The Kinkalow cat is, without a doubt, a cat that you can’t stop looking at, either because of its physical characteristics or because you may never have seen or even heard of it before, which is because it is scarce. Kinkalow cats are relatively new. The first ones were born in the 90s in the United States. These furry cats are a hybrid of a Munchkin and an American Curl, which through selective breeding, resulted in a sweet cat with short legs and curled ears.
This exotic and rare cat is already registered as an Experimental Breed by The International Cat Association (TICA), which means that selective breeding is still going on to ensure its status as purebred. Why? Because, within the Kinkalow litters, some cats are still born without some peculiar characteristics of the breed. After all, it takes several years for these genetic mutations to take hold entirely in all specimens.
But enough technicalities, let’s learn more about the mysterious Kinkalow cat.
Kinkalow cat: Personality
These furballs are incredibly loving, intelligent, and extroverted. They are usually the life of the party and everyone’s best friend. The Kinkalow is known for being very playful and always full of energy.
They can spend all day long inventing games and looking to integrate their human family and dog friends. Although they are very friendly with other species, don’t trust them much to put them together with your hamster or rabbit because they are still cats with a developed hunting instinct, and small animals are the perfect prey.
These cats love to spend time surrounded by their family. These furry cats follow their owners around the house and try to get involved in any activity. If it’s work, they’ll be lying on their feet or beside the keyboard, and if it’s about going outside for a quick visit to the store or a walk, they won’t hesitate to go out with a well-fitted harness to get some fresh air.
Kinkalow: Physical Characteristics
It is a short cat, usually 7 to 8 inches tall, weighing between 3 and 7 pounds. This dwarf cat is characterized by very short legs, which make its body look longer than it is, resembling a “dachshund cat.” This characteristic comes from their Munchkin side, while they inherited striking curly ears on the American Curl side. These beautiful cats come in all colors and patterns.
Kinkalow cat: Health overview
They generally enjoy good health and long life, lasting up to 15 years. They don’t suffer from many complications, but due to their peculiar body, it is advisable to take good care of their posture.
Their short legs make them look adorable, but they require more attention than other cats, as this breed must use more strength in their extremities to perform daily activities.
If we are not careful, the cat can develop complications in its spine or backbone, resulting in chronic pain, problems while walking and jumping, renal and fecal incontinence, and in more severe cases, even paralysis. Don’t worry; it isn’t a written law. Take him to his regular check-ups with the vet.
Kinkalow cat: Diet
As with all cats, a diet rich in essential vitamins and necessary nutrients according to their age is recommended. The most important thing is to take care of the portions because being overweight for a Kinkalow can represent risks for its spine and joints due to its short legs. Remember, a balanced diet and just a few snacks!
Kinkalow: Grooming
Like most cats, the Kinkalow is very clean, and a large part of his daily routine includes grooming, making his owners’ job much more manageable. Because their fur is usually short, brushing at least once a week is recommended, but ideally once a day, to remove most of the excess dead hair and strengthen your bond with your kitty.
Kinkalow: Exercise
To prevent your cat from gaining weight and promote a better physical condition, ensure he has the necessary toys. For example, have a cat tree in your house for him to climb, interactive toys to chase, or a few mental stimulation toys.
It won’t be complicated to get your cat to do some exercise, as the Kinkalow is a very active cat that usually runs and jumps daily.
Kinkalow: Price Range
Because they are an uncommon breed of cats, their price tends to be high. With a licensed breeder, you could find them at the cost of around $2,500 to $3,000. While it would be rare to find a Kinkalow in a shelter, we encourage you to look there first so you can give a chance to a kitten looking for a forever home.
There you have it
If you have already fallen in love with these little balls of fur, we suggest you gather patience and start your search because certified breeders are scarce. But don’t worry, you’ll see that when you finally take a Kinkalow home, you won’t regret it. These guys are anyone’s ideal friend, with a perfect temperament and infinite love to share.
Do you have a Kinkalow cat? Are you thinking of getting one or any other cute cat breed? We would love to hear from you in the comments section below!