short legs, a wide, even back, a muscular neck of medium length, and an elongated body. This makes them a bit like Pekingese dogs. It is noteworthy that short legs do not affect cat activity. They jump quite deftly, willingly exploring cabinets, tables and window sills.
The breed of cats Napoleon is miniature. The weight of adult animals ranges from two to three kilograms. The adult of this small breed looks like a teenage kitten of an ordinary cat.
The Napoleonic minuets have large expressive eyes and dense coat. The length of the coat may be different. There are long-haired, half-long-haired and short-haired (plush) individuals. This breed has no limitations in color.
Cats of the Napoleon breed have large wide-set eyes, which gives their muzzles a childishly surprised expression. Like a Persian cat, Napoleonās head is distinguished by its round shape, prominent cheeks, a strong chin and neat, widely spaced ears. But, unlike Persian cats, Napoleonās nose is not depressed, but is in line with his chin, so they have no problems with breathing.
Cats of the Minuet breed have rounded hands, small fingers, and a tail proportional to the body.
Acquisition
A few years ago Napolen minuets were sold only in Europe and the United States of America. Now these amazing cats can be purchased in Russia. Their nurseries are already in Moscow and Voronezh. This breed is becoming increasingly popular. Future owners want to get this cute faithful animal into their home, they are not stopped even by Napoleonās poor health.
It is not surprising that cats of this breed are very expensive: it is extremely problematic to breed them. There is no guarantee that healthy exhibition parents will have full-fledged offspring. Too many cases of congenital malformation or death of kittens for unknown reasons.
You should not buy a kitten from a breeder who does not provide documents about his state of health: about vaccinations and examination for physiological abnormalities, as well as the conclusion of a pedigree expert and a letter of guarantee from the breeder.
Health of the Napoleonic Minuets
Since this breed is a hybrid and a carrier of various mutations, its representatives, unfortunately, are not long-livers and do not differ in good health. In addition, they got a predisposition to polycystic kidney disease from Persian cats.
Features of care and maintenance
Caring for a breed of Minuet cats, photos of which are in this article, differs little from caring for Persian cats.
Long-haired and half-long-haired individuals need to be combed every day, short-haired - every 2 days. Also, long-haired cats need to be fed a special paste that dissolves wool in the stomach.
Once a week, the Napoleons need to wipe their eyes and ears. To care for the claws, it is enough to purchase a claw point.
And most importantly, these small creatures, unusually attached to the owner, need his love and attention.
What to feed
The mini-cat Napoleon is characterized by excellent appetite, which the owner must regulate, because this cat is prone to obesity. It is recommended to feed Napoleon with industrial food of a super-premium class with the addition of the necessary vitamins, despite the fact that these cats are almost omnivorous. Elite nutrition is necessary for them because of the poor health of these kids.
On a walk
If the owner decides that Napoleon needs walks, it is better to walk the animal on a leash. You need to choose desert areas without tall grass and bushes. Never let a cat go! The Napoleonic minuets are extremely naive and trusting. They will calmly go into the arms of a stranger, and in a fight with another animal they may not survive, since the good-natured Napoleons are completely unable to defend themselves.
Character
Cat breed Napoleon attracts people with its appearance of an ever-surprised cute kitten. Napoleons remain playful and inquisitive all their lives, like little kittens.
The cat Napoleon-minuet has a friendly and patient character. Her loyalty and loyalty to the owner is commensurate with the dog. They enjoy spending time with their master, while not particularly imposing themselves on him and observing his actions from the outside. These cats are in great need of master's love and attention. Napoleons are very affectionate and sociable. They are willingly arranged to sleep on their knees not only with the owner and the rest of the household, but also with the guests. Finding themselves in human hands, these cats are absolutely relaxed and allow you to do anything with you. They will not be pulled out even if they are hurt.
The cat Napoleon, whose photo is presented in this article, is quite smart and trained. Therefore, she can be trained in a few simple commands and good manners.
The Napoleon minuet will become a true friend for the child, who will play with him and protect him. Napoleon agrees to perform the difficult role of a living children's toy and allows swaddling and dressing himself up, rolling in a stroller. But adults must control their children so that they do not harm the good-natured cat.
Cats of the Napoleon breed, whose photos cannot but cause emotion, are undesirable to keep together with dogs. Napoleon will not be able to fight back or defend himself even in a harmless game with them.
Minuets can easily move. The most important thing for them is to be near their beloved master.
Breeding
Even with short-legged parents, long-legged kittens are sometimes born that are of little value. But one of the parents should preferably be long-legged so that the offspring are stronger. Ideal for mating - short-legged and long-legged animal.
Conclusion
Cats bring comfort, kindness and affection to our home. They are able to console from sorrow, purring tenderly on our knees, trying to alleviate our pain, laying down on a sore spot and warming it with the warmth of their small body. They save from loneliness and help to survive a variety of life conflicts. Sometimes we get angry at them because of tattered wallpaper and a claw-torn sofa, but we forgive everything, they just have to rub our feet.
By purchasing Napoleon-minuet, a person acquires himself not only a beautiful unusual cat, but also a faithful loving friend. Napoleon more than many other cat breeds needs constant gentle care. Unlike cats that exist in parallel with the owner and behave independently and indifferently, and their attitude to the owner depends on the mood and degree of hunger, Napoleon is very attached to people and needs them. Therefore, before you get a kitten of this breed, you need to understand what responsibility this implies.