Felis catus
Napoleon
Featured photonapoleon.jpgThe Napoleon (renamed Minuet by TICA in 2015) is a short-legged dwarf breed developed by Joe Smith of Arkansas in 1996 through crosses between Munchkin and Persian/Exotic Shorthair lines. The breed combines the Munchkin's dominant short-leg gene (Mk) with the Persian's heavily-boned cobby body type. TICA accepted the breed for registration in 2005 and granted championship status in 2015 under the new name Minuet. CFA, GCCF, and FIFe do not recognize the breed. The standard describes a small, short-legged cat with a Persian-type round head.
Quick facts
- Origin country
- United States
- Origin period
- 1996 Munchkin x Persian cross by Joe Smith; TICA recognition 2005, renamed Minuet 2015
- Coat type
- Short
- Coat colors
- All Persian colour divisions recognized: solid, silver and golden, shaded and smoke, tabby, particolour, bicolour, and Himalayan (colour point)
- Size category
- Small
- Average lifespan
- 9-15 years
- Recognition
- TICA 2005
Origin
Joe Smith of Arkansas began developing the Napoleon in 1996 by crossing Munchkin cats with Persians and Exotic Shorthairs. The goal was a short-legged dwarf cat with the Persian's rounded head, full cheeks, and cobby body — combining the Munchkin's dominant short-leg gene (Mk) with the Persian conformation. The breed was named Napoleon after the historical figure Napoleon Bonaparte, in reference to the breed's small stature. Both shorthair and longhair varieties were developed in parallel using Persian and Exotic Shorthair outcrosses respectively.
Recognition
TICA accepted the Napoleon for registration in 2005. In 2015, in concert with the breed's full championship recognition, TICA renamed the breed Minuet to reflect a more elegant connotation. Some breeders continue to use the original Napoleon name informally. CFA, GCCF, and FIFe do not recognize the breed. The TICA Minuet standard permits Persian, Exotic Shorthair, and Munchkin outcrosses to maintain genetic diversity.
Standard
The TICA standard describes a small, well-muscled cat with the Persian's rounded conformation but with the Munchkin's distinctively short legs. The head is round with full cheeks, a short broad nose, and large round eyes. The coat is recognized in both short (Exotic Shorthair-derived) and long (Persian-derived) varieties. All Persian colour divisions are recognized: solid, silver and golden, shaded and smoke, tabby, particolour, bicolour, and Himalayan (colour point). The Munchkin lethal homozygote constraint applies — all Minuet/Napoleon cats are heterozygous (Mk/mk) for the short-leg gene.
Sources & further reading (3)
- tica-standard — accessed 2026-04-30
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-30
- breed-club — accessed 2026-04-30
Frequently asked questions
Why was the Napoleon renamed Minuet?
TICA renamed the breed Minuet in 2015 in concert with its championship recognition. The original Napoleon name had been chosen by breeder Joe Smith in reference to Napoleon Bonaparte's small stature; TICA preferred a more elegant connotation for the championship breed name. Some breeders continue to use Napoleon informally.
When was the Napoleon recognized?
TICA accepted the Napoleon for registration in 2005 and granted full championship status in 2015 under the renamed name Minuet. CFA, GCCF, and FIFe do not recognize the breed.
Is the Napoleon a Persian cross?
Yes. The Napoleon (Minuet) is a deliberate cross between the Munchkin and the Persian/Exotic Shorthair, combining the Munchkin's dominant short-leg gene (Mk) with the Persian's cobby body type and round brachycephalic head. Permitted outcrosses include Persian, Exotic Shorthair, and Munchkin to maintain genetic diversity.
