A small, short-legged cat with a semi-cobby body, a round, wide head, rounded ears and big round eyes set well apart. The torso has only a sparse, cashmere-soft covering, while denser short fur grows on the face mask, ears, legs and tail, creating 'fur points'. Whiskers may be present or absent.12
Personality what they are like
Gentle, loving and fun. Minskins enjoy people, including children, and love to play without being destructive around the home.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Minimal grooming is needed for the sparse, fine coat.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Like every cat, an obligate carnivore that does best on a complete, balanced cat food suited to its age and activity level, with fresh water always available.
Company who they like around
Thrives on human interaction and usually gets along well with other animals.2
The story where it all began
Paul McSorley, an experienced Burmese breeder, began the Minskin in Boston in 1998, aiming for a short-legged cat with fur mainly on its points. He combined Munchkin and Sphynx lines and later added Devon Rex and Burmese. The first cat matching his goal was born in July 2000, and by 2005 around 50 Minskins had been registered.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Four breeds went into its make-up: Munchkin, Sphynx, Devon Rex and Burmese.1
2
The first Minskin to meet the founder's goal was born in July 2000.2
3
Its founder's home cattery, TRT, is known as the original home of the breed.3
4
Its breeders describe the Minskin's look as exotic and almost alien-like, thanks to its fur points on a nearly bare body.2
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed name 'Minskin' is a portmanteau of 'miniature' and 'skin', reflecting the cat's small size and mostly hairless coat.1
I woke up snuggled under the blanket, my tiny body warm against my human. After a gentle stretch, I trotted to the living room for a game of chase with my favorite jingle ball. I batted it under the sofa, then squeezed myself after it, easy with my short legs! Later, I climbed onto my human's shoulder for a ride to the kitchen. I watched them cook, purring loudly. In the afternoon, a child visited and I showed them my soft belly for rubs. We played hide-and-seek behind the curtains. Now I'm curled in a lap, dreaming of tomorrow.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
TICA
Accepted as a Preliminary New Breed in 2008; listed by Wikipedia as a TICA standard breed. Status reported differently across sources.2
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
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
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.
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 Minskin, and at what times?
Feeding frequency and times depend on your cat's age, activity, and the food you choose. A good breeder or your vet can give you a schedule that suits your Minskin best.
What should a Minskin eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete, balanced cat food suited to your Minskin's age and activity, with fresh water always available. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and xylitol, cats are especially sensitive to onion and garlic.4
Does a Minskin need baths?
Yes, because their sparse coat doesn't absorb skin oils. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every two weeks to keep their skin healthy and clean.2Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Minskin need brushing?
Minimal grooming is needed for their fine, sparse coat. An occasional gentle brush once a week or so can help remove any loose hairs and keep them comfortable.25
How do I trim a Minskin's claws, and how often?
Trim their claws every two to three weeks, starting with just one or two claws per session to help them get used to it. Use a proper cat nail trimmer and be careful not to cut the quick.5Pet Wiki plan
How much play does a Minskin need?
Minskins love to play and thrive on daily interactive play sessions. Furry Diary's plan includes daily play to keep them happy and engaged.2Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Minskin's teeth and ears?
Clean their ears gently once a week to remove any wax buildup. Brush their teeth daily if possible, Furry Diary suggests every two days as a good starting goal. Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Minskin live?
Lifespan varies for each cat, so ask your breeder or vet for an estimate based on your Minskin's lineage and health.
Is a Minskin good with children and other pets?
Yes, Minskins are gentle, loving, and fun, and they enjoy people including children. They usually get along well with other animals too.2
Can a Minskin be left alone?
Minskins thrive on human interaction and prefer not to be left alone for long periods. If you're away often, consider a companion pet or enrichment toys.2
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.
Bambino
Munchkin
Sphynx
Devon Rex
Dwelf