Last Updated: 3 months ago
Have you heard of the Minskin cat breed?
If not, don’t worry; we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about this darling munchkin/sphynx mix.
We’ll also touch on any ethical concerns surrounding this particular designer cat breed. By the time we’re done, you’ll know whether this is the right cat for you.
The Minskin cat breed is what you get when you take a Munchkin cat and a Sphynx, then toss in a little Devon Rex and Burmese. It’s a designer cat breed in the truest sense of the word.
History of the Minskin Cat Breed
The Munchkin/Sphynx mix is a pretty new cat, with its Boston roots dating back barely ten years.
See, cat breeder Paul McSorley decided that he wanted to design a cat that had similar color patterns as the Siamese (just on the ears, legs, tail, and a “mask-like” pattern on the face).
He also wanted the kitty to have short legs, like his Munchkin cats.
So, he got to work mixing and matching his Munchkins with the sphynx cat, then adding in some other breeds until he finally succeeded about two years later.
By 2000, the first Minskin cat, “TRT I Am Minskin Hear Me Roar” (shortened to “Rory”), was born. About 5 years later, about 50 more Minskin cats were registered with TICA.
In 2008, TICA recognized the Minskinas as a “Preliminary New Breed,” where he’ll stay until TICA decides he meets all requirements to move on to full recognition.
The Cat Fancier’s Association, FYI, doesn’t recognize munchkin cats because of ethical concerns, so the Minskin will most likely never make it to their breed list.
Physical Appearance
The Minskin looks exactly like you would imagine a cross between a sphynx and a munchkin would.
They are small to medium-sized cats, typically weighing between 4 and 8 pounds and standing around 6 and 8 inches tall.
The breed has a distinctive appearance due to its short legs, hairless or short-haired body, and large, expressive eyes. Minskins have a lifespan of around 10–12 years.
- His legs are short, and his fur is even shorter (practically nonexistent across much of his body).
- His front legs are actually shorter than the back, but this doesn’t keep him from leaping with the best of them.
- The Minskin has been compared to E.T., and it’s easy to see why! He has large eyes, a round head, and a wrinkly face.
- I actually think he looks more like Dobby with those big ears!
- Here’s an interesting fact for you: while the Minskin looks hairless, he actually has hair all over his body. It’s just very, very short and downy.
- However, as McSorley envisioned, he does have thick points of hair on his mask, ears, legs, and tail.
Now that you have a good overview of their history and general appearance, let’s learn more about Minskin’s personality and health.
Minskin Cat Personality
Since the Minskin combines several breeds that are known for being friendly and affectionate, the breed as a whole is pretty easy-going and snuggly.
They love playing and get along well with kids, other cats, and even dogs (provided the dog also gets along with cats, of course)
Like their parents, Minskins are super smart and will definitely keep you on your toes!
They may be small, but they use that big (figuratively speaking) brain to do everything that their larger counterparts can do.
While Minskin is outgoing and friendly, he does have a hard time adapting to change, so keep that in mind if your family is constantly in flux.
He’s a good breed for a settled life, not one that’s always on the move.
Health Concerns with the Minskin Breed
This is where ethical concerns come into play and why Cat Fancier’s won’t even recognize Munchkin cat breeds.
While the Minskin is, so far, relatively healthy, the breed hasn’t even been around for the entire lifespan of the average cat, so it’s hard to really say what to expect in the future.
So far, though, the Minskin doesn’t seem any more prone to major health issues than other Munchkin breeds or even other cats as a whole.
Potential health problems can stem from one or more “parent” breeds, so let’s break it down a bit.
Munchkin-Related cat health problems
Munchkins are more likely to suffer from spinal problems in general and lordosis, a painful and potentially fatal spinal condition, in particular.
This condition can cause a myriad of problems depending on its severity, ranging from limited range of motion to incredibly painful spinal “collapse.”
It’s not unique to Munchkins, but they are more prone to it than their full-size counterparts.
Spyhnx-related Cat health problems
Like his Sphynx parent, the “hairlessness” of the Minskin can cause problems that you typically don’t see in other Munchkin breeds. These include:
- Higher risk of sunburn, and in turn, skin cancer.
- Lack of protection against cuts, bruises, and other skin injuries
- Potential to contract yeast infections.
- Higher susceptibility to cold weather.
Of course, if you keep your Minskin indoors, you can easily avoid most of those potential skin problems.
The Sphynx is also more prone to heart problems, specifically hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition that causes an enlargement of the left heart ventricle.
Unfortunately, the Devon Rex, another breed used in the creation of the Minskin, is also prone to this condition.
That’s why it’s so important to go through a reputable breeder that puts their cats through rigorous health screening before breeding.
Where to Find Minskin Kittens
If you are interested in buying a Minskin cat, it’s essential to do your research and find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their cats.
The cost of a Minskin cat can vary depending on the breeder, location, and the cat’s specific qualities. However, they can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more.
It’s crucial to ask questions, get to know the breeder and the cats, and ensure that they are providing a healthy and safe environment for their cats.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the ongoing costs of caring for a Minskin cat, including regular veterinary checkups, food, and grooming needs, before making a commitment to bring one into your home.
Wrap-Up
The Minskin cat breed is a unique and fascinating feline with its distinctive appearance, charming personality, and small size.
While they are a relatively new and rare breed, their popularity is growing due to their playful and affectionate nature.
If you are considering bringing a Minskin cat into your home, it’s essential to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their cats.
With proper care and attention, a Minskin cat can make a wonderful and loyal companion for many years to come.
What do you think of the Minskin cats? Aren’t they beautiful? Please share your thoughts below!
Nicole is one of the writers here on CatVills. She’s been a cat lover most of her life and-at one point- counted five felines as part of her family. Today, she’s proud cat mom to two indoor kitties and caregiver for a slew of ferals.
