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American Curl vs Kinkalow
The Kinkalow crosses the American Curl with the short-legged Munchkin; the Curl is the established breed, the Kinkalow an experimental dwarf.
Verdict
The Kinkalow comes from crossing the American Curl with the short-legged Munchkin, so the two share curled ears but differ in build and in welfare questions. The American Curl is an established breed with a championship record, top marks for children and other pets, and no breed-specific watch-list. The Kinkalow is a very rare, experimental dwarf of about 3 to 7 lb, as reported by breeders. Its dwarfism is a welfare debate, and breeding is restricted in some places. Choose the Curl unless you knowingly want the Kinkalow.
Choose the American Curl if
- You want a gentle cat with top marks for children and other pets.
- You want a calmer cat that suits an apartment well.
- You want a breed recognised by the CFA since 1999.
- You prefer to avoid the dwarf-cat welfare debate.
Choose the Kinkalow if
- You knowingly want a small, short-legged, curl-eared cat.
- You have weighed the welfare debate and checked local rules on dwarf cats.
- You want a lively, playful cat for a small flat.
- You will accept a very rare, experimental breed.
Where they are alike
Both have curled ears and moderate voices, and both are friendly, adaptable cats that enjoy company and play. Neither needs much grooming.
Side by side
| American Curl | Kinkalow | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf |
| Origin | Lakewood, California, United States | United States |
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Typical weight | 5-10 lb (2.3-4.5 kg); males are larger | 3-7 lb (1.4-3.2 kg), as reported by breeders |
| Coat length | Medium | Short |
| Coat | Soft, silky, flat-lying coat with little undercoat, in short-haired and long-haired forms | Short or semi-long coat, as in the parent breeds |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1999 | — |
| How common | Rare | Very rare |
| Affection | 4 | 4 |
| Energy | 3 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 2 |
| Shedding | 3 | 3 |
| Good with children | 5 | 3 |
| Good with other pets | 5 | 3 |
| Happy alone | 3 | 2 |
| Trainability | 4 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 5 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The silky coat sheds in moderation, and people who react to cats may react to an American Curl. | No breed is hypoallergenic. Short or semi-long coats shed, and people who react to cats are likely to react to this one. |
| Suits | A household that wants a gentle, adaptable, medium-sized cat that enjoys company and play. | Someone who knowingly wants an experimental dwarf cat and has weighed the welfare debate. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a very large cat, or a cat that tolerates rough handling of its ears. | Anyone concerned about dwarf cat welfare, or who lives where dwarf-cat breeding is restricted. |
| Registries that recognise it |
| — |
Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026