You may have seen catteries advertising Selkirk Rex Munchkin kittens, which are crosses between the Selkirk Rex and the Munchkin breed (a short-legged cat). These crosses produce curly cats with short legs, sometimes marketed under names like "Lambkin" or "Nanus Rex." As ethical Selkirk Rex breeders, here is what we believe buyers should know before considering one.

What is the Selkirk Rex Munchkin cross?

The Selkirk Rex Munchkin is a hybrid cross between the Selkirk Rex (curly coat) and the Munchkin (short-legged cat). The goal is to produce kittens with both traits: the plush curls of a Selkirk Rex and the short legs of a Munchkin. These crosses are sometimes called "Lambkin" (a designer name used by some catteries).

The cross is not recognized as a standalone breed by TICA or CFA. It is considered a hybrid or designer cross, similar to a Maine Coon Persian mix or a Bengal Savannah cross. Each kitten varies in appearance depending on which genes dominate.

Are short-legged cats healthy?

This is the critical question. The Munchkin breed itself is controversial within the cat fancy because the short-leg trait is caused by a genetic condition called chondrodysplasia (a form of dwarfism). Some veterinary organizations have expressed concerns about whether breeding for short legs is ethical.

Documented health concerns in short-legged cats

• Lordosis – excessive curvature of the spine, can cause mobility and breathing issues
• Pectus excavatum – sunken chest, can affect heart and lung function
• Arthritis – earlier onset due to abnormal joint mechanics
• Mobility limitations – cannot jump as high as full-leg cats, limiting natural cat behaviour

Not every short-legged cat experiences these issues, and some Munchkins live normal, healthy lives. However, the risk is genuinely higher than in cats with standard leg length. The Federation Internationale Feline (FIFe) does not recognize the Munchkin breed specifically because of welfare concerns.

Our position on Selkirk Rex Munchkin crosses

At Selkirkish, we do not breed Selkirk Rex Munchkin crosses, and we do not recommend them. The Selkirk Rex on its own is a wonderful breed with a unique appearance that does not require crossing with a breed that may have welfare concerns. Adding the chondrodysplasia gene risks the health of the resulting kittens for purely aesthetic reasons.

That said, we respect that other breeders may make different choices, and we acknowledge that many Munchkins and Munchkin crosses do live long, happy lives. We simply choose not to participate in this type of breeding because we cannot guarantee the absence of health issues that come with the short-leg trait.

If you are considering a Selkirk Rex Munchkin

If after careful consideration you still want a Selkirk Rex Munchkin, look for these signs of a responsible breeder:

• Full health screening on both parents including spinal X-rays
• Transparent disclosure of potential health risks specific to short-legged cats
• Health guarantee that explicitly covers spinal and skeletal issues
• Lifetime support and willingness to discuss any issues that arise
• No mass production – small, ethical operation
• Vet records demonstrating responsible care of breeding cats

What about Selkirk Rex Maine Coon, Persian, or other crosses?

Crosses between Selkirk Rex and Persian, British Shorthair, American Shorthair, or Exotic Shorthair are approved outcrosses within the breed standard. These are not problematic in the way Munchkin crosses are, because they do not introduce genetic conditions associated with dwarfism. In fact, periodic outcrossing helps maintain genetic diversity in the Selkirk Rex breed.

If you are looking for a Selkirk Rex variation that is recognized and ethically sound, focus on these approved outcrosses or stick with purebred Selkirk Rex. Meet our purebred Selkirk Rex breeding cats.

Designer cat marketing

Be cautious of catteries that heavily market "designer" cat breeds with cute invented names. Often these names obscure the fact that the cat is a hybrid cross, sometimes with health considerations the buyer is not fully informed about. Always ask:

• What breeds are in the cross?
• Is this breed recognized by TICA or CFA?
• What specific health screening was done on the parents?
• What health risks are specific to this cross?
• What is the long-term outlook for this type of cat?

"A reputable breeder will answer every question honestly, even questions about the limitations or risks of their breeding program."

The bottom line

Selkirk Rex Munchkin crosses (sometimes called Lambkin) combine the curly coat of the Selkirk Rex with the short legs of the Munchkin. While some live healthy lives, the short-leg trait carries documented health risks that we do not believe are ethical to breed for intentionally. We do not produce these crosses at Selkirkish, and we recommend prospective buyers carefully research both the specific cattery and the broader welfare implications before committing.

For a beautiful curly-coated cat with no welfare concerns, the standard Selkirk Rex is an excellent choice. Browse our available Selkirk Rex kittens or read our complete Selkirk Rex breed guide.