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There is a new cat breed gaining popularity, and it’s known as the Minskin. The Minskin is incredibly cute and is becoming increasingly sought after.
This cat is a mix of Sphynx and Munchkin, with a touch of Devon Rex and Burmese. The Minskin is incredibly cute and is becoming increasingly sought after. Minskins come in 3 different coat types. The first is hairless, with little to no body hair like a miniature Sphynx. The second is fully coated, with hair all over its body. And the third is fur point, with a hairless body and hair present only on its feet, tail, and ears. The breed is currently in preliminary evaluation by The International Cat Association, and it seems like the fur points coat will be the standard of this new breed.
Breed Overview
Height:
5–8 inches
Weight:
4–6 pounds
Lifespan:
12–16 years
Colors:
Pure white, solid colors, tortoiseshell, tabby, and hairless
Suitable for:
People who intend to keep them indoors
Temperament:
Sociable, playful, loving, and friendly
Minskins come in various colors and patterns, and are known for their gentle nature.
Minskin cats are perfect for families with children, as they are tolerant of other animals and easy to get along with.
The first Minskin was born in July 2000 and this type of cat is still very rare, so you’ll be one of the few people who own one. These unique felines have distinct physical characteristics inherited from their parent breeds, giving them an interesting look.
If you are looking for a special and intriguing cat, you should certainly consider getting a Minskin.
Minskin Characteristics
Minskin Kittens
Since Minskin kittens are rare, they can be pretty pricey. Due to the small breeding program and the breed being still in development, it may be difficult to find Minskin kittens for sale. Additionally, breeders tend to have waiting lists. You are unlikely to find a Minskin kitten in a rescue or shelter, so your best bet is to reach out to breeders about the availability of Minskin kittens. If you can’t wait to own a hairless cat, you are much more likely to find a Sphynx cat for sale.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Minskin
Minskin cats are friendly, playful, and active. It’s just as much fun for them to run around the house with other cats, dogs, and children as it is for them to snuggle up on your lap and use you as a heating pad. Both playing and petting makes them feel good.
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
Many families find Minskins to be wonderful pets. They are known for their friendliness and acceptance of children. However, since these cats are small, children must be careful with them. Children of just about any age can enjoy Minskins because they’re engaging and gentle. Additionally, they tend to be fairly accepting of strangers, which makes them a good fit for households that entertain a lot of guests.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Minskins make excellent pet companions. With their adaptability and playfulness, they are great pets in homes with other animals. However, it is important to slowly introduce your Minskin to other pets, regardless of how social or curious your pets are. By doing so, all family members feel safe and comfortable with any new additions.
Make sure you are watchful and careful around Minskins and small animals like mice and lizards. Despite their diminutive stature, their playfulness and hunting instincts can still lead to dangerous interactions with smaller creatures. All cats, even tiny ones, have predator reflexes!
Things to Know When Owning a Minskin:
Whatever the breed of your pet, your ultimate goal is to keep them as healthy as possible. Since Minskins are a small breed, allowing them to spend time outdoors puts them at risk for encounters with larger predators. As small, short-limbed cats, they don’t stand a chance of escaping a coyote or fox. In addition to that, you should make sure they are eating healthily, staying active to prevent obesity, and that you are grooming them properly.
Food & Diet Requirements 
Occasionally, it is okay to give them some fruit to snack on, but only if they want it. Never give your cat onions, garlic, or chocolate. You should give them fresh water every day from a clean bowl or drinking fountain and avoid giving them cow’s milk.
Exercise 🐈
Keep your Minskin cat active to prevent obesity and maintain their health. Because Minskins are agile, active cats who enjoy playing, it shouldn’t be difficult to keep them entertained at home with toys and games. To bond with your cat and encourage more active play, set aside at least 30 minutes every day for one-on-one time.
Minskins may not be built for speed and can’t jump very high, but they are likely to enjoy active playtime. The majority of them can be trained to go for walks on a leash. Nevertheless, they should never be left unattended outdoors, as it is a serious risk for them.
Training 🧶
A key component to successfully training your Minskin cat and ensuring your cat stays safe and secure is consistency. The cat has the best chance of learning and remembering what it has learned if everyone in the house is consistent in their training. As this breed is intelligent and enjoys being around people as well as being quite adventurous, training should not pose a major challenge after consistent training.
Treats may motivate them, which can be useful for positive reinforcement exercises. You should ensure you aren’t unintentionally overfeeding your Minskin by accounting for the calories they consume in treats per day.
Grooming ✂️
Minskins are hypoallergenic and rarely shed. Even though they lack hair, they still need to be groomed frequently. Because of their exposed skin, they need regular baths with gentle soap. Veterinary professionals recommend bathing them every 1–3 weeks and avoiding hair dryers, so you don’t damage their sensitive skin. It’s important to remember that too many baths can dry them out and cause dermatitis.
With a Minskin, keep up on other grooming aspects, such as clipping their toenails every 2 weeks or as often as necessary.
Health and Conditions 🏥
Genetically, every cat is at risk for developing health problems. Minskin cats aren’t known to have many severe health issues, but they haven’t been around long enough to determine if they have any genetic predispositions. Although there aren’t many right now, there may be more in time.
Male vs Female
There are few differences between males and females of this breed. Females are sometimes slightly more self-reliant and aloof than males, while males are typically more attached and social. Despite this, since the breed as a whole is known for being outgoing and loving, the differences between females and males will likely be minimal. It’s possible to observe some hormonal behaviors, such as territorial behavior in males and breeding behavior in females, if their reproductive system is left intact.
Spaying or neutering Minskins too late can result in some of these undesirable behaviors becoming permanent, so consult your veterinarian about an appropriate time to get your kitty fixed.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Minskin
1. Development of the breed is ongoing
Paul McSorley began breeding the Minskin in 1998 by crossbreeding Munchkins and Sphynx cats, with some Burmese and Devon Rex cats also added to the breeding program. The first cat to fulfill McSorley’s concept for the breed standard was born in 2000. TICA added the Minskin breed to its list of developing breeds in 2008. Eventually, the Minskin has the potential to become a standard breed through TICA as it continues to develop.
2. Minskins are extremely rare
In 2005, there were only 50 cats in the world that met the Minskin breed standard. TICA does not list the current number of Minskins worldwide, but the breed is currently listed as a breed in development, which indicates that the Minskin is continuing to develop as a breed over time.
3. They have a distinctive look and manner
The breed’s creator, Paul McSorley, did an excellent job at producing a pet that could fit the needs of most families. Minskins are known for their confidence and charm. They love to engage with their owners and spend time with both cats and dogs. They are ideal cats because they are clever, playful, and entertaining, but they also enjoy bonding and snuggling with their owners.
Final Thoughts
As new breeds emerge, it can be exciting to own one. It can be exciting to discover unusual cat breeds, but that doesn’t mean just anyone can care for them correctly. Find reputable breeders in your area before purchasing a Minskin. The genetics of these cats are not yet fully understood, so you should do everything in your power to ensure you are buying from a certified breeder. This is the safest way to make sure your new cat will have minimal health issues so you won’t infect other cats with them.
When you bring one of these new breeds into your home, make sure you can take good care of them as well as lavish them with the attention they deserve.
See Also:
- Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits
- Munchkin British Shorthair Cat Mix: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits
Featured Image Credit: Minskin Kitten Female blue tabby color-pattern (Image Credit: Paulmcsorley, Wikimedia Commons CC SA 3.0 Unported)
