Munchkin | Cat Breed Information & Facts – Pictures

From small to medium size, the Munchkin cat has become one of the most popular breeds due to its special physical appearance. This feline is also known as a short-legged cat. However, it is not the only attribute that defines it, as this adorable kitten also stands out for being very affectionate, social and active.

Lovely, calm and curious animals, always ready to play and accompany the owner on travels and trips – these are Munchkin cats.

Short feet, like those of rabbit and miniature Dachshunds, absolutely do not prevent Munchkin cats from running or jumping, they have excellent health and an excellent, docile disposition.

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If not for the breed’s most distinctive feature, the short leg length, the physical characteristics of Munchkin cats would be very similar to those of most feline breeds. In fact, one of its qualities is that it has a multitude of variations in terms of facial features, coat type and tone, since none of these requirements were essential for a specimen to be considered of the Munchkin cat breed.

The weight of short-legged males reaches 3-4 kg, females – 2-3.6 kg

• The head is wide, with smooth contours, the silhouette resembles a wedge. The size of the head is average, in general, the dimensions of the body and the head are proportional.
• The nose is average, a slight deviation is not a disadvantage;
• The ears are set high and wide. They are well and noticeably pubescent, broad at the base, rounded at the ends;
• The eyes are walnut-shaped. On a big nut! Set well apart, slightly inclined in relation to the ears.
• The neck is thick, muscular, of medium length.
• Body, according to breed standards. That is, the sizes and proportions are pretty average (with one exception, of course). The hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs, and so there is an increase in proportions from withers to croup. The frame is not heavy, but not light either. But the muscles of the Munchkins are well developed, and this moment is noted in all reviews of the breed. The length of the body corresponds to the length of the tail. When moving, the Munchkin kitten and adults hold it upright.
• Legs are the four main differences between Munchkins and other cat breeds. They are short. But all right! However, a slight inward curvature of the front legs is permitted. The hind legs, as shown, are longer than the front legs.
• Wool, depending on the standards, can be short or long. In the first case, the coat is shiny, fluffy in tactile sensation. Evenly colored “kangaroo” munchkins may have thicker coats. In the second case, the wool has excellent protective properties, it is dense and silky, the collar is stately.

Having such short limbs does not make the Munchkin cat a slow or clumsy cat, quite the contrary! Precisely this characteristic trait made it an agile, fast, dynamic and light cat. The munchkin is capable of reaching high speeds and heights, as well as entering any space or hole, however small it may appear.

On the other hand, this breed of cat is distinguished by its great intelligence and energy, being one of the most active, playful and affectionate cats. In addition, the munchkin is friendly, outgoing and docile. He’s also quite curious, so he’s always looking for a way to see what’s going on around him to control the environment and get to know every corner of the house.

He enjoys exploring and learning new things every day, so providing new stimuli, toys and challenges is a must for his tutors. His curiosity and his desire to play remain well in adulthood. The munchkin is sociable and likes company. We can teach him to bring things and to obey orders.

Although they can go to the counter and search, many prefer to use their intelligence to find an easier way to get up. They can also run fast, despite the size of their legs.

Due to the shortening of long bones and the normal length of the spines, as well as the desire of breeders to breed kittens with an interesting color or appearance, Munchkin cats may suffer from the following diseases:

• Spine lordosis – occurs when an adult animal is overweight and has low mobility. The spine acquires an overly pronounced bend in the chest area, which is why the internal organs begin to suffer. Lordosis can be prevented by making sure your cat is able to play and walk without overfeeding.
• Genetic abnormalities leading to cardiopathy and death in young animals arise when munchkins are mated with carriers of dominant genes of lop-earedness or short tail. Ossification or lack of flexibility in the tail may be the only sign of future heart problems in a kitten. In Europe, mating munchkins with breeds carrying lethal genes is prohibited.

This breed is easy to maintain, does not require special care. Experts recommend following a few simple rules.

It is enough to comb short-haired munchkins once a week, long-haired – 2 times. The main thing is to prevent the occurrence of tangles.

It is enough to bathe these cats once every 3-4 months with special shampoos.

Clipping claws is usually easy for munchkin cats, especially if the house has a scratching post. Once every 2-3 weeks it is worth checking the condition of the paws in order to help the animal if necessary.

You should not clean your cat’s ears deeply and very carefully, about once a month. It is undesirable to let cats go for an independent walk, as a squat animal often looks like preparing for an attack, which can be

• The hind legs of the Munchkin cats are longer than the front ones, which is why the hips are raised. In addition, they have a trumpet tail when moving, so it seems that the cat is always cheerful and cheerful. He walks like a cat parade.
• The posture of representatives of this species of pets is surprising when they sit with an emphasis on the tail, and the forelimbs are in the air.
• Munchkin cats love to bring in and hide their favorite toy. In this they cannot be hindered. In the end, everyone should have their own personal space.
• In monochromatic representatives of the breed, wool is always slightly heavier and denser than in multi-colored ones. And the color looks different on short-haired and long-haired munchkins.
• Cats of this breed can live up to 20 years. Everything is decided by the nutrition, maintenance and attitude of the owner.
• Munchkin cats are not very suitable for hunting; therefore, they do not rush to the street. They are perfect for home life.
• The kitten of these adorable creatures can be bought for about $ 200 – 800. Of course, this depends on appearance, pedigree and other factors. Remember that there are three types of cats: pet, breed and show. The cost is also increasing, from the first to the third. Pat lives mainly at home, the breed is used for breeding, and the show is a show variety of cats.
• The progenitors of the Munchkin cats were ordinary yard or domestic cats.
• The cat’s son, Blackberry, was called Toulouse. He was crossed with her, and since then the breed began to reproduce.
• It is noteworthy that the colors on long-haired and short-haired individuals do not look the same.
• Due to the fact that the paws of the representatives of this species are short, they cannot fully jump and hunt. Therefore, they are considered, to a greater extent, a domestic breed.
• The Munchkin cats love to take the toy to a dark corner of the apartment, where no one will find it. Do not try to take it away from your pet.
• The debut for the word “munchkin” was the fairy tale “The Wizard of Oz”. Then Ellie’s house landed right on the head of their ruler. From that moment on, the era of goodness and beauty began, to which cats are only living confirmation.
• When Munchkin cats move, they always keep their tail up. This is a natural trait, not just a sign that your pet is in a good mood right now.

There was no special work on breeding Munchkin cats, and the livestock originated from one producer, born by a cat with short legs picked up on the street.

In the genotype of all Munchkin cats, the dominant gene for achondroplasia is present, which disrupts the normal growth of the long bones of the limbs.

That is why the carrier of this gene gave numerous offspring with short legs.

The breed was recognized in 1991, and the final and revised standard was found only in 2007.

Considered the feline equivalent to the dachshund, this cat breed has caused controversy in the world of cats. The munchkin mutation was discovered in America in 1983, where this cat was baptized with the name of the “little people” of The Wizard of Oz.

Short-legged cats, such as Munchkin cats, were reported in England in the 1930s and in Russia in the 1950s, but these cat breeds were not perpetuated. In the United Kingdom, this breed is not recognized by the main British association of cat friends.