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
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Lambkin, and at what times?
Feeding frequency and times depend on your cat's age, health, and the food you choose. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests following the food label's guidance and checking with your vet for a schedule that suits your Lambkin. Furry Diary plan
What should a Lambkin eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A Lambkin needs a carnivore diet rich in animal protein and fat, with both wet and dry complete foods suitable. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA.34
Does a Lambkin need baths?
Baths are rarely needed; only bathe your Lambkin if it gets very dirty or sticky. Regular brushing keeps the coat clean and healthy.5
How often does a Lambkin need brushing?
Gentle brushing at least once a week, and ideally several times a week, keeps the curls neat and free of tangles. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 14 days with a soft glove or cloth, as the coat is delicate.23 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Lambkin's claws, and how often?
Trim your Lambkin's claws every 21 days according to Furry Diary's starting plan, or every ten days to two weeks as general guidance. Start with just two claws per session to help your cat get used to it.5 Furry Diary plan
How much play does a Lambkin need?
Your Lambkin has moderate activity needs and enjoys daily play and puzzle toys to stay engaged. Furry Diary's starting plan recommends daily play sessions.3 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Lambkin's teeth and ears?
For teeth, daily brushing is ideal, and Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every two days. Ear care varies; ask your vet for a routine that suits your Lambkin. Furry Diary plan
How long does a Lambkin live?
A Lambkin typically lives between 12 and 20 years, so you can look forward to many happy years together.23
Is a Lambkin good with children and other pets?
Yes, Lambkins are gentle, calm, and very affectionate, and they enjoy the company of people and other cats. They are happiest in homes where someone is around for much of the day.23
Can a Lambkin be left alone?
Lambkins do not like being left alone for long periods and are happiest when someone is around. If you must be away, consider a companion cat or ask a pet sitter to check in.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Munchkin
Selkirk Rex
Skookum
MinuetLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
All of this is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show annoying ads. It was a big job to build, so if it helped you, buy Archy a bone. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.
Archy is our Australian Cattle Dog and chief taste tester. Tips go to 4V3D OÜ, the small family studio behind Furry Diary.
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 support@furrydiary.app 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
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.