Munchkin cats are short on legs and big on personality . ascertain more about this improbably cute one - of - a - variety cat breed .
Munchkin computerized axial tomography are fast , energetic , sport - loving , and affectionate . What they lack in leg length they more than make up for with their unequaled look and loving disposition .
As you may have guessed from her name , the Munchkin is on the short side . She ’s alone amongdwarf computerized tomography breed — this bantam kitty fits all the other size indicators of a normal grownup - sized kat , except for their footling legs . Never hear of a Munchkin ? That ’s probably because they ’re relatively new , having been legitimized by The International Cat Association as their own breed in the early 2000s .
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Because these CT are the result of transmitted sport and a somewhat complicated breeding procedure , they arerelatively rareand can cost between $ 500–$1200 , depending on pedigree .
Appearance
Munchkin cats have a distinct spirit that most cat aficionados either love or hate . These bantam pet are observably low to the undercoat , with legs that are about 3 inches forgetful than the average feline . The repose of the Munchkin torso is reasonably distinctive of a normal planetary house cat , with most adults weighing somewhere between 6–9 British pound sterling . Visually , many might consider the Munchkin theDachshundof the cat realm . Some even refer to the Munchkin as a " sausage cat , " a similar moniker to the beloved " frank dog . "
The Munchkin ’s short limb are due to a natural familial chromosomal mutation and are the breed ’s defining feature of speech . Munchkin cats come in all people of color combinations and coating manner and can have brusk coating , long coats , or be hairless . light - haired Munchkins have plush medium - density coating , while farsighted - haired Munchkins have silky smooth fur . Popular coat shades and patterns are tabby , calico , grey , and upstanding smuggled .
An important tone : Although the Munchkin cat comes in many shades , they are their own trenchant breed — not miniature versions of other cat breed .
Munchkin Cat Temperament
Munchkins are combat-ready , well-disposed CT who typicallyget along with childrenand other pets . These rum kitten roll in the hay to research the world around them — they’ll even perch on their hind leg like a rabbit to get a better position .
These cats are be intimate to keep a playfulness - have a go at it , kittenish mental attitude well into adulthood . When they ’re not busyplaying with toysand die hard around , these cuddly cats fuck to snuggle up with their mass . Munchkins are sociable , intelligent , and ego - tell feline who love spend prison term with their humans .
" Munchkins are known as confident extroverts , " saysMarilyn Krieger , certified cat-o'-nine-tails behavior advisor . " As a general rule , they hump to socialize with people , are full of zip , and savour playing and explore . They are rummy about their environment [ and check ] out everything . "
Munchkin cats can have hoarding tendencies similar to that of a magpie — they love to stash away " favorite " objects to play with by and by , Krieger aver . If your jewellery comes up missing , your little Munchkin may be to blame .
Living Needs
The Munchkin cat is well - suited to most indoor aliveness situations , as long as she has distance to run and play .
" They are extremely alive and energetic , " Krieger says . " They savour trifle alone and with others , and frequently hie around the house surprisingly fast . "
This energetic Arabian tea loves working up serious speed on her little leg and can round tight corners with preciseness . She may not be capable to make it to the top of a bookshelf in a single restrain , but she will still sleep together jump and climb up .
A cat treewith a dispirited entering point is a great way of life to help oneself your Munchkin research high well . They can usually get enough air to down on sofa and sofas in lookup of a lap or gay smear on a cushion , and they ’re just as good at go up as other cat breeds . So keep an eye on the curtains and ensure she doesn’tskedaddle up any trees .
The Munchkin is an easygoing breed whogets along well with dog , other cat , and modest child . These lovely cats make a loving addition as family favourite or as companions to grownup owners . fundamentally , whatever your aliveness situation , a Munchkin can fit right in . Just ensure sheisn’t leave alone alone for longperiods of time .
" These cats are social butterfly stroke , " Krieger says . " They have intercourse attention from their favored multitude and most enjoy sit on laps , being petted , and cuddling . "
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Care
Grooming your Munchkin will be guided by their coat style . Short - hirsute Munchkins should bebrushed each week , while long - hairy Munchkins should be sweep more oft to keep their coating free of tangles . Your Munchkin will pick herself , but her limited leg compass can make hygienics a small more difficult for this big cat . Occasional bathingis a good idea to help keep your petty kitty friend clean . You should also keep hernails trimmedand ears cleaned .
Munchkins do n’t need a pot in the way of homo - guided usage : These cats love to run and play during the day , and will normally tucker themselves out . Provide them with hombre toys , low - to - the - ground guy Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , and scratcher to facilitate them ferment out their vigor .
" Munchkins love to operate and leap out , despite their small stature , " saysNatalie L. Marks , DVM , CVJ , Blum Animal Hospital in Chicago , Ill. " Encourage bozo tree diagram playing period , feather toys and interactive play with other cats and dogs . "
Munchkins are an healthy breed ofcat who can be trainedto fetch and even take the air on a leash . Krieger says they reply well toclicker trainingwith sizable irrefutable reinforcement . They ’re naturally social , but earlyintroduction to fellowship members(especially children and other darling ) will help your Munchkin kitty feel impregnable .
Provide your pussycat a diet ofhigh - quality cat foodand refreshing urine . Because of her myopic legs , make surelitter boxful , food ravisher , andwater bowlshave low edges so your Munchkin can access them without problems . Check in with your veterinarian to make certain your cat is find her nutrition needs meet .
Munchkin Cat Health
Munchkins aregenerally healthy catswith an expected lifespan of 12–15 year . But like any breed , these little cats can be affected by sealed wellness issues , include :
" As a relatively new breed , they are so far think to be a healthy breed without any increase disease risk , " Marks says . " However , because of their very short leg , it ’s veryimportant to avoid obesityand keep a lean soundbox term . "
The jury is still out on whether the Munchkin ’s controversial leg genetic mutation can cause other wellness issuing or spinal problems ; this strain is comparatively immature , so there ’s still a luck for expert to learn . you could help keep your Munchkin in good wellness by keepingregularly schedule veterinarian appointments .
History
While they were n’t recognize as a breed by The International Cat Association until 2003 , little - legged cats have existed for many years . Their appearance is the resultant of a inherited mutation that can occur naturally in bedding material , but today the Munchkin is specifically bred to grow cats with little ramification . Some contend whether or not it ’s honourable to spawn Munchkins because it intentionally passes on the physical disfigurement of their incredibly short legs , which can impact their mobility . Because of the contestation , the Cat Fanciers Association ( CFA ) and the American Cat Fanciers Association ( ACFA ) still do n’t agnize the Munchkin as an official breed .
Despite the argument around their official recognition , instance of brusque - legged Arabian tea have been around for many years . According to TICA , tiny cats were recorded around the earth throughout the twentieth hundred , but their condition appear naturally and was n’t breed intentionally . In 1983 , a short - legged cat nominate Blackberry gave nativity to a bedding material of kittens . This was the beginning of the modern - day Munchkin .
The modern breeding process involves mating one Munchkin ( the mutation is not sexual urge - selective ) with a big cat who does n’t have the mutation . The mutation is predominant and will result in a litter of Munchkin cats . However , when two Munchkins are bred together , the mutation is fateful — this is another reasonableness why the Munchkin breeding practice session is controversial . Before bringing home any deary , verify you ’re working with an ethical breeder .
Munchkin Cat Fun Facts
How much does a munchkin cat cost ? Munchkin Cat Guide .
Gilton V. Munchkin cats : is breeding disfigurement beast abuse ? CatTime .
