I know there are some mini-cats, but these are usually (if I am not mistaken) hybrids of Sophrolaeliacattleyas or Potinara hybrids. They look just like the larger cats in the leaves, blooms and overall formation, but are shorter and more compact. Often the supplier will mention the overall height of the plant and that it is "compact" -- this is the best way as soooo many hybrids will vary in size; I know several suppliers will advertise them as mini-cats, but when you look at the cross names, they are often SLC or Pot. - with some BLC. and other crosses falling into the "mini" category.
Hope this helps you find some great plants. If you like reds, I would suggest you look at SLC. Jewelbox strains - perhaps "Scheherazade" or "Dark Waters" - they are free blooming, compact, with beautiful colors and great shapes. Google it and see if it is something you would enjoy. I have several Potinara hybrids and they are also great to have with the same.
The small size often comes from the crossing with Sophronitis species, which are tiny.
Steve
P.S. Of course now that I have checked my facts a little online, I see that Potinara, a nothogenus (man-made genus), involve using the crosses of Brassavola X Cattleya X Laelia X Sophronitis. Many of these species are now being re-named as the Orchid Experts are so very prone to do. If the cross involves Brassavola digbyana, that has now been renamed Rhyncholaelia dygbyana, so the name change screws up all the crosses made with this variety. What was once Potinara "Beaufort Gold" is now Rhyncolaeliacattleya "Beaufort Gold" - Fun ain't it!
BY the way - Beaufort Gold is a great yellow - Pot. Burana Beauty is a great bicolor that you may like also and I think it is an awarded cross. Many suppliers are still using the Pot. suffix thankfully.
If this really interests you, here is a web-page with a nice explanation about the "name-change game"!
http://www.manateeorchidsociety.com/...20Potinara.pdf
Where to buy mini cattleya?
Linear Mode
