| What Are Munchkin Cats?

What Are Munchkin Cats?

Posted on September 9, 2011
Filed Under Cats | Leave a Comment

Munchkin cats are a specially bred cat that has much shorter legs than normal cats. A genetic mutation is the cause of this. It is similar to the mutation found in Dachshunds. Unfortunately, these dogs often have spinal issues, but the Munchkin cats have not been found to have the same problems. The shortness of the legs has not been observed to affect running or jumping.

Throughout history, cats with shorter legs have been documented in Europe, but they did not appear in the United States until the 1960′s. They weren’t bred purposefully in the United Stated until the 1980′s, when a male with short legs was paired with a female with short legs and half of their litter also had the mutation.

Munchkin cats are now a breed recognized by the International Cat Association. This means that they are eligible to be entered into competitions as well as be able to be certified as purebred.

Munchkin cats usually weigh less than the average housecat. A male weighs between six and nine pounds and a female weighs between four and eight pounds. They are very friendly and quite playful.

You only need to have one parent which is a munchkin in order to breed Munchkin kittens. Because of this, you can find Munchkin kittens with long hair, short hair, and just about every color and pattern imaginable. These will likely not be purebred, but cute and playful nonetheless!

Note that this breed is quite controversial. Though it is accepted by TICA as a breed, many other cat associations reject it. There are even states which do not allow it’s breeding. This is due to the debate of whether breeding the mutation causes other physical issues, like spinal cord problems, or shorter lifespans. Breeders and owners argue that there is no problem with these cats. If you want one, you will have to make the decision on your own.

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