Munchkin: Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care

Historical past of the Munchkin Cat

Munchkins owe their quick legs to a naturally occurring gene, not human selective breeding. Within the Nineteen Forties, a veterinarian in the UK described a number of generations of short-legged cats—a line that disappeared throughout World Struggle II. Nonetheless, an analogous short-legged cat was found in Stalingrad in 1953.

Thirty years later, U.S. cat breeder Sandra Hochenedel discovered a short-legged cat in Louisiana she named Blackberry. Blackberry’s first and subsequent litters consisted of half short-legged kittens from which right this moment’s munchkin breed has descended. Named after the quick Munchkin characters in “The Wizard of Oz,” this breed achieved The Worldwide Cat Affiliation (TICA) championship standing in 2003.

The gene that produces the quick legs of munchkin cats is autosomal dominant, that means it’s not sex-linked and is expressed whether or not inherited from one dad or mum or each mother and father. Nonetheless, it’s deadly when copies are inherited from each mother and father (these embryos die within the womb). Consequently, munchkins are solely bred with common home cats, not with different munchkins.

The offspring of munchkin/home cat matings have an equal probability of being munchkins or not. Solely the offspring which can be munchkins carry the gene.

The breed customary states that permissible outcrosses are home longhair or shorthair cats that aren’t members of a acknowledged breed. Munchkin crosses with acknowledged breeds produce short-legged variations of that breed.

There’s an ongoing debate about whether or not recognizing the munchkin cat as a breed is moral because of the irregular mutation. Opponents say they need to not promote a genetic mutation that might have poor well being penalties for the cat. Proponents level to proof that munchkins don’t appear to have any well being issues particular to the breed, and the cats appear to guide a full life on their shorter legs.

Munchkin Cat Care

Relating to grooming and train, munchkin cats aren’t demanding, however they do require your consideration. They’re sociable cats that crave human companionship. They’re kitten-like, each in look and their playful personalities.

Any cat, together with a munchkin, needs to be saved as an indoor-only cat to make sure they don’t seem to be uncovered to ailments from different cats, fights, assaults, or accidents. Spaying or neutering your cat is really helpful if they don’t seem to be going to be bred.

Train

Munchkin cats are good, energetic, social, inquisitive, and prepared to study. They are often skilled to do issues like stroll on a leash, play fetch, and carry out methods. Clicker coaching could be an efficient methodology for coaching your munchkin to comply with instructions, and you should utilize this time to bond together with your cat.

Munchkins haven’t any drawback working round on their shorter legs, however cannot leap as excessive as their longer-legged counterparts. Nonetheless, they are going to hop and climb, so offering a cat tree might help them attain new heights safely. These curious and energetic cats additionally get pleasure from interactive cat toys and playtime with their individuals.

Shedding

Munchkin cats usually shed a reasonable quantity. Nonetheless, this could differ, similar to their personalities, primarily based on their lineage.

Brushing your cat recurrently might help take away unfastened hair that may in any other case find yourself in your house or in your garments.

Grooming

The munchkin cat requires some grooming help since their shorter legs stop them from reaching sure areas of their coat with their tongue.

Brief-haired cats needs to be brushed weekly and long-haired cats needs to be brushed a few occasions per week. Common brushing helps stop hairballs and matting.

You must also trim your cat’s nails, and assist your cat preserve oral hygiene by brushing their enamel a few occasions per week, along with getting common cleanings on the veterinarian. If their ears have to be cleaned, achieve this gently and thoroughly with a cat ear cleaner.

Widespread Well being Issues

On common, munchkins dwell 15 years. You possibly can count on a traditional lifespan if you happen to get the really helpful immunizations and preventative care out of your veterinarian.

Munchkin cats can develop any of the well being issues that may have an effect on different breeds, and may also be extra liable to the next:

• Lordosis: Some munchkin cats might have lordosis at delivery. This refers to an exaggerated inward curve of the backbone, sometimes within the decrease again. Relying on how extreme the curve is, it could trigger ache.
• Osteoarthritis: A munchkin’s quick legs have been the supply of controversy. They’re recognized to be at a better danger of creating osteoarthritis, a degenerative situation involving the joints the place cartilage breaks down over time. This will have an effect on a cat’s mobility, together with the flexibility to run and leap.
• Pectus excavatum: This refers to a deformity of the breastbone. Because the breastbone is abnormally giant, it sinks into the chest and might have an effect on coronary heart and lung perform. This congenital defect happens because of the munchkin’s genetic mutation. In extreme circumstances, surgical procedure is important to treatment it.

Look

The munchkin is a medium-sized cat that will seem smaller due to their quick legs. In addition to the leg size, it is a very regular wanting cat, bearing traits of their explicit breeding lineage.

Usually talking, the munchkin cat’s coat is smooth and plush, ranging in size from quick to lengthy.

Food regimen and Vitamin

Your munchkin cat needs to be fed the identical eating regimen as every other cat. This can be a medium-sized cat with a weight and physique mass that isn’t considerably affected by having quick legs.

A moist meals eating regimen is usually thought of finest, however you’ll be able to omit dry meals on your cat to snack on as nicely.

Focus on your cat’s wants together with your veterinarian, particularly in case your cat has diabetes, is overweight, or is older.

Present recent, clear water on your cat always.

The place to Undertake or Purchase a Munchkin Cat

On common, a munchkin cat prices $800 to $1,200. Nonetheless, the value will rely on the breeder, and a few cats are priced over $2,000.

You might be able to buy a purebred munchkin cat via a breeder in your space. There’s a web site referred to as Munchkin Cat Information that maintains a breeder listing.

In the event you’d quite undertake from a rescue group, try:

• Petfinder
• Undertake a Pet
• Go Kitty

Varieties of Munchkin Cats

Munchkin cats can have various leg lengths:

• Customary: In comparison with a traditional cat, these munchkins’ legs would possibly solely be a bit shorter.
• Tremendous-short: These munchkins’ legs will likely be 2 to three inches shorter than a traditional cat’s legs.
• Rug hugger: These munchkin cats have the shortest legs, and are closest to the bottom in comparison with different munchkins. 

Munchkin Cat Overview

Munchkin cats are cute, short-legged felines that look and act just like the breed(s) of their household historical past. There’s a controversy involving the ethics of breeding cats with abnormally quick legs. You probably have no qualms about perpetuating the anatomical abnormality of the munchkin breed, you’ll benefit from the playful and pleasant companionship of this distinctive cat.

Execs of Munchkin Cats

• Loving, sociable, and playful
• Not prone to leap as much as excessive locations
• Extremely smart; enjoys toys and video games

Cons of Munchkin Cats

• Breeding this cat is controversial
• Wants assist with grooming
• Inclined to breed-specific sicknesses

Extra Cat Breeds and Additional Analysis

In the event you’re all for comparable breeds, try:

• Moggy
• Toyger
• Sphynx

In any other case, try all of our different cat breed profiles.