At a glance the quick version
Breed guides give 4-9 lb (about 1.8-4.1 kg) overall with no split by sex. No registry standard exists.
Coat and looks how to spot one
curly (rex) coat, usually long; short legs
A small, short-legged cat that pairs the Munchkin's low-slung build with the Selkirk Rex's thick, curly coat. The fur is plush and soft, often with loose curls that give the cat a woolly, lamb-like look, and some individuals have a straighter coat.123
Personality what they are like
Gentle, calm and very affectionate. Lambkins like to be close to their people, enjoy both cuddles and play, and are happiest in homes where someone is around for much of the day.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate. Short legs do not stop it from being agile and inquisitive; regular play and puzzle toys keep it engaged.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Gentle brushing at least once a week, and ideally several times a week, keeps the curls neat and free of tangles.23
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A carnivore diet rich in animal protein and fat; both wet and dry complete foods are suitable.3
Company who they like around
Enjoys the company of people and other cats and does not like being left alone for long.23
The story where it all began
The Lambkin was developed in the United States by crossing the short-legged Munchkin with the curly-coated Selkirk Rex. Breeder Terri Harris is credited with starting the line in the late 1980s or early 1990s. It remains an experimental breed recognised mainly by smaller registries.13
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The name Lambkin comes from the breed's resemblance to a young lamb.2
- 2
Its alternative name Nanus Rex combines the Latin word for dwarf with 'rex', the term for a curly coat.2
- 3
Lambkins are rare partly because litters seldom produce kittens that have both short legs and curly coats.2
- 4
Some owners say Lambkins collect and hide small objects, a little like a magpie.3
Recognised by the official bits
- REFR (Rare and Exotic Feline Registry)
- Recognised; the major registries (TICA, CFA, FIFe, GCCF, WCF) do not list it as a separate breed1
- Dwarf Cat Association / Designer Cat Association
- Formerly recognised; these registries are now defunct1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Lambkin. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingA soft glove or cloth, the coat is delicateevery 2 weeks
- Nail trimevery 3 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Litter scoopevery day
- Litter changeevery week
- PlayDaily playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Experimental cat breeds en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, parent breeds, recognition
- Munchkin Cat Guide: The Munchkin Cat Selkirk Rex Mix (The Lambkin) munchkincatguide.comused for other names, weight, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, grooming, fun facts
- Hepper: Lambkin Cat articles.hepper.comused for founder, height, weight, lifespan, colours, temperament, exercise, diet, fun facts
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.