Minuet (Napoleon)

From the Munchkin, Napoleon has adopted such character traits as good-naturedness and gentleness. It is a true angel in the flesh, which is not characterized by aggression. The cat loves to be in human society and be in the spotlight. The pet becomes very attached to the owner. Napoleon poorly tolerates loneliness.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The breed was created artificially at the end of the 20th century in the USA. Breeder Joseph Smith was inspired by Munchkins when he saw them in a newspaper in 1995. A year later, he decided to crossbreed a Persian cat with these cats. From the former, Napoleon got a flattened face and a soft coat. From the latter, he got short legs and short stature.

However, the cat also inherited genetic problems from its ancestors. Because of this, the influential felinological organizations did not want to register her. Joseph was very upset by this fact. In 2008, he stopped breeding, spayed all the cats, and gave them away to friends.

Enthusiasts decided to restore the breed, and their attempt was successful. In 2012, Napoleon was recognized by the International Cat Association. Three years later, the members of the association decided to rename the breed to the Minuet. The old name was considered offensive to France.

Appearance

Napoleon is a stocky and small cat. Males are slightly larger than females in weight. The pet’s body is slightly elongated, and the back is broad. The hips and shoulders are quite powerful. The cat’s limbs are short and massive, with the hind being longer than the front. The tail is long and in proportion to the body.

The Minuet’s neck is wide and muscular. On it sits a round head with a firm chin. The round, large eyes are planted wide. The color matches the color. The nose is almost straight. The ears are medium-sized, set wide, the tips rounded. The cat may be short-haired, as well as with long hair. In the second case, it is thicker and softer.

Character

From the Munchkin, Napoleon has adopted such character traits as good-naturedness and gentleness. It is a true angel in the flesh, which is not characterized by aggression. The cat loves to be in human society and be in the spotlight. The pet becomes very attached to the owner. Napoleon poorly tolerates loneliness.

The gentle and playful cat adores children. She will gladly play with them and will never show her claws. With other animals, the Minuet gets along just as well. The cat is eagerly friendly with dogs, but to rodents and birds, in general, it is neutral. Cats of this breed are very trusting and love company. Napoleon is even allowed into the hands of strangers. Therefore, you should not let him go out alone.

Care

The Minuet is a typical houseplant. It is recommended to walk him on a harness. The length of the coat determines the extent of its care. Short-haired cats are combed once a week, long-haired cats daily. The cat should be bathed every three months or less often. The cat does not like water procedures. Therefore, you should accustom your cat to it from childhood.

Napoleon’s ears require daily care. Clean them with a cotton swab and lotion. Also, don’t forget to rinse the cat’s eyes from secretions. Do this with tea brew or a special product. Install a scratching post in the apartment and trim the claws once every ten days. Don’t forget to change the litter box.

Education

An intelligent and inquisitive Minuet is not difficult to raise. The cat quickly learns what is required of it. It gets used to the litter box and scratching post quickly. Early socialization is important for the gentle pet. Start his upbringing from a very young age.

It is important to remember Napoleon’s fragile, soft nature. Be patient and restrained in the training process. Never shout or raise your hand at the pet. It will make him withdrawn and fearful. Turn training into an entertaining game. This way, you won’t bore your cat.

Common Diseases

It is worth remembering that Napoleon is a hybrid of two breeds. He passed on genetic abnormalities from his ancestors. Even healthy parents can have offspring with abnormalities. From the Persian cat, Napoleon inherited the following diseases:

• nasolacrimal duct stenosis;
• epiphora;
• polycystic kidney disease;
• cardiomyopathy;
• ophthalmological diseases.

The Minuet also has spinal problems. All because of the pet’s short paws. To avoid many problems, it is necessary to provide the cat with proper care and nutrition. Do not forget to show your pet to the vet and get vaccinations on time.

Nutrition

Napoleon’s nutrition requires special attention. It is dictated by the cat’s tendency to overeat. Feed the pet two to four times a day in small portions. It is recommended to use dry premium food.

If you turn to natural food, choose the right diet. It should be based on protein products. Under this criterion are lean meat and dairy products. As for meat products, chicken or beef are good. It is also important to give your pet fruits and vegetables. From these, he will get the vitamins and minerals he needs for proper development. Exclude fried, salty, and fatty foods from the cat’s diet.