Have you noticed that your cat has a smaller head compared to other cats? While it might seem unusual, there are various reasons why a cat might have a small head.
Is it normal for a cat to have a small head?
Yes, it is very normal for a cat to have a head that looks smaller compared to the rest of its body. The size of a cat’s head is determined by factors such as the breed of the cat and its own genetics. Other reasons can cause a cat to have a small head.
In this post, we’ll explore the possible causes and help you understand if it’s something to be concerned about.
What Breed Is Your Cat?
There are between 44 and 71 recognized cat breeds in the world. This gives rise to an amazing amount of variety and uniqueness within the cat world.
Some cat breeds can lie on the end of the spectrum while for some it can be difficult to even tell them apart.
But when it comes to cats with a smaller head size, these cat breeds tend to stand out.
Sphynx
Have you ever seen a cat that is bald?
The first thing that comes to mind is that the poor cat is suffering from a skin disease. Not quite.
This cat breed came into the limelight when it appeared in the movie ‘Austin Powers’ as the cat of Dr. Evil.
Truth be told, I wasn’t even aware of such a cat breed at that time and I thought the film producers had the cat shaved for the film.
But in actual fact, the Sphinx is the only cat breed that doesn’t have any fur or hair on its body due to a genetic mutation.
It has a string appearance courtesy of its wrinkly skin and very big ears.
If you were to compare the size of its head to its body, there’s no doubt that the Sphynx has a very small head.
Devon Rex/Cornish Rex
These two cat breeds are very close cousins of the Sphynx. Think of the Devon Rex cat as a Sphynx but with some hair.
The coat on the Devon Rex is soft and curly which makes it very easy to maintain.
The Cornish Rex which also looks very similar to the Devon Rex and Sphynx has even a finer coat of fur as compared to the Devon Rex.
These cats have rather small heads which are made to look even smaller due to the size of their enormous ears.
Siamese Cats
The Siamese cat has to be one of the most iconic cat breeds in the world with the origins of this breed dating back to the 14th century.
This cat breed even appeared in many movies, often portrayed as the evil mastermind with a weird Asian accent.
The Siamese cat has a small triangular head with big pointy ears like the Devon Rex. It has a normal coat of fur that is usually cream-colored with darker points.
Owners of a Siamese cat will tell you that this cat is very intelligent and behaves more like a dog. Siamese cats can be rather needy and need a lot of attention from their owners.
Singapura Cat
The Singapura Cat has to be one of the smallest adult cats I have ever seen.
A female can weigh up to 4 lbs and a male cat about 8 lbs. It has a very slender body with a small head and unusually huge eyes.
This cat is in fact the smallest known recognized cat breed in the world.
Don’t mistake this cat’s smallness as a weakness. They are powerful cats that are very good at climbing.
Persian cats
Some might say that a Persian cat has a face that only its owner could love. Well, I have met a number of Persians that are pretty adorable.
The Persian has a rather large and sock body that is supported by muscular legs. It is always recognizable from its facial features. It is known for its ‘squished’ up face that is flat.
I think one reason why Persians look like they have a small head size is largely due to all the fur that they have which is long and thick. If you plan to keep a Persian, be prepared to have your home covered in Persian cat fur.
Iggy Thorne, also known as ‘Iggy the Explorer,’ is a seasoned writer with a flair for adventure and a deep love for animals.
Not only does he craft captivating stories often set in the great outdoors, but he’s also a dedicated pet owner who has owned and fostered both dogs and cats.
His expertise in animal care extends to volunteering at local shelters, making him a credible voice in pet ownership.
With a unique blend of humor and adventure, Iggy’s writing is as engaging as it is informative.