Munchkin
Playful, confident and outgoing. If you want a cat that’s got more bite than your average moggy, this one’s for you. Munchkins get along well with kids and other pets, plus they have a terrific back-story!
Where I'm From
The origin of the Munchkin is up for debate, with reports of these short-legged felines stemming from England in the 1930s. Dwindling numbers as a result of World War II led to the assumption the breed had been wiped out.
Years later in 1983, the plight of the Munchkin population was set to change forever, when the chance meeting between Louisiana music teacher, Sandra Hochenedel, and two cats hiding under a pickup truck, set the breed on a new path.
Sandra scooped them up and brought them home only to find out they were both pregnant. She gave away Blueberry and kept a close hold of Blackberry, who delivered a male kitten named Toulouse. Toulouse was rehomed and enjoyed a liberal upbringing with friend Kay LaFrance. She allowed him to roam freely spurring a feral population of Munchkins.
Sandra and Kay were keen to know more about the breed and contacted the chair of the International Cat Association’s genetic committee hoping to find answers. The chair’s studies determined the Munchkin’s short limbs were the result of a dominant genetic mutation, which affected their leg bones.
After being knocked-back from new breed and colour status in 1991, the Munchkin cat was officially recognised four years later. Articles on the breed appeared in the Wall Street Journal and People Magazine.
What I Look Like
The Munchkin is a small to medium-sized cat with a long body. The most distinctive feature of these felines is their short and stubby front legs which measure around three inches. Their hind legs are slightly longer, but that does little to deter these cats from getting around. They love to play!
Furthermore, the breed comes in almost every colour and pattern plus you can pick between short and long-haired varieties.
How I Act
Munchkins are a whole lot of fun and mischievous at any age. They have a naturally confident and outgoing temperament and can maintain a kitten like personality into adulthood. If you’re after a playful companion, the Munchkin is a good match for you!
This feline has a hunter’s instinct and will pounce and prey on mice and critters if they cross paths.
While they certainly have their moments, this breed isn’t all high maintenance. The Munchkin has a chilled side, and doesn’t mind spending some quiet time curled up on your lap.
It’s also easily trainable, so you can iron out any irritable kinks over time.
Looking After Me
You should be able to find a Munchkin to suit your grooming expectations. If you’re on the lazy or time poor side, a shorthaired Munchkin will require little in the way of care. A weekly brush at best.
A longhaired Munchkin will be slightly more demanding, requiring a daily brush to keep it in peak condition.
Other activities you can bond over, include nail trimming and ear cleaning when needed. To make it easy on yourself, you should start these activities when your Munchkin is a kitten.
Am I the pet for you?
Pros
- Suited to small children and other animals
- Little grooming required
- Long life span of 12 to 14 years
Cons
- Munchkins playful demeanour may not suit an elderly owner
- Legs may be slightly bowed
- Munchkin to Munchkin breeding is not viable