Seeing a Kinkalow for the first time is not for the faint of heart, especially if you love exotic and unique breeds. Because if you thought that it’s impossible for a cat to look like a teddy bear, the Kinkalow is here to prove you wrong. Indeed, you’ll feel one of your children’s toys came alive to purr and meow around you.
And it is a fascinating creature, make no mistake. So what makes it rare and exotic, exactly? Compared to other breeds, this is a relatively new species, a result of tout-crossing, or out-breeding, an interesting topic we’ll explain in a minute. This particular feline is a combination of the Munchkin cat and the American Curl, which is the main culprit for that adorable ear shape.
To get more familiar with this breed, let’s dive into what makes it so special and desired, and maybe you’ll even get inspired to get one of your own!
What is Out-Crossing?
Sometimes breeders, in order to create a novel species from existing cats they like, engage in the process of out-crossing, or out-breeding. This is a method of combining two different cat breeds, a practice that goes way back historically. Breeds differ in appearance, traits, personality, health, etc. To learn this in detail, outcrossing requires careful study instead of randomly pairing up any two species.
The basic idea is to insert fresh genes, or “new blood”, as they call it, into a breeding line. In this way, breeders increase genetic diversity and can remove undesirable traits or introduce desirable qualities in animals.
Perhaps the most well-known and recognizable hybrid cat in the world is the Bengal cat. This one’s a mix between the domestic cat, typically the Egyptian Mau, and the wild Asian Leopard cat. The resulting Bengal is then bred again with a friendlier sort since the wildcat influence is still too strong in the offspring. Finally, the breeder gets a new domesticated species, and the feline world is enriched further.
How the Kinkalow Came About
As we mentioned, this adorable feline is a cross between the Munchkin, also quite a new breed considered by many to be the original dwarf cat, and the American Curl, famous for its cute little ears curled backward. A breeder named Terri Harris combined these two for the first time in 1997, introducing the first baby Kinkalow to the world.
The result was a fiery, agile, and playful creature with curly ears and short legs. Being a dwarf cat, it is recognized as such by the TDCA (The Dwarf Cat Association), as well as TICA (The International Cat Association (TICA). The average life expectancy for a healthy Kinkalow is between 12 and 15 years.
Physical Traits
Knowing what the two original breeds look like, the Kinkalow’s appearance is precisely what you would expect. We already mentioned the bent ears, heritage from the American Curl’s end of things. It’s interesting how in the kitten stage, the ears are straight like in other breeds, and they gradually curl up later on. Also, many have compared the head shape to a little tiger, only way less menacing, of course.
Though miniature by stature, the Kinkalow has a long body and short legs, characteristics of the Munchkin breed. Typically weighing about seven pounds, the height is seven-eight inches. Owing to its tiny, innocent face, this species retains its kitten-like appearance even in adulthood. You’re never quite sure if you’re patting a baby or an adult Kinkalow – it will charm the pants off you in both cases!
As for color, there is no set rule with this breed. You can find them in all patterns and shades, and the coat can be white, tabby, orange, black, chocolate-colored, calico, etc.
Patterns also vary from one cat to another. The hair is short to semi-long, and very soft to the touch, so you’ll definitely enjoy petting this furball. But don’t be fooled by its mousy, timid look: this breed has energy to spare, which makes it an excellent companion for children.
A Joy to Spend Time With
If you like cats, but the aloof behavior gets on your nerves sometimes, you’ve come to the right place. Kinkalows are among the friendliest and gentlest felines out there, never acting aggressively unless provoked. What’s even better, their nature doesn’t change as they grow, so a 14-year-old Kinkalow can be as mischievous as a kitten.
Trust and loyalty matter big time to this ball of floof. Once they get used to their owner, they love them unconditionally and will show signs of sadness, even depression if you’re away for too long. This is more pronounced in females, who rarely leave their comfort zone, and males won’t settle down until they’ve inspected every nook and cranny in your household.
It’s very fun to watch a Kinkalow around other pets or people. They sure love attention and will try to gain everyone’s favor if they can. Babies, toddlers, older children – this breed is a perfect match for all of them. Due to their amiable nature, they will never act as leaders, so don’t worry about them trying to dominate other pets or act in a superior way. They also love cuddling, so they’ll appreciate every moment you can devote to them.
A Few Tips
When it comes to grooming, it’s important to keep a regular routine as with all other cats. This means dental care, eye, ear, and paw cleaning, coat brushing, etc. It really depends on the hair length, so in the case of Kinkalow, you won’t have too much trouble.
A healthy diet is essential for your feline. It should be high-protein, with plenty of minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids like Omega-3, etc. Combining canned with fresh food is ideal, but please stick to food approved by the AAFCO, the Association of American Feed Control Officials. Your pet deserves only the best, so try to avoid shady brands that could put your kitty in danger.
Last, but not least: regular vet checkups. It’s always best to avoid the issue instead of fixing it, so let the vet ensure the best possible future for your furry friend.
