Kinkalow

It was developed in the mid-1990s by the American breeder Terri Harris, who crossed a Munchkin with an American Curl to combine the short legs of the first with the backward-curling ears of the second. It is a very minority breed with a small population, and breeders are still trying to fix both traits: long-legged or straight-eared kittens are born in the same litter. None of the large registries (CFA, FIFe, GCCF, WCF, TICA) gives it championship status; it is registered by the REFR, a rare breeds association, and was registered by the now-defunct Dwarf Cat Association. It needs saying plainly: deliberately breeding for dwarfism is controversial, and many vets and registries advise against it. In character it is playful, curious and very sociable.

Weekly brushing, a little more for the semi-longhair. Clean its ears gently, without unfolding the cartilage, which is delicate. Because of its short legs, ramps or steps for high places, a low-sided litter tray and horizontal as well as vertical scratchers. Keep its weight in check to protect its spine.

From the Munchkin it inherits the chondrodysplasia that shortens the legs, with a higher risk of arthritis, lordosis and pectus excavatum. The American Curl's curled ears are not associated with serious disease, but the cartilage is fragile and can be damaged if mishandled. The population is very small: ask about inbreeding and the parents' spinal checks.