Lambkin

Lambkins are gentle, calm, and incredibly sweet-natured cats. They are affectionate without being demanding and enjoy quiet companionship. They are moderately active, happy to play but equally content to curl up on a cozy lap. Their patient, mellow temperament makes them wonderful companions for seniors, singles, and calm households. They are not overly vocal and tend to communicate with soft purrs. They can be somewhat shy with strangers initially but warm up quickly. Their gentle disposition makes them easy to handle and a joy to groom.

Lambkins are small cats, typically weighing 2 to 4 kg, with either short or standard-length legs. Their most distinctive feature is their plush, curly coat, inherited from the Selkirk Rex. The curls are soft and loose, giving them a lamb-like or teddy bear appearance. The coat can be either long or short. Their head is rounded with full cheeks, large eyes, and medium-sized ears. The body is compact and well-muscled despite its small size. The overall impression is of an irresistibly cuddly, stuffed-animal-like cat.

The Lambkin was developed by Terri Harris of the Nanus Cattery in the United States in the early 1990s. Harris crossed Munchkins with Selkirk Rex cats to create a small, curly-coated breed. The name "Lambkin" reflects their soft, lamb-like curly coat, while "Nanus Rex" (the alternative name) means "dwarf rex." Both short-legged and long-legged kittens appear in litters. The breed was accepted by TICA into its Experimental registry category. Lambkins remain rare, with a very small number of dedicated breeders, primarily in North America. They are not yet recognized for championship competition.

Lambkins may inherit health concerns from both parent breeds. Short-legged individuals should be monitored for lordosis and joint issues. PKD can be inherited from Selkirk Rex lines and should be screened via DNA testing in breeding cats. HCM screening is also recommended. Their small size means careful anesthetic dosing is important for veterinary procedures. Regular wellness exams help ensure early detection of any developing conditions.

Their curly coat needs regular but gentle grooming to maintain the curls — brush two to three times per week with a wide-toothed comb. Avoid over-brushing, which can straighten or damage the curls. Bathing every few weeks helps keep the coat clean and the curls defined. Provide appropriately sized cat furniture with low entry points. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for their small build. Gentle, regular handling from a young age helps them become confident and social adults.