Minskin vs Munchkin

Verdict

The two share short legs, small size and a skeletal welfare question, so the coat decides it. The Minskin is nearly bare on the body, with fine fur on the face, ears, legs and tail, so it needs warmth and shade and has skin concerns. The Munchkin has a full short or semi-long coat, sheds more and is much easier to find. Choose the Munchkin if you want an ordinary-coated small cat. Choose the Minskin only if you accept both the dwarfism debate and the care a thin coat demands.

Choose the Minskin if

• You want a cat that sheds very little, scoring 1 for shedding.
• You can keep a nearly bare cat warm indoors and out of the sun.
• You accept that the breed is very rare and has no firm standard.
• You want a small cat of about 4-9 lb that scores 4 for apartments.

Choose the Munchkin if

• You want a full coat with moderate grooming, scoring 2 for grooming.
• You have children; it scores 4 for kids against 3.
• You want a more available breed, listed as uncommon.
• You want a cat that scores 3 for independence and copes with some time alone.

Where they are alike

Both are small, affectionate, playful cats scoring 4 for affection and 4 for playfulness. Both carry joint and spine concerns tied to dwarfism, so ask your vet and a breeder about them before you buy.