You might not have heard of a Kinkalow before because of their rarity, but their look likely has you curious, and we can’t blame you! We think that this dwarf breed has so much to offer potential owners, so you’re definitely going to want to learn more. These short-legged little creatures are perfect for any cat-loving home.
They have an ideal catlike temperament everybody can appreciate if you’re a feline lover. Plus, they have adorably tiny legs, so it’s going to be extra fun to watch them bounce around your house playing. The only catch is that you may need more than a bit of luck finding one.
Kinkalow Cat– Before You Welcome One Into Your Family…
The Kinkalow cat breed was created by crossing American Curl and Munchkin genes. It’s a real wonder they aren’t in the home of every cat lover around. So, what do you get? This adorably cute folded-eared cat with tiny little legs.
2. Kinkalows are extremely rare.
You’ll be lucky to find a Kinkalow kitten—they are extremely rare. If you’re fortunate enough to find a breeder who specializes in this particular feline, you might have some trouble getting your hands on one. But remember, where there is a will, there is a way!
3. Kinkalow cats have an “Experimental Breed” status.
The Kinkalow is considered a rare exotic breed. They are still in experimental breed status from The International Cat Association. In our research, it doesn’t really look like the breed is fighting for any other title for the time being.
Kinkalows tend to have all the qualities most cat lovers could want—spunk, adventurousness, playfulness, intelligence, comical behavior, and affectionateness. Plus, they are insanely cute with their body structure, so all your cat criteria boxes should be checked.
The Kinkalow is a real brainiac. They love to spend time with their owners, which makes it even more likely that they will want to learn from you. Since they are ever-so extremely smart, it makes them excellent candidates for special training—if you’re willing to teach them.
Kinkalows are the life of the party. They want to be in on everything that happens, whether that’s looking out a window at the neighborhood or nosing in on your family dinner. They will happily accompany you to the bathroom or sleep on your feet as you work from home in your office.
But don’t think that these are shadow cats either. They are pretty independent, so they also make good matches for people who have a moderate work schedule. However, have plenty of safe and stimulating toys around to keep them occupied during those alone hours.
Kinkalows are fierce and agile, making them excellent hunters and extremely prey-motivated. Giving them lots of surfaces to climb, scratch, and play will make all the difference—plus, it encourages healthy behaviors.
This kitty is incredibly outgoing, greeting strange faces with no issues. They would much rather explore new experiences than run from them.
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
While individual personalities might mesh differently, this cat makes a wonderful potential addition to any cat-loving home. Permitting you to know an extensive amount about the breed beforehand and there are no surprises, it would be hard to get let down after you bring your Kinkalow home.
These cats tend to have very happy-go-lucky personalities. They usually match very well with all household members, accepting and giving love freely. However, some of them might pick their favorites, gravitating toward them more often.
These cats tend to be very active, ready to play at any given time. So, they can make absolutely unbeatable playmates for school-age children. However, both Kinkalows and toddlers might be a little rough with one another, so supervision should always be a top priority.
This breed is only moderately vocal, meaning that they don’t use a ton of noises to get their point across. Sure, leave the food bowl empty, and you might get an earful but they are otherwise pretty chill.
Because they tend to be on the quiet side, they would work fine if you have close neighbors or roommates. However, because of their rarity and high cost, we only recommend these cats for indoor living.
You might have a Kinkalow that thinks it’s a dog. It is not unusual for these cats to hang out with you, come when they’re called, and even walk on a leash. Their social demeanor makes for awesome companions and playmates for other domesticated pets because of their social demeanor.
In fact, they pair very well with other cats and dogs because of their curiosity and desire to play. If you are gone often, they won’t turn down a playmate to cuddle and run around with while you’re away.
However, it will help if you never introduce your cat to any cage pets. Reptiles, birds, and rodents are prey for cats and can spark a prey drive in an instant. Too many risk factors come from mixing predator and prey. So, even if it seems like your cat and hamster might be best friends—you might not want to find out.
Things to Know When Owning a Kinkalow:
Food & Diet Requirements
Have any specific dietary restrictions, but it’s very important that they do not ever become overweight. Because they have short legs along fine, extra weight can put pressure on the spine, leading to potential joint issues.
So, it’s best to give them a diet that is rich in all of the essential vitamins and minerals and keep snacks to a minimum. Because your Kinkalow will be very active, they can easily maintain proper body weight with appropriate servings.
