The Kinkalow cat is an exotic and rare breed that is relatively new on the market. It is known for its very energetic and playful personality, so it is no surprise that this new breed has already caught the hearts of many.
This cute-size cat is a product of an original dwarf cat breed, which is the reason for its tiny stature and short legs. However, as small as they may seem, Kinkalows showcase a very mighty presence.
If you are looking for a kitten that is perfect for a small apartment living setup and can be carried around very easily, then this breed may be the best option for you.
In this article, I will share with you all the information, facts, and traits you need to know about this popular breed so you can decide if this cat is for you.
What Is a Kinkalow Cat?
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A Kinkalow cat is a hybrid of two enchanting cat breeds — the Munchkin cat and the American Curl, both known for being affectionate cats with good temperaments. Kinkalow cats have stubby, short legs, which make them rare and unique-looking. Aside from this, they are friendly and lively cats.
Due to the rarity of this breed, it received experimental breed status from The International Cat Association (TICA) and has also been recognized by The Dwarf Cat Association.
This exotic cat’s parents are breeds that are both known for their amazing personalities despite being small in size. They are docile cats with a very independent nature.
Despite being small in stature, the Kinkalow is known to have a huge personality. These fluffy kittens have a very mighty presence in the house as they are very outgoing and affectionate.
This new breed is generally well-loved not just for its cute size but because of its very pleasing personality, making it an excellent choice for any family type – be it those with kids of young age, seniors, and even those with other pets.
Kinkalow Cat Origin and History: Where Does the Kinkalow Cat Come From?
The Kinkalow cat is a relatively new breed whose origin can be dated back to the middle of the 90s when an American breeder, Terri Harris, started crossing the Munchkin and American Curl breed.
Terri Harris wanted to achieve a breed that took the adorable features of the Munchkin cat and American Curl and combined them into a single breed.
It proved to be a huge success as the Kinkalows we have today are exactly how they were envisioned — with adorable short legs, curled ears, and a huge personality.
Terrie Harris’ first Munchkin and American Curl mix fur baby was named Munchkinlanes Kinkalow Louie.
Studies reveal that the name Kinkalow is probably related to the kink in the cat’s ear and their small stature, which keeps them low to the ground.
Although The International Cat Association recognizes the Kinkalow, the breed is still not listed as an official breed by the Cat Fanciers’ Association because it is still in the experimental phase.
That being said, the appearance, personality, lifespan, and other characteristics of the Kinkalow cat may still change slightly in the coming years.
Kinkalow Cat Appearance: What Does a Kinkalow Cat Look Like?
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As with every dwarf breed, Kinkalows are incredibly cute and appealing to cat lovers. Their naturally short legs and other distinct features make them easily identifiable from other cats.
Kinkalow kittens highly resemble their American Curl and Munchkin parent breeds. They usually exhibit their Munchkin parent’s long body with short legs and its American Curl’s curled ears.
Although known for their curly ears, these kittens are born with straight ears, which later turn into a crescent shape as they grow older.
Generally, the head of a Kinkalow is tiger-shaped with a dropped, long snout compared to its head size. They also have long, sleek tails that highly contribute to this breed’s impeccable appearance.
Like other dwarf breeds, Kinkalow kittens also have dazzling round eyes positioned relatively close to each other.
This breed can feature any color and pattern, which means you might find a Kinkalow with a white coat and another with a chocolate-colored coat. There are also calico, tortie, gray, orange, cream, and black Kinkalows.
And while most Kinkalow showcases gorgeous medium-length hair, some may develop longer hair.
To have an idea about what a Kinkalow cat looks like, watch this video:
KINKALOW CATS 2021<a href="https://youtu.be/NgpGHyUwHVE" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FNgpGHyUwHVE%2F0.jpg" alt="KINKALOW CATS 2021" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Kinkalow Cat Size and Weight: How Big Do Kinkalow Cats Get When Fully Grown?
