Kinkalow

The Kinkalow cat breed is a hybrid between the American Curl and Munchkin cats.[1] This designer dwarf cat is an exotic and rare breed known for having the short legs of a Munchkin, and the curled ears of an American Curl.[2]

Kinkalow cat

History

The breed was outcrossed by U.S. breeder, Terri Harris in the mid 1990s.[3] Harris was experimenting with the two breeds just to see what would come of the cross, and she successfully created this new breed that has both short legs and curled ears.[1] The Dwarf Cat Association (TDCA) has since recognized this breed, and got an Experimental Breed status from The International Cat Association (TICA).[1]

Appearance

Since Kinkalow cats are a dwarf breed, they have a small shaped body with long legs and a long tail which could be longer than the length of its body. Its body and head are described as having the shape of a tiger, with features that are fine, yet strong. Although it resembles a tiger like shape, it is balanced by its curled ears giving it an adorable look.[1] Kinkalow kittens are born with straight ears, and within ten days, their ears will begin to slowly curl.[1][3] Some will have more or less curled ears than other, and even though they carry the gene for it, some may never even develop curled ears.[1]

This breed comes in many different coat colors and patterns. Calico, tortie, and tabby are the most common patterns and the most common colors are gray, orange, cream, and black. The coat length can also vary in length from long to short, and hair type can range from shiny, to sleek, to smooth.[1]

Characteristics

Kinkalow cats have a very outgoing and big personality. They are very playful so it is not unusual that they run around at top speed often, and that they should have regular play. They are also very intelligent so the regular play and toys will help keep them busy but also help keep them mentally stimulated. They are so intelligent that they are often taught how to play fetch. They are also very affectionate and like to snuggle and get along well with people, other cats, and cats, making them good pets for families with young children.[2]

Health

The Kinkalow cat breed is a fairly healthy one, and any health problems usually stem from poor breeding or old age. They usually live over 15 years which is longer than most breeds. This breed is low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They usually only need a good brushing about once a week, regular nail trimmings, and only need to be bathed every so often.[2] They generally weigh about six to nine pounds,[4] but they are also more prone to obesity, so owners should feed them an appropriate amount of food.[2]

Since this breed was made through gene mutation that mainly affects the cartilage, it is possible that they can have a cartilage defect that affects their joints. There is a possibility that they can suffer from severe and painful degenerative joint diseases because of this mutation. This disease would cause the joints to stiffen and fuse their bones together causing movement to become very painful and difficult. The curled ears also may make it difficult for the cat to clean them, so owners may need to help them clean their ears to prevent infection and discomfort of their ears by removing dirt or wax. The mutation that makes their legs short may restrict the cat's mobility and there is a possibility of leg deformities resulting in abnormal joints that can be painful and debilitating to the cat. [5] Their short legs combined with their long bodies and their playful demeanor of running around a lot can also cause possible spine injury.

References

1. "Kinkalow Cat Breed Information and Pictures". PetGuide. 2018-03-14. Retrieved 2020-04-04.
2. admin (2017-11-25). "Kinkalow Cat Breed". Everything About Cats!. Retrieved 2020-04-04.
3. "Kinkalow Dwarf Cat". PoC. 2012-05-25. Retrieved 2020-04-04.
4. admin (2017-11-25). "Kinkalow Cat Breed". Everything About Cats!. Retrieved 2020-04-16.
5. "Kinkalow | International Cat Care". icatcare.org. Retrieved 2020-04-16.