Meet The Munchkin Cat, A Kitty That Ranks High On The Cute And Fun-Sized Scale
If you are someone with an affinity for felines, you’ll absolutely love the Munchkin cat. This kitty ranks high on the cute and fun-sized scale.
As you may have guessed from its name, the Munchkin cat is on the short side. These felines are like any other ordinary house cat, just with unusually short legs that came about as the result of a natural genetic mutation.
Never heard of a Munchkin? Well, that’s not all that surprising. Munchkins were discovered in the U.K. during the 1940s, but they were not recognized as a valid breed by The International Cat Association until 2003.
Due to their controversial and complicated breeding process, Munchkins are relatively rare and expensive. Depending on the pedigree, a Munchkin cat can cost between $500 and $1,200.
Nevertheless, they make wonderful, affectionate companions that bring a lot of joy and delight into their owners’ lives.
To determine if this breed is right for you, here’s everything you should know about the Munchkin cat before taking one home.
Appearance and Personality
Munchkin cats have a loving temperament and tend to be very playful, friendly, and energetic. Their legs are a noticeable three inches shorter than the average cat.
Aside from this defining characteristic, the rest of the Munchkin’s body is pretty much just like a regular feline’s.
TrapezaStudio – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only
They weigh no more than nine pounds and come in various coat colors and styles. Some common coat patterns and shades include solid black, gray, calico, tabby, and tortoiseshell.
Many people refer to the Munchkin as a “sausage cat” because of its short, adorably stubby legs.
History
Short-legged cats have been around for generations. However, they all but disappeared during World War Two.
It wasn’t until decades later that a cat breeder from the U.S. discovered a short-legged cat in Louisiana named Blackberry.
When Blackberry gave birth to a litter of tiny kittens, this marked the beginning of the modern-day Munchkin.
The gene that gives the Munchkin its short legs occurs naturally and is not a product of human selective breeding, although today, the Munchkin is specifically bred to create cats with short legs.
The mutation is dominant, so it’s expressed whether inherited from one or both parents. However, it is fatal when two Munchkins are bred together, so Munchkins are only coupled with regular domestic cats.
The ethics of the Munchkin breeding practice have long been a topic of debate. Some argue that the genetic mutation may have a negative impact on the health of the cats, but others have pointed out that Munchkins seem to be just as happy and healthy as regular cats.
Care and Health Concerns
Munchkin cats live a full life of up to fifteen years, but they can develop any of the other health issues that affect other breeds, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or heart problems. Their short legs do not make them more susceptible to arthritis or spinal issues.
Munchkin care requires some regular grooming and exercise. Brush short-haired cats weekly and long-haired cats a couple of times a week. You should also brush their teeth a few times each week to maintain oral hygiene.
These cats can also be trained to do tricks and walk on a leash, allowing you to take them outside for fresh air. They also like to jump and climb but can’t do so as well as their longer-legged counterparts. Providing them with a cat tree lets them engage in these activities safely.
Overall, Munchkin cats make excellent pets in every way.
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