Kinkalows are generally small and compact cats. When fully grown, they only grow about 7 to 8 inches in height and about 3 to 7 pounds in terms of weight.
They usually reach their full adult size by the time they are 9 to 12 months old. However, certain factors influence their final size, including nutrition, general health, and quality of life.
In addition, genetics also play a huge part in this cat’s growth. So, to gauge how your kittens will be when it’s full-grown, you may observe their fur parents.
No matter how old a Kinkalow gets, they stay short the entire time. So, if you are looking for a large-sized pet, then this breed may not be the one you’re looking for.
On the brighter side, owning a small pet will save you expenses on food as they are moderate eaters and will completely stay in their cute size forever.
Kinkalow Cat Personality and Temperament: Do Kinkalow Cats Make Good Family Pets?
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Kinkalow cats make amazing family pets because of their endearing personality traits. They can be a great addition to your family, especially if you have small children around.
A Kinkalow kitten displays a very playful personality that matches very well with young kids as they enjoy running around, playing with toys, and can even play fetch.
You also don’t have to worry if you have other pets around. Kinkalows will easily adjust to cats, dogs, and other animals as well.
In addition to that, Kinkalow kittens are known for being highly sociable and intelligent cats. In fact, one telltale Kinkalow cat breed characteristics include the love of human interaction.
This trait is one of the things that set them apart from other breeds. As you would expect, this cat will do great with any cat-loving family!
Kinkalow Cat Breed Recognition: Is Kinkalow a Recognized Breed?
Unfortunately, since this cat is a relatively new breed, it is not yet recognized by any national or international cat fancy associations. However, it is registered under experimental status with The International Cat Association.
An experimental status is a provisional register for breeds that are still under development.
Under this status, breeds like Kinkalows are not yet recognized by associations and are restricted in joining cat shows that will enable them to showcase their breed’s standard and beauty.
The reason being is that while under experimental status, the characteristics, behavior, physical attributes, and breed standard of the Kinkalow are not yet final as they may still undergo changes or developments.
Kinkalow Cat Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Kinkalow Cats Healthy Cats?
The Kinkalow cat is a generally healthy breed with very few health issues. With proper care, this breed is believed to be one of the most long-lived cat breeds that can live up to 18 to 20 years.
Listed below are some of the most common health problems of the Kinkalow cat:
Spinal Injuries: Like most dwarf cats, Kinkalow cats are susceptible to spinal injuries due to the length of their bodies relative to their leg length. Owners must pay close attention to any pain or tenderness symptoms in their backs.
Obesity: Although quite rare, Kinkalow kittens are at higher risk for obesity, so one must make sure they do not give dry or wet food and treats beyond the suggested amount.
Ear Infection: Due to the breed having curled ears, they have narrow ear canals that often lead to wax buildup and may later progress to an ear infection. To avoid this, the pet parent must clean their ears frequently.
Degenerative Joint Disease: Kinkalows are prone to degenerative joint disease because of their bone structure. This condition refers to the gradual and irreversible deterioration of the articular cartilage of the joints. This disease is related to arthritis.
Other than the health concerns above, there are no other known problems with the Kinkalow cat breed. But as with any animal, it is still best to always check with licensed veterinarians every now and then.
How to Take Care of Your Kinkalow Cat
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As with other animals, you should first know how to take care of your Kinkalow kitten before you even start your cat hunting.
This section will help you learn the responsibilities that go along with taking care of this exotic and rare breed.
Food and Diet
The Kinkalow cat breed does not have any specific dietary needs, except, of course, if there are any mentioned by a licensed veterinarian.
Owners, however, must make sure to give high-quality cat food to keep their skin, coat, and weight in ideal conditions.
Whether you have a kitten or adult Kinkalow, you should make sure that they are within the average healthy body weight.
In addition, your Kinkalows will appreciate it if you give them treats every now and then as a reward. Avoid giving them too much, though, as these treats do not contain nutrients found in kibbles.
It is best to check with licensed veterinarians about the amount of food your Kinkalow kitten must intake for proper food quantities. This amount highly depends on how old the cat is and its activity level.
