Pet Wiki

Kinkalow

Rare breedShort profile

From United States, created in the 1990s by crossing the Munchkin with the American Curl.123

At a glance the quick version

Height18 to 20 cm2
Sizesmall
playful and curious
outgoing with strangers
can learn to walk on a leash
2

Coat and looks how to spot one

short coat; short legs and curled ears

A small cat that pairs the short legs of the Munchkin with the backward-curling ears of the American Curl. The coat is mostly short, though it can vary between cats.132

Coloursall colours and patterns3

Personality what they are like

Playful, adventurous and affectionate, with a sociable, almost dog-like streak; many enjoy meeting new people.2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. Around two short interactive play sessions a day, with low cat trees suited to its short legs.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush a few times a week, check ears often and trim nails about monthly.2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A protein-rich cat food with portions kept in check to maintain a lean body.2

The story where it all began

The Kinkalow was developed in the USA in the 1990s by combining two newer breeds, the short-legged Munchkin and the curl-eared American Curl. It remains a rare, experimental breed.21

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its look combines two different natural mutations: short legs and curled ears.1

  2. 2

    It is very rare, so future owners may need to travel and join long waiting lists.2

  3. 3

    Some Kinkalows happily learn to walk on a leash.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name likely comes from the 'kink' in their ears (from the American Curl) and the fact that they are 'low' to the ground (from the Munchkin). The name may have originated from one of the first kittens, Kinkalow Louie, bred by Terri Harris in 1997.4

Name ideas for your new friend

CurlyMochiPippinNoodleToffeeZiggyDaisyCocoRascalSnickersBiscuitTinker

A day in the life told by a Kinkalow

I greet the morning with a stretch and a chirp. My human tosses a feather toy, and I dash after it, my short legs carrying me fast. I meet a visitor and rub against their legs, purring. For a low climb, I scale my cat tree, then settle for a snuggle. Later, we play hide-and-seek behind the couch. I nap in a sunbeam, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Rare and Exotic Feline Registry
Recognised1
TICA
Experimental breed status2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Kinkalow. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
  • Extra water as needed

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Kinkalow, and at what times?

Feed your Kinkalow a protein-rich cat food with portions kept in check to maintain a lean body. For exact amounts and timing, check the food label and ask your vet, as needs vary by age and activity.2

What should a Kinkalow eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A protein-rich cat food is recommended. Dangerous foods include chocolate, caffeine, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, chives, and xylitol; avoid these entirely.25

Does a Kinkalow need baths?

Baths are rarely needed; only bathe if your cat is very dirty or sticky. Regular brushing keeps the coat clean.6

How often does a Kinkalow need brushing?

Brush your Kinkalow a few times a week. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing weekly, but short-haired cats often do well with once or twice a week.26 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Kinkalow's claws, and how often?

Trim nails about monthly, or every ten days to two weeks as needed. Start with no more than two claws per session, and use proper cat nail clippers. Furry Diary's plan suggests trimming every three weeks.26 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Kinkalow need?

Your Kinkalow needs moderate activity, around two short interactive play sessions daily. Low cat trees suit its short legs. Furry Diary recommends daily play.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Kinkalow's teeth and ears?

Check ears often and clean gently if needed. For teeth, daily brushing is ideal; Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing every two days. Ask your vet for proper techniques.2 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Kinkalow live?

Lifespan varies, but with good care many cats live into their teens. Senior years usually start around age 11, so regular vet checkups are important. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Kinkalow good with children and other pets?

Yes, Kinkalows are playful, adventurous, and affectionate with a sociable, almost dog-like streak. They often enjoy meeting new people and can get along well with children and other pets when properly introduced.2

Can a Kinkalow be left alone?

Kinkalows are sociable and may not like long periods alone. Provide toys and enrichment if you're away, but for specific needs, ask your vet or a good breeder.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

MunchkinAmerican CurlBambino

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. List of experimental cat breeds (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, parent breeds, registry
  2. Catster: Kinkalow cat breed catster.comused for TICA status, size, temperament, care
  3. List of cat breeds (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for type, coat, colours
  4. maryvalleymunchkincats.com maryvalleymunchkincats.com
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.