Last Updated: 4 months ago
Want to learn about this powerhouse breed of kittens?
From temperament to behavior, read this extensive review guide! The Kinkalow cat breed can best be described as small but mighty.
Its energetic, outgoing nature, and super cute look make it a cat breed that is gaining popularity in both homes and on social media platforms.
If you’ve fallen in love with the Kinkalow cat, read on to find out all about this wonderful little breed.
We’ll be talking about its history, health, care, personality, and more, so dive in and learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the Kinkalow.
Kinkalow Cat Breed History
Classified as an exotic and rare breed, the Kinkalow is a relatively new breed.
Its origin dates back to the mid-1990s, when American breeder Terri Harris began crossing Munchkins with American Curls to see what would happen.
Her hope was to achieve a breed that took the best parts of both the Munchkin and American Curl and combined them into one breed that showcased them.
It was a huge success. During that period, the modern Kinkalow was born, creating a dwarf cat featuring adorable short legs, curled ears, and a personality far, far bigger than its tiny frame.
Since it’s inception in the 1990s, the Kinkalow has been recognized as an Experimental Breed by The International Cat Association (TICA) and also received recognition from The Dwarf Cat Association (TDCA).
Kinkalow Cat Breed Characteristics
The Kinkalow cat is a small to medium-sized breed that was created by crossing the Munchkin and the American Curl cat breeds.
As a result of this crossbreeding, the Kinkalow cat has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other cat breeds.
Kinkalow cats are known for their short legs, which are a result of their Munchkin heritage.
They have a round head, expressive eyes, and cute little ears that curl backwards, a trait inherited from their American Curl parentage. They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, cream, red, and silver, among others.
In terms of size, Kinkalow cats typically weigh between 4 and 7 pounds (1.8-3.2 kg) and stand about 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) tall at the shoulder.
They have a compact and muscular build, which gives them a sturdy appearance despite their short stature.
Kinkalow cats have a relatively long lifespan for a cat, with an average lifespan of 12–16 years. With proper care, some Kinkalow cats have been known to live up to 20 years.
Overall, the Kinkalow cat is a unique and charming breed that is sure to capture the hearts of cat lovers everywhere.
Their distinctive physical characteristics, combined with their playful and affectionate personalities, make them a delightful addition to any household.
Kinkalow Cat Breed Personality And Traits
The Kinkalow has an outgoing personality that is far, far bigger than its stature.
- This highly intelligent, affectionate, and playful cat is just as ready to snuggle on the couch as it is to romp through the house at top speed.
- Although small, they don’t let anything stand in their way, climbing and clambering over any obstacle in their path.
- They love to be part of the family, getting along well with everyone and even playing with dogs.
- Due to their high intelligence, they should have regular play and lots of toys to keep them occupied and mentally stimulated.
It’s easy to see Kinkalow’s heritage when you look at it.
- A dwarf breed, the Kinkalow features the short legs and long body of its Munchkin heritage and the curled ears of the American Curl.
- Although most Kinkalows feature ears that curl to varying degrees, some may never curl.
- The Kinkalow’s body tends to be fine yet strong, and the head is often described as tiger-shaped.
- Like many other cat breeds, the Kinkalow can come in all colors and patterns.
Fun fact: These cats are so smart and energetic that they are often taught to play fetch.
Kinkalow Cat Breed Health and Care
Like any cat, the Kinkalow requires regular preventative healthcare as well as proper grooming to keep it in tip-top shape.
Health
Kinkalows are dwarf cats, and as such, their spinal health is always a concern.
- Their short legs, long bodies, and penchant for running around like maniacs leave them open to possible spine injuries.
- It’s important to watch your cat for any signs of pain or tenderness in the back to treat any injury or problem as soon as possible.
- Aside from the problems associated with any long-spined animal, the Kinkalow is a quite hardy breed, and any health problems are generally related to age or poor breeding.
- The only other health issue of note is that this breed is prone to obesity, so keep the food measured appropriately and don’t go heavy on the treats.
Generally speaking, the Kinkalow is a long-lived cat, with a lifespan that is longer than most. They average over 15 years. This makes it a good pet for families with young children.
Care
Kinkalows are a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming.
All they need is a good brushing once a week, a bath every so often, and regular nail trimming to keep them looking good.
In fact, if you start your grooming routine early, your Kinkalow will grow to love it, especially the brushing.
All that one-on-one time is a Kinkalow’s bread and butter when it comes to human interaction.
How Much do Kinkalow Cats Cost?
If you’ve decided that this is absolutely the right kitty for you, then all that’s left to do is find one!
First, it’s good to know if they’re even in your budget, so let’s start there.
Prices vary depending on the breeder, where you live, and the current availability of kittens versus how many people are looking for them.
However, expect to pay around $2,000—give or take—for a Kinkalow kitten.
No, that’s not a typo. I didn’t accidentally add an extra 0. That’s two thousand dollars.
Still want one? Let’s talk about where to find them.
Where to Find a Kinkalow Cat?
First, I really, really, really want to encourage you to adopt rather than shop.
There are SO many homeless cats out there right now that deserve a forever home.
That said, since Kinkalows are such an expensive designer breed, it’s rare to find purebred kittens (or even adults) in shelters.
So, if you have your heart set on one and you’re willing to spend the dough, your best bet is through a reputable breeder.
We don’t recommend specific breeders here, so I recommend searching “Kinkalow kittens near me” and going from there.
High Energy in a Small Package
With a highly intelligent, affectionate, and energetic demeanor, an adorable look, and low grooming requirements, the Kinkalow makes a great pet for almost any family.
All it takes to have a long, happy friendship with your Kinkalow is routine vet visits, regular grooming, and lots and lots of play time.
This is a breed that fits into almost any environment that features lots of love and attention for this furry little friend.
Do you have a Kinkalow cat? Share your thoughts and experiences below!
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Ben is an animal lover, blogger, and all around geek. He divides his love equally between his family, his animals, and his video games. In his spare time he is attempting to get a blog off the ground. Boy, are they heavy!
