Kinkalow Cats 101 : Fun Facts & Myths
Channel: Kitten Life
Date: 2020-12-31

Use coupon code "KITTENLIFE" to get 20% OFF The Best Cat Collars Available here : 
https://www.bemixpets.com
( Use coupon code "KITTENLIFE" to get 20% OFF )
Maine Coon Facebook Page : 
https://www.facebook.com/MaineCoon.org/
Maine Coon Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/mainecoonorg

===========================================================

In today's video, we are going to talk about some interesting facts and myths about the Kinkalow Cat.


The Kinkalow is a new cat breed not recognized yet by any cat fancy associations in the United States or abroad. However, its short stature and curled ears have endeared this little kitty to many cat lovers since the breed’s inception in the 1990s.
Both the Kinkalow’s short legs and curled ears are the result of spontaneous genetic mutations. Each of these traits has been systematically bred into different cat breeds since the late 20th century.

The Kinkalow is a member of a growing trend to miniaturize cats by crossing them with the Munchkin breed. Other breeds like this include Napoleon, which is a miniaturized Persian, and the Dwelf, which is a miniaturized Sphynx.


Here are some of the interesting facts about the Kinkalow Cat, which will give you some further insight into its characteristics and temperament.


1. Kinkalow Cat's Breed History and Origins.

Cat breeder Terri Harris wondered what would happen if she took one of her Munchkins and bred it to an American Curl. The result was a cat with short legs, like the Munchkin, and ears that curled back like the American Curl. She and other lovers of dwarf breeds developed the Kinkalow throughout the 1990s, and it finally gained recognition as an experimental breed by The International Cat Association in 19 97. Harris named one of the original kittens Kinkalow Louie, which is presumably where the name for the breed originated. It may also be assumed that the name refers to the “kink” in their ears and the fact that they are “low” to the ground.

The Kinkalow is currently an experimental domestic hybrid breed that is not recognized by any national or international cat fancy associations, and it is still in a period of breeding in which its characteristics are being stabilized. Any information about this breed, particularly about its personality, lifespan, and genetic health, is still in flux and may vary depending on the individual cat.


2. Kinkalow Cat's Size and Physical Characteristics.

The Kinkalow has a very unique appearance, it combines the kitten-like appearance of the Munchkin with the unique ears of the American Curl. These cats are short, only about 7 inches tall due to their dwarfed legs. Other than their legs, the cats have a medium build, with a longish, semi-exotic body. Their chests should be well-rounded and their stout legs set evenly apart. The front legs of a Kinkalow are often shorter than their back legs. Although they have firm muscles, Kinkalows should not appear bulky. Their tails are often longer than their bodies. The Kinkalow is known for its soft fur, which can be either short hair or long hair. Their coats come in a variety of shades and patterns, and in exotic combinations thereof. 

The Kinkalow’s ears are another important part of their composition. The curled ears should be placed evenly apart on the head and curve backward to an angle between 90 and 180 degrees from the head. When alert, the tips of the ears should point to the skull’s center. Kinkalow kittens are born with straight ears, but they begin curling within a week of their birth. As the kittens grow, the ears change, settling into their final curl by about five months of age. These ears are made of firm, stiff cartilage that can be very delicate.


3.  Kinkalow Cat's Colors.

The Kinkalow can feature any color and pattern. This means that you might encounter a Kinkalow that features a white coat, and you might find another that has a chocolate-colored coat. Other common colors and patterns include calico, tortie, tabby, gray, orange, cream, and black.


4. Kinkalow Cat's Personality and Temperament.

While maintaining the small, kittenlike stature of their Munchkin roots, the Kinkalow also inherited the American Curl’s “Peter Pan” personality. This means that they are a sweet and playful breed, always ready to lounge in a lap or to play a game of fetch. They can retain their kittenish playfulness well into old age, and their low to the ground stature does not prevent a Kinkalow from keeping up with other playful pets. Indeed, you will often find these short cats perched in surprisingly high places, the top of a desk, for example, or a kitchen counter. Kinkalows make good companions for humans of all ages, as well as both experienced and first-time cat owners. They are not incredibly vocal cats, but they will voice their needs when they are hungry or need attention.