- Cats
- Cat Breeds
One Of The Rarest Cat Breeds Is A Short-Legged Feline That Gets Along With Everyone
ByCori ChapmanFeb. 23, 2025 11:25 am ESTLooking for one of the rarest cat breeds? Look no further! With an appearance similar to that of Gollum from "Lord of the Rings" — except much cuter — the minskin is a nearly hairless breed with short little legs that you may have never heard of because they are so rare. However, they are known for being incredibly lovable cats.
Minskins are a fairly new cat breed, originating in the late 90s. They were developed by Paul McSorley, who crossed the short-legged munchkin with a hairless sphynx cat. However, after five years, only 50 minskins existed — making the breed incredibly rare. Since the breed is only a couple of decades old, and the population so small, it is not yet recognized as an official breed by groups such as the Cat Fanciers' Association. In addition, the newness of the breed may create some additional issues — namely with their genetic background and the price of a kitten, costing into the thousands. However, if you're able to get your hands on one, you'll be rewarded with an adorable, loving cat.
What you need to know before adopting a minskin
Minskins are social, curious, and playful, making them great additions to the family. Though they are playful, they are also very calm cats. While minskins may make a great family pet, you should still be cautious with young children. Minskins are fragile due to their small stature, so children should be old enough to understand how to be gentle when holding them. The small legs and lack of fur on the minskin can also predispose them to some health issues such as joint issues and skin sensitivities.
Minskins are also good with other pets. They specifically get along with dogs and other cats, but small pets like rodents should be avoided due to the cat's natural hunting instinct. As with any new pet, it's best to introduce them slowly to other animals no matter how friendly they are. Though minskins are rare, they seem to encompass everything that people look for when adopting a cat. If you're looking for an interesting, and relatively unknown breed, give the minskin a look.
