Minskin Cats

Minskin cats were breed with the ideal of adopting the short-legged stature of the Munchkin cats with the semi-hairless body of Sphynx cats. In 1998, this hybrid cat breed began with the crossbreeding of Munchkin cats and Sphynx cats by a cat breeder in Boston. Minskin cats got their name by the miniature legs they have from Munchkin cat and the largely hairless skin from the Sphinx cat.

Although they are not recognized yet by the Cat Fanciers’ Association, the Minskin cat breed is one of the preliminary new cat breeds of The International Cat Association (TICA). Preliminary new cat breeds can participate in TICA cat shows, but are not eligible for titles or points. The Minskin cat may eventually be accepted as a championship cat breed.

Minskins are not completely hairless. The coat of Minskin cats is defined by fur-points. The fine hair over the body is sparse except for at the extremities like where a colorpoint cat like the Siamese would have darker coloring. At these points of the face, ears, tail, and legs, Minskin cats have fur that is denser than the rest of their bodies. The hair on the feet and legs may be continued onto the shoulder and hind quarters.

The feel of the coat of Munckins is described as resembling the feel of cashmere. Like other sparsely coated cat breeds, their skin can feel rather warm. The whiskers of a Minkskin cat may be sparse, broken, or missing. Minskin kittens often have significant wrinkles. As the Minskin kitten matures, wrinkles are likely to lessen in number and depth. Once grown, the Minskin cat will still have some wrinkles.

Minskin cats look somewhat like Devon Rex cats with short legs. The large ears of Minskins have slightly rounded tips. Minskin cats have large, round eyes that are set wide apart. Minskin cats are described as being very affectionate. They seem to thrive on attention and being close to their owners. Minskin cats generally get along well with other cats, dogs, and children in the household. Minskins seem to enjoy climbing and being in high places.