Minskin Cat: The Short-Legged, Velvety Cat Explained

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

The Minskin looks like a kitten that never grew into its legs. Small, round and soft, with short legs and velvety skin, it is a recent invention, created in Boston in the late 1990s by breeder Paul McSorley. The cats are friendly and sweet, but their unusual body and small gene pool mean that anyone who is considering one should look carefully at both the pleasures and the concerns.

Origins

McSorley set out to combine the short legs of the Munchkin with the sparse coat of the Sphynx, along with some Burmese and Devon Rex to add coat and body type. The result was a small, short-legged cat with fine fur on the extremities and a body that feels like suede or peach skin. The Minskin has been recognized by a few associations, though not all major registries accept it, and numbers remain tiny. See the Munchkin, Sphynx and Devon Rex profiles for the breeds behind it.

Appearance

The Minskin is small, usually four to six pounds, with a round head, large, expressive eyes and a short, sturdy body on short legs. The fur on the body is very fine and sparse, and may be almost invisible in some cats, while the points, meaning the nose, ears, legs and tail, carry a coat of short, soft fur. A range of colors and patterns occurs. Whiskers are often short or curly.

Personality

Minskins are outgoing, affectionate and playful. They often act like clowns, scampering around on their short legs. They enjoy attention, being held and sitting in a lap, and they seek warmth from their people. They tend to be sociable with children, other cats and dogs, though introductions should be slow. See how to introduce a new cat to your cat.

They are not usually noisy, and they need company. Long hours alone can lead to boredom. See cat separation anxiety. Provide toys, play and a low cat tree. See indoor cat enrichment ideas.

Skin and coat care

Cats with little hair need special attention.

• Bathing. Skin oils are not absorbed by fur, so they build up. Bathe every few weeks, or as advised by your vet, with a gentle cat shampoo. See how to bathe a cat.
• Sun protection. Bare skin can burn. Keep your cat indoors, away from direct sun through windows, and ask your vet about protection.
• Warmth. Minskins feel the cold and need a warm home, soft bedding and sweaters in cool weather. See winter safety for cats.
• Ears and eyes. With less hair, wax and debris accumulate. Clean ears gently. See how to clean a cat's ears.
• Nails. Clean nail folds, and trim. See how to trim cat nails.

Health and welfare concerns

Short legs come from the same kind of gene as in the Munchkin, and the breed raises welfare questions.

• Spinal problems. Some short-legged cats develop lordosis (a spine that curves downward) or pectus excavatum (a sunken chest). See the Munchkin profile for more.
• Joint disease. Arthritis may appear earlier. See arthritis in cats.
• Skin problems. Sparse coats are more prone to irritation, infections and acne. See cat skin allergies.
• Heart disease. Related breeds can carry cardiomyopathy. See hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats.
• Small gene pool. The breed is new, with few cats, so inbreeding risks are real.

Some cat associations and veterinary groups oppose breeding for the short-leg trait. Make an informed choice, ask breeders hard questions and be prepared to meet higher veterinary costs. See cat pet insurance guide.

Setting up your home

Provide ramps and steps to furniture, low-sided litter boxes and perches that are easy to reach. See how to choose a cat tree and where to put the litter box. Keep your cat indoors for safety and warmth.

Is it the right cat for you?

A Minskin suits someone who wants a small, social, affectionate cat and who is ready for skin care, a warm home and extra vet attention. If you are unsure about the ethics of short legs or you want a sturdy, low-maintenance cat, consider other breeds. See how to choose a cat breed.

Finding a Minskin

The breed is rare and expensive. If you decide to proceed, choose breeders who health-test, avoid breeding two short-legged cats together, raise kittens in the home and share records. See how to choose a kitten. Be wary of sellers who promise a rare coat without evidence.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your cat has trouble jumping or walking, skin changes or breathing problems. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.