Standard vs Non-Standard Minuet: which is right for you?

By Lil Lisset's Minuets · Updated October 8, 2026

Both are Minuets. The only difference in the breed standard is leg length. A Standard Minuet has short legs. A Non-Standard has regular-length legs and shares the same head, eyes, ears, coat and tail.

In TICA shows, a Standard Minuet can compete for championship. A Non-Standard cannot earn championship status, but can enter Alter (spayed or neutered) and Household Pet classes.

At home, both are affectionate companions. They are gentle with children, adapt to different households and thrive on human interaction.

Choose a Standard if you love the short-legged look or want to show. Choose a Non-Standard if you like the Minuet face and coat but prefer a more traditional body. Our litters include Short and Tall kittens.

Tell us what you are looking for when you join our waiting list and we will match you with the right kitten.

Temperament is the same

A kitten's leg length tells you nothing about its heart. Standard and Non-Standard Minuets share the same affectionate, gentle personality, and both do well in family homes.

Which litters have which

Our litters can include both Short and Tall kittens. Each kitten's listing shows its standard, along with sex, birth date, show quality and mother, so you can see exactly what is available.

Ask us

If you are not sure which is right, call (860) 736-3086 or send a message. We will talk through your goals, whether that is a lap companion or a show cat.

Looks side by side

Put a Standard and a Non-Standard Minuet next to each other and the biggest difference you will see is height. The Standard sits low to the ground with short legs; the Non-Standard stands on regular-length legs. Faces, eyes, ears, coat and the plush, sturdy build are shared. Many people are surprised at how similar the two look from the shoulders up.

Show rules in plain language

Cat shows group cats into classes. Standard Minuets can compete for championship under the TICA standard. Non-Standards can enter other classes such as Alter and Household Pet. If you are curious about showing, visit a local show first, watch how the rings run and talk to exhibitors. Our family has shown cats, so we are happy to share what we have learned.

Health and care

Both types need good food, regular veterinary visits and a healthy weight. For a short-legged cat, keeping weight in check is especially kind to the body. Provide low steps to favorite furniture so your cat can get up and down comfortably. We include a 1 year guarantee against genetic illness with each kitten, and we are always glad to talk through care questions.

A simple way to decide

Ask yourself three things. Do you want to show? Do you love the short-legged look? Do you want the lowest-maintenance household setup? If the answers are yes, yes and no, a Standard is probably your match. If you want the Minuet face and coat with a more traditional body, consider a Non-Standard. Either way, you are choosing the same loving personality.

Frequently asked questions

Families often ask whether a Non-Standard kitten is a lesser kitten. It is not. It is a Minuet with regular-length legs and the same loving temperament. Others ask whether short legs cause pain. Responsible breeders select for sound mobility, and judges check for it in the ring. If you have a specific worry, ask us or your veterinarian before you decide.

Planning your home for either type

For a Standard, add pet steps or a low ramp by furniture and avoid tall, wobbly cat trees. For a Non-Standard, normal cat furniture works well. Either way, provide scratching posts, window perches, toys and a quiet place to rest. A well-set-up home keeps a kitten confident and safe.