It’s always best to work directly with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your particular cat. You can choose from a broad selection of commercial diets, including dry kibble, wet food, semi-moist, homemade, and freeze-dried meals.
Exercise 🐈
It won’t be a difficult mission to persuade your Kinkalow to exercise. They are quite active on their own, requiring lots of interactive toys and environments—from cat trees to wall climbers.
Since your cat only needs roughly 15 minutes of exercise per day, it should be no trouble at all.
Kinkalows enjoy any playtime spent with their people. So, if you would like to partake in those activities they would be more than happy to romp around with you. Just be careful to protect your forearms—these kitties are classic kickers.
Despite their small legs, Kinkalows very much enjoy strenuous exercise. If you do not teach them early scratching behaviors and don’t provide them with the correct materials, they might gravitate towards furniture and fabrics in your home.
Ensure that they have a scratching post, exercise toys, and their own spaces like cat condos or trees or prevent unwanted behaviors.
While some cats have no trouble getting in their daily dose of exercise via the zoomies, others require a bit more encouragement to get active. The innovative Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher offers a 3-position design that provides cats with a variety of levels to play on, each engaging their full body and muscles. The durable cardboard scratching pad is an enticing cat-friendly place to climb, stretch, and claw, fulfilling their instinctual need to scratch.
If you are looking to improve your cat's health and increase their energy, check out the Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher.
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Training 🧶
These cats will pick up concepts like using the litter box in the first few uses. They are very sharp, quick, and active. Because they are so in tune with their surroundings, they make very good candidates for even advanced training like walking on a lead and learning tricks.
These cats also tend to have a mind of their own. Sometimes, certain habits that you consider poor behavior can drone on if they don’t feel apt to change it. Even training won’t be convincing in every scenario.
Say your Kinkalow really loves watching you cook meals on the counter. They might not want to stop, no matter what kind of persuasion you present to them. However, it’s best to always use positive reinforcement methods whenever possible.
These cats can get their feelings hurt quite easily, so remember positive reinforcement training is key. They are also highly food motivated, so having treats on hand is a must. It makes your life easier, and it builds trust with your cat.
Grooming ✂️
Grooming your Kinkalow should be no problem. These cats are incredibly clean animals, never missing a good tongue scrubbing. These cats do most of the hard work for you.
But if you would like, daily brushing is a great way to remove excess shedding and dander. Plus, it is a way to be physically affectionate with your cat, creating a bonding experience between the two of you.
If you choose to bathe your kitty, you should do so a maximum of every 6 weeks. Even though the street isn’t particularly prone to skin irritation, using a hypoallergenic style of shampoo will reduce the risk of any chemical irritation.
If you are having issues with your kitty scratching up your belongings, you can always look for options involving nail covers or professional veterinary trims.
This breed can inherit health conditions from either parent breed. That means they take on the potential health risks of the American Curl and the Munchkin cat.
While generally healthy, the Kinkalow has its share of potential genetic and congenital health issues. The best way to get ahead of that is to make sure they have appropriate care at all different stages of their lives.
When your cat is a kitten, they will go to the vet quite frequently to make sure their growth is on par and that they have all necessary vaccinations. During their first year, you will also have the option to have your cat spayed or neutered and microchipped.
Opting for the services ensures that your kitty has a long and healthy life ahead of them.
Kinkalows will be a creature all their own, no matter the gender. These colorful cats are hysterical and so much fun to be around. But when you’re deciding male versus female, what exactly are the differences?
Males tend to be slightly larger and stockier than their female counterparts. They weigh a few pounds more, but both have the same bodily structure overall.
As far as personality is concerned, it’s hard to tell what you will get in either gender. However, males tend to be a little more vocal than their female counterparts. Females might be a little bit more selective about who they spend their time with. No matter what, you’re sure to get an all original.
Final Thoughts
The Kinkalow pretty much fits in with any lifestyle. The trick is going to be whether you can find one within a reasonable distance. This breed still remains in experimental status with the TICA foundation to this day.
Ashley Bates is a freelance dog writer and pet enthusiast who is currently studying the art of animal therapy. A mother to four human children— and 23 furry and feathery kids, too – Ashley volunteers at local shelters, advocates for animal well-being, and rescues every creature she finds. Her mission is to create awareness, education, and entertainment about pets to prevent homelessness. Her specialties are cats and dogs.
