Once you first lay eyes on a Munchkin cat, you’ll be in love. Their short, tiny legs and kind expressions make them appear kitten-like long after they’ve grown up. People took to the Munchkin cat so much that breeders decided to take things to the next level. With some deliberate experimental mixes, people have used Munchkins to make hybrids, creating all sorts of different looks and temperaments.
Some of these creative crosses you may know, while others are still very fresh and rare. Let’s take a look at these eight Munchkin cats to see how transformative they have become.
Just take a look at this stunning specimen. You may have never seen one before. The newly developed Minskin is a hybrid cross between four different cat breeds: the Munchkin, Sphynx, Burmese, and Devon Rex. While this combo can lend several potential litter outcomes, most have light peach fuzz for a coat.
The Minskin has penetrating blue eyes, a long low-riding body, and stubby little legs. The breed is hypoallergenic—which is super attractive for someone who loves cats, but not the sneezing that comes with them. Despite their breeding, they’re relatively healthy, with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
Minskins are remarkably intelligent, which makes them somewhat naughty at times. But that can be highly entertaining for observers. They’re eager to learn and curious to see what’s going on in the world around them. They’re alert, social, and not the type to hide under the bed to escape people.
2. Skookum
Image Credit: Linn Currie, Shutterstock
Skookum cats have quite the interesting hairdo—like natural, medium-length beach waves. They have long, puffy tails and short legs with all sorts of coat patterns and colors. At first glance, you may think this is an ordinary house cat until you notice their short stature and specific features.
Female cats typically have looser coat curls while the males’ curls are kinkier. Even the whiskers on this breed are curly, creating a whimsical look. Skookums have short, stocky bodies that are muscular rather than slinky.
When it comes to personality, Skookums are young at heart. They remain very lovable and kitten-like long after they’ve grown up. They’re calm, sweet, and playful—and they are usually excellent with children and even strangers. These attributes work amazingly for large families or multi-pet households.
The Dwelf has a name that comes from the words “dwarf” and “elf” with short-legged bodies and elf-like ears to live up to it. The breed is a combination of the Sphynx, Munchkin, and American Curl—making them a highly sought after hairless breed.
The Dwelf may have more health concerns than some other munchkin breeds, as they are prone to skeletal and joint problems. But these cats have a very desirable build and adorably curly tails—so hopefully, breeders will eliminate health issues as the Dwelf further develops.
These cats are not shy creatures in the slightest and will always be the life of the party. Dwelfs have very outgoing, energy-packed personalities that are sure to put a smile on your face. But since the breed is still so new, good luck finding a reputable breeder near you.
4. Genetta
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The Genetta got its name from the African Genet, which is a spotted wild cat in Europe. Every Genetta cat has a unique pattern of marble or spots, making it a very distinguishable munchkin breed. They aimed to create a cat that had the wild look of the Genet without the untamable personality.
While they have been around longer than some Munchkin cat breeds, the crosses that made this cat are a little muddy. It’s for sure that they used Bengals, Savannah’s, and Munchkin cats. But many other breeds could’ve played a role for modern-day Genettas.
These cats are known for their award-winning temperaments, making fabulous playmates for kids and other pets. They thrive on attention and may even be needy sometimes. These cats aren’t as independent as others, and they won’t want to be alone for very long—so make sure you can devote attention to them.
The cute little Kinkalow is a hybrid of the American Curl and Munchkin cats. Their best features are their adorable curled ears and low-slinging bodies with tails that exceed their length. Because of that, they may appear even shorter for an ultra-dwarf look.
This breed was experimental—so they are scarce and hard to find. A Kinkalow’s build is dainty but sturdy, and their coats can be any color on the spectrum. Some Kinkalows don’t ever develop the curled ears, but all of them carry the gene.
Kinkalows love snuggles just as much as they love romping around. So, if you’re looking for a cuddle buddy that will also keep you on your toes, they will deliver the perfect balance. They’re brilliant to boot, so be prepared for them to outwit you at every turn.
The curly little Lambkin got its name—as you may guess—from their wooly coats. They are a hybrid cross of the Munchkin and Selkirk cats, making them short and stout with ultra curly hairdos. These coats are super soft—never coarse or wiry.
As with any cross, the Lambkin may take on traits of one parent over another. So, not all cats will develop the tightly bound curls of the Selkirk. Some will have the straight hair of the classic Munchkin cat—which is still equally adorable.
Lambkins tend to be frisky, friendly, and fun. They love to have a good time chasing around their favorite toys or following you around, meowing for more food. They’re definitely characters, having distinct and exciting personalities.
7. Napoleon
Image Credit: Robert Way, Shutterstock
The bright-eyed Napoleon cat is a cross between the Munchkin and Persian. It was developed in 1996 and has become a beloved breed ever since. Their look incorporates the tiny legs of the Munchkin and the short snout of the Persian—taking on the best of both worlds.
Of course, any Napoleon cat can take on more traits of either parent. These cats are typically medium to long-haired and can come in any shade or pattern. These cats have large, round penetrating eyes and circular faces.
Napoleons will love befriending any company that comes to your house. They’re also very patient and loving toward small children, which is a perk if you have little ones running around. They don’t like to be alone, so make sure this kitty will have plenty of human interaction before you decide to buy.
The Bambino is a seamless combination of the Munchkin and Sphynx breeds. Cats of this type are usually hairless like the Sphynx parent, but one can have peach fuzz or full fur. But most of the time, these little guys are bald. They can take on many skin colors, but typically shades of cream or black.
If you have an all-hairless Bambino, they will need frequent wipe downs to eliminate oily residue on the body. If you have them outdoors in the cold or direct sunlight, they will need skin protection—like clothes or sunscreen. A good rule of thumb is that if you’re too cold or hot, so are they.
Bambinos are incredibly playful and love pouncing around their house. They may actively peer outside to watch buzzing insects or flying birds with great attentiveness. They are smart, loving, and snuggly. Bambinos are also very rare and still reasonably recent.
Christian is the Editor-in-Chief of Excited Cats and one of its original and primary contributors. A lifelong cat lover, now based in South East Asia, Christian and his wife are the proud parents of an 11-year-old son and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
