The Munchkin Cat

The Munchkin cat is a mutation with unusually short legs. Controversy surrounds the breed because some believe them to have a genetic "defect", however, the reality is that these seem to be rather healthy and happy cats with no specific health issues associated with the breed. They are not only generally hardy but surprisingly agile as well, able to leap and run, play and pounce with ease. The physical appeal is hard to deny, but these little cats are known for their sweet, people-loving nature as well. Recent crosses with other pure-breeds has led to some fascinating varieties. Crossed with the Sphinx you get a Minskin, crossed with the LaPerm is a Skookum, crossed with a Selkirk Rex is a Lambkin, crossed with a Bengal is a Genetta. There are surely more varieties to come, since the infusion of new blood into the gene pool is required to keep the Munchkin healthy. Breeding two standard Munchkins together can result in high birth mortality.

 Cool Cat Facts...
All modern Munchkins trace back to one single cat - a short-legged pregnant female found under a pickup truck in Louisiana in 1982.  Her name was Blackberry and her short-legged kittens were originally called  "babylegs".                                                               

Is A Munchkin Cat Right For You?

The Munchkin cat is not recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), the world's largest cat organization. It is an uncommon domestic cat breed, but is growing in popularity, and is recognized and shown in the TICA, another large organization that researched the health of the breed before accepting it. The Munchkin comes in any color or pattern, and the coat is varied as well. Moderate grooming may be required for long-haired individuals. Kittens with normal leg length will occur side-by-side in the same litter with short-legged Munchkins. These cats are active, with strong back legs. They can run and jump and often sit up on their hind legs like a prariedog, kangaroo or meerkat to get a better view of the action. These are basically small-sized normally constructed cats, on very short legs. Unlike andochondroplasia dwarves, which some claim they are, their heads are not large for the torso and they have few breed-related health issues. Because it is active and desires interaction the Munchkin cat is a great family cat that does well with considerate children, forms strong bonds, and often remains kittenish and delightfully playful throughout its entire adulthood. Perhaps one of their most adorable sights in the cat world is a Munchkin striking a meerkat pose, rising up on tiny hind legs to get a better view of the exciting world around them.

Munchkin Cat Breed Standards

Head Shape: The head should be a modified wdge shape with high cheekbones and proportionate to body size. The nose should be neither broad nor pointed, and in proportion with the rest of the head. Medium size ears, slightly rounded at the tip, and broad at the base. Eyes are large, widely set and any color. 
Body and Tail: The body is small to medium in size and normal in form. Hind legs sometimes longer than fronts, but all four legs are approx. 1/2 the length of an average cat with similiar body size. The tail is breed-cross specific. The feet are round and well-formed.
Coat: The coat varies with the breed-cross and may be long, medium, short, or non-existent.
Pattern: All colors and patterns are accepted.
Overall Appearance: These are endearing, adorable cats that, while novel, should not suffer from their mutation. A generally healthy appearance with full range of movement must be evident. A sweet-natured and loving pet with an active and playful personality.

Inside Cat or Outside Cat?

Wondering if you should allow your cat to go outside unsupervised? Well there are definitely some pure breeds that should never be outside cats. Hairless breeds like the Sphynx are extremely vulnerable and should always be supervised outdoors. Docile breeds like the Burmese may not be able to defend themselves. All cats allowed outdoors are exposed to diseases and parasites that they would not otherwise encounter. Fred Flintstone put his saber-tooth out every night, but the cat jumped right back in the window - and he was a saber-tooth! Still, most of us feel a little envy when we see our domestic companion out on some high perch, sniffing the breeze of liberty, and there is no doubt that cats love their freedom. So what do YOU think ....Inside Cat or Outside Cat? Comment Here...

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