Cleaning and Grooming
The Kinkalow breed is generally a low-maintenance breed. Weekly brushing of their silky fur goes a long way in keeping their coat healthy, especially when you use a good quality cat brush.
Moreover, Kinkalows are known to shed a bit because of having a medium-length coat. But with more frequent brushing, dead fur and excess dander can be kept to a minimum.
It is also recommended to bathe your cat at least once every four to six weeks. This is to make sure that no debris and dirt is left under your cat’s fur.
Since Kinkalows have curled ears, they are at high risk for ear infections and wax buildup. Frequent cleaning with cotton swabs is highly recommended.
Finally, although not required, an occasional trip to a professional groomer is recommended to make sure your Kinkalow gets the best care possible.
Training and Exercise
The Kinkalow cat breed is extremely intelligent. Thus, it is expected that they are very easy to train. However, it is best to start training them while they are still young.
Most Kinkalows are taught basic obedience and tricks like how to sit and fetch, but they are also capable of learning more complex tricks since they are very versatile.
Owners should also note that Kinkalows are highly energetic cats who enjoy cat trees, mouse toys, and puzzle toys. Providing these toys for your Kinkalow will not just let them enjoy but will also help them exercise.
How Much Does a Kinkalow Cat Cost? Kitten Prices and Expenses
The price of a Kinkalow cat starts from $2,000 to $3,000, depending on the cat breeder. The price tag is so high because this breed, as mentioned earlier, is exotic and very rare.
Certain factors may cause this price to soar higher such as the reputation of the cat breeder and the quality of the Kinkalow kitten that you’re getting.
If you already find the cost of a Kinkalow cat expensive, you might rethink your choices as you still have a lot of expenses to make as you take home this adorable kitten.
Here is the initial cost of expenses that you need to consider when you take home a Kinkalow cat breed:
Knowing the estimated initial cost of taking home a Kinkalow cat will help you prepare your budget accordingly.
However, the expenses do not end there, as you also need a budget for your cat’s monthly and annual expenses and an emergency fund that you must set aside.
To give you a more in-depth idea about the expenditures that come with owning this kitten, here is an article about the expenses of owning a Munchkin cat.
Since this is one of the Kinkalow breed’s parents, you may expect similarities in costs.
Places to Find Kinkalow Cat Kittens for Sale and Adoption
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As previously mentioned, a Kinkalow kitten is a new breed in the market and is considered an exotic and rare breed. Thus, it can be challenging to find a reputable breeder.
If you are interested in owning a Kinkalow cat, in-depth research about the breeder is needed to ensure that you’re getting a good quality kitten free from potentially life-threatening disorders.
The following breeders may offer a good-quality Kinkalow cat for sale:
Tica Kinkalow Kittens – This breeder in Panama City Beach, Florida, specializes in breeding Kinkalows, Munchkins, and American Curls. To secure a spot, they require a non-refundable deposit of $200. Interested individuals may personally visit them to check on the kitten that they like.
KyTy Kittens – This Kansas-based breeder does not specialize in breeding Kinkalows, but they have kittens of this breed available every now and then. They are dedicated to producing healthy kittens with robust genetics to preserve and enhance the breed.
Felines4Us – This is an online classified ads website that is dedicated to connecting people who want to buy registered cats with breeders and sellers. There are thousands of cats listed on this website. Thus, you may be able to find the Kinkalow you’re looking for here.
Unfortunately, if you are opting to adopt this breed, it may be hard for you to find one. Since this is a designer breed, it is almost impossible for you to find them in local shelters. However, that doesn’t mean it is impossible.
I have here a list of adoption websites that you check to see whether they have Kinkalows kittens for adoption:
Kitten Rescue – Kitten Rescue is a non-profit organization located in Los Angeles. They rescue cats and kittens from the streets of LA and from the city shelter. They have rescued and adopted over 21,000 cats, and over 1,000 cats are adopted by many cat lovers every year. You may check their website to see if there are any Kinkalows for adoption.
