Minuet

Key Visual Markers

• Short legs — the most obvious feature in the short-legged variety; the legs are straight, well-boned, and roughly one-third shorter than a normal cat’s; a standard-legged variety also exists and is accepted by TICA
• Round head with full cheeks, a short muzzle, and a visible stop — the Persian influence shows in the sweet, rounded face; some lines carry a brachycephalic profile
• Large, round, expressive eyes set wide apart in any color, depending on coat color — the open, baby-doll look is a breed hallmark
• Plush, medium-length double coat in the longhair variety, or a dense plush shorthair coat — both stand away from the body and feel soft and thick
• Cobby, compact body with a broad chest, short legs, and round paws — the cat looks like a small, heavy teddy bear
• Medium-length, well-furred tail carried in line with the back

Temperament & Traits

• Laid-back and affectionate — the Persian temperament in a small body; happy to be held and carried
• Playful but low-key — enjoys interactive toys and short play sessions, then settles into laps
• Friendly with children and other pets — patient and rarely aggressive
• Quiet — communicates with soft meows and purrs rather than loud vocalizing
• Slow to mature — stays kittenish for the first couple of years
• Adaptable — adjusts to new homes, routines, and people with little fuss

Health Notes

• Lordosis — an excessive inward curvature of the spine, seen at higher incidence in short-legged breeds; mild cases manage fine, severe ones can compress the heart and lungs
• Pectus excavatum — a sunken or hollow chest, more common in achondroplastic (short-legged) breeds; mild forms need no treatment, severe forms can restrict breathing
• Osteoarthritis — the shortened limbs change gait and joint loading, raising the long-term risk of arthritis; keep the cat lean and provide low ramps and steps
• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) — inherited from the Persian side; a simple DNA test identifies carriers and responsible breeders screen before breeding
• Obesity — a compact frame carrying extra pounds stresses the joints; measured portions and daily play are the main prevention

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.