What exactly is a munchkin cat? If you've ever seen a cat that looks like a dachshund, with a long body but short legs, you've probably seen one of the munchkin cat breeds!
Munchkin cats first appeared in the early twentieth century and are now recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) and the South African Cat Council (SACC). Some other cat clubs, however, do not recognize munchkin cat breeds, such as the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in the United States or Europe, the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA), the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe), or the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).
Let's take a look at some of the distinguishing characteristics and personality traits of munchkin cats.
What Exactly Is a Munchkin Cat?
Munchkin cats, contrary to what their name implies, are not always kitten-like. Munchkins retain their trademark short legs, but as they mature, they develop adult-sized bodies, including a long spine and tail.
If the dachshund comparison sounds familiar, the breed name might as well: Solveig Pflueger, a TICA member, named it after the munchkin characters in L. Frank Baum's book "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz."
This genetic mutation is not novel, but munchkin cats were uncommon; they were not recognized as a breed until the early 1990s. Munchkin cats are descended from cats with short legs discovered in Louisiana in the 1980s by Sandra Hockenedel.
Features
Munchkin cats are distinguished by their short legs, which are the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation, which means that it occurred naturally. TICA explains that "their short legs are caused by an autosomal dominant gene, which causes the long bones in a cat's legs to develop at a shorter length."
Dwarfism is an inherited genetic trait that manifests as short legs in munchkin cats' offspring. TICA specifies in their munchkin breed standards that the risks associated with the genetic mutation prevent munchkin cats from reproducing with one another, so they reproduce with domestic non-breed specific cats.
What does a munchkin cat go with? They are frequently bred with domestic shorthair or longhair, resulting in coats that are "lustrous," "plush," and "silky," as well as "medium" features. According to My Family Vets, they are generally average in weight (around 10 pounds or 4-4.5 kilograms) and length (about 18 inches (45.72 cm). Their markings can be any pattern or color, and their eyes can be any color as well.
Personality
Don't let their average stats or short legs fool you: Munchkin cats move quickly! Because of their proclivity to maneuver side to side, their movement pattern is frequently compared to that of a ferret.
Munchkin cats can jump onto the furniture as well, though not as high as their taller counterparts; if you bring a munchkin into your home, you must still kitty-proof it!
The munchkin cat, who is quick and lively, is always up for playing and cuddling. They're also very intelligent and require mental stimulation, which enrichment activities like food puzzles, mechanical toys, and even electronics with cat-specific apps can provide!
Munchkin cats do have one unique characteristic that distinguishes them from most other cat breeds: they are hoarders, according to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in TuftsNow, with a particular fondness for "jewelry and small shiny objects." Tufts claims that hoarding in animals provides "short-term relief from stress," so give your munchkin cat plenty of baubles to choose from for their stash, or you might find your own trinkets gone missing.
Munchkin Cat Breeds: How to Care for Them
A munchkin cat requires the same basic care as any other cat: constant access to freshwater, nutritious cat food, routine grooming, regular veterinarian checkups, and interaction with its humans.
Munchkin cats may be predisposed to medical issues due to genetic mutation, according to Dr. Sarah Wooten: "Dwarfed cats frequently have joint problems and abnormally curved spines that can predispose them to herniated spinal discs." According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, common joint and spinal issues include arthritis, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint disease (DJD). Speak with your veterinarian to create a health plan for your little one.
Munchkin cat breeds liven up their pet parents' homes with an average life span of 12 to 15 years and a spirited personality!
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