Adopt-a-Pet – This online pet database has thousands of animals for adoption. You may check their website for a chance to spot a Kinkalow. For years, Adopt-a-Pet has been connecting adopters to shelters and helping rescued cats find loving families.
A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter – This private, non-profit organization in Illinois provides temporary shelter for animals waiting for their forever home. They have several cat breeds available for adoption every now and then, so you should check them out to see if they have Kinkalows.
If you have already checked out the places above and didn’t find the one that you’re looking for, read our guide on ways to find free kittens for adoption in your area.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Kinkalow Cat
Before you even start your Kinkalow cat hunting, you must first make sure you know what you’re getting into. That is why it is important to weigh things first before committing to taking home a Kinkalow cat.
I listed here the pros and cons of owning a Kinkalow cat to help make your decision-making a bit easier.
Here are the upsides of owning a Kinkalow cat:
Long lifespan: Kinkalows are one of the breeds with the longest lifespan, which falls between 18 and 20 years when given proper care and a healthy diet. You have a long time to spend with your Kinkalow cat, and you can literally grow old with them.
Adorable appearance: Owning a Kinkalow would mean taking care of an irresistibly cute-size fur baby. This breed is unquestionably one of the most adorable breeds there is — the very reason why it has already won the hearts of many despite being new to the market.
Friendly and intelligent: Kinkalows are very intelligent cats who can be very adaptable to their environment. You wouldn’t have to worry about your dogs and this Kinkalow not getting along because that is unlikely to happen. They are also great for children, so they are really a perfect choice for all families!
On the flip side, here are the cons of having a Kinkalow cat that you should note:
Expensive to own: Spending $2,000 on a kitten may not be very practical for potential cat owners. However, the price of Kinkalows is quite reasonable because of its rarity.
Very hard to come by: Due to the breed’s rarity, it would be tough for you to look for specific breeders that sell Kinkalows. If you’re lucky to find any, you must set your expectations right as the litters may already be reserved by other interested cat lovers beforehand.
Still under experimental breed status: The Kinkalow cat breed is an experimental breed which means there still may be further changes in its features and behaviors. Also, there aren’t many experienced Kinkalow owners yet, so it might be hard for you to ask around whenever you have questions about your cat.
Through this list, you must be able to evaluate whether or not the Kinkalow cat breed is the right breed for you. This is a very crucial step in cat-hunting that potential cat owners should not skip.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do Kinkalow Cats Shed a Lot?
Since the Kinkalow cat breed belongs to the medium-haired breeds, they shed quite a bit. However, you may be able to lessen their shedding with frequent brushing and by following specific grooming requirements.
For Kinkalow cats with a very playful nature, they may shed a bit more. Thus, increased frequency in brushing might be necessary to minimize the fur around the house.
Are Kinkalow Cats Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, Kinkalow cats aren’t hypoallergenic. As mentioned above, they shed quite a bit and may trigger people that have asthma, allergic rhinitis, and similar problems.
If you have the said problems, you might rethink whether or not you can deal with the Kinkalow’s shedding.
Are Kinkalow Cats Good with Other Pets?
Yes, Kinkalows are very friendly and sociable cats. They can get along really well with other pets, especially if introduced at a younger age.
However, when playing with bigger dogs, owners must make sure to always keep an eye as they are small cats and may be prone to accidents.
Final Thoughts: Is a Kinkalow Cat the Right Cat for You?
The Kinkalow cat is suited for all families as they get along really well with everyone — younger kids, adults, and fellow animals alike, making them a great pet.
Aside from their temperament, their looks are very captivating as well. Who wouldn’t want an adorable kitten, right?
However, one must really contemplate first before they finally decide to get one, as these Kinkalows are not just expensive, but they can also be demanding pets at times.
Committing to taking home a cat, whatever the breed is, is something that should be taken seriously.
Do you want a Kinkalow cat as your next pet? Let us know in the comments below.
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