Breed Standard | Breed Photos | Links & Breeders

Napoleon

Breed Profile

The Napoleon breed originates from crosses between Munchkins and cats in the Persian group (i.e. Persians, Himalayans and Exotic Shorthairs). It combines certain characteristics of both breeds to create a new type of cat which has the shorter legs of the munchkin and the cobby type and short, round head of the Persian. The typical Napoleon face, however, is not as extreme as the Persian's. There are both long and shorthaired Napoleons.

Excerpts from napoleoncats.com:

Basically, the Napoleon Cat is a hybrid (a breed developed from a deliberate cross between two existing breeds) with its "parent" breeds being members of the Persian Group (Persians, Himalayans or Exotics) and the Munchkin Group (either long or short-haired Munchkins). From its Persian parent Group the Napoleon has acquired its boning, round face and eyes with an abundant and colorful coat. From its Munchkin parent Group, the Napoleon has acquired its distinctive short legs, the result of a naturally occurring spontaneous mutation known as hypochondroplasia, commonly called dwarfism.

It must be noted however that to be a "breed," there must be uniqueness. The Napoleon has features from each of its parent groups of course, but must be neither a "short legged" Persian nor a "bushy" Munchkin, there must be qualities that differentiate it from either of its parent groups. For example, the Napoleon cannot possess either the abruptly short nose of the Persian (not even a slight break between the eyes or above the nose is allowed) nor the wedge-shaped head or walnut shaped eyes of the Munchkin.

Please keep in mind that the Napoleon Cat is a breed that is being "developed." While the first generation of offspring between a Persian and a Munchkin are technically Napoleons, true Napoleon type (i.e. round head and eyes, short muzzle, thick coat) may not be acquired until those kittens are crossed back into the Persian family for a generation or two. This is something to keep in mind when purchasing breeding stock or a Napoleon as a pet. To produce a quality Napoleon is usually going to be more than a one-step process.

The Napoleon Cat comes in long or short (brush coat) hair and any color is allowed. The Napoleon also occurs with either short or long legs. Please refer to Health & Genetics for a more detailed discussion regarding the genetics of coat and leg length.

For a more detailed description or "Standard" of the Napoleon Cat, please refer to the Napoleon Cat Standard.