Felis catus
Kinkalow
Featured photokinkalow.jpgThe Kinkalow is an experimental dwarf breed combining the Munchkin's short legs with the American Curl's curled-back ears. The breed was developed by Kentucky breeder Terri Harris beginning in the 1990s. TICA accepts the Kinkalow for experimental registration in the new breed category. CFA, GCCF, and FIFe have not published Kinkalow standards. The breed name combines 'kinked' (a reference to the curled ears) with 'low' (a reference to the short legs). The standard describes a small, short-legged cat with curled-back ears and a moderate body type.
Quick facts
- Origin country
- United States
- Origin period
- 1990s Munchkin x American Curl cross by Terri Harris; TICA experimental registration
- Coat type
- Short
- Coat colors
- All colours and patterns recognized (both shorthair and longhair varieties)
- Size category
- Small
- Average lifespan
- 12-15 years
- Recognition
- —
Origin
Terri Harris of Kentucky began developing the Kinkalow in the 1990s by crossing Munchkin cats with American Curl cats. The breed combines two dominant mutations: the Munchkin's short-leg gene (Mk) and the American Curl's curled-ear gene (Cu). The breed name combines 'kinked' — a reference to the curled-back ears — with 'low' — a reference to the short legs. Both shorthair and longhair varieties were developed in parallel.
Recognition
TICA accepts the Kinkalow for experimental registration in the new breed category. The breed has not yet advanced to championship status. CFA, GCCF, and FIFe have not published Kinkalow standards. The breed is shown primarily through TICA-affiliated experimental classes in North America. Outcrosses to Munchkin and American Curl are permitted to maintain genetic diversity.
Standard
The draft TICA experimental standard describes a small, well-balanced cat with the Munchkin's short legs and the American Curl's distinctive curled-back ears. The body is moderate in length, well-proportioned despite the short legs. The head is moderate in shape, intermediate between the Munchkin and American Curl head types. Ears must curl back smoothly in the American Curl style; show-quality curl ranges from 90 to 180 degrees. Newborn Kinkalow kittens have straight ears that begin curling between two and ten days after birth. All colours and patterns are recognized.
Sources & further reading (3)
- tica-standard — accessed 2026-04-30
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-30
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-30
Frequently asked questions
What two breeds are crossed to produce the Kinkalow?
The Kinkalow is a cross between the Munchkin and the American Curl. The breed combines the Munchkin's dominant short-leg gene (Mk) with the American Curl's dominant curled-ear gene (Cu). Both genes are autosomal dominant; Kinkalow kittens may inherit one, both, or neither parental trait.
Is the Kinkalow recognized as a championship breed?
No. TICA accepts the Kinkalow for experimental registration in the new breed category but the breed has not advanced to championship status. CFA, GCCF, and FIFe have not published Kinkalow standards.
What does the name Kinkalow mean?
Kinkalow combines 'kinked' (a reference to the curled-back ears inherited from the American Curl) with 'low' (a reference to the short legs inherited from the Munchkin). The name was chosen by breed founder Terri Harris in the 1990s.
