Munchkin Cats 101: A Guide to the Unusual Cat Why You've Got To See This Cat Breed

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Munchkin cats photo
X-Small Breed Munchkin

Is The Munchkin Cat Good For You?

  • 1 Munchkin cats are named after the Munchkins in The Wizard of Oz.
  • 2 The Munchkin cat is uniquely built with very short legs on a typically sized torso.
  • 3 Munchkin cats are happy, outgoing, and enjoy being picked up and held.

HISTORY

Munchkins might look like they are the product of a mad scientist trying to create a tiny legged cat, but as reality would have it, the Munchkin is believed to have originated out of a naturally occurring mutation sometime in the 1930s. Cropping up all over the world, from Britain, to Russia, and even New England, this strange, short legged breed was first recognized by the TICA in 1994 and then for championship status in 2003.

Quick Facts

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    Size

    Small, Medium

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    Lifespan

    12 - 14 years

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    Hair Length

    Short, Long

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    Male Weight

    6 - 9 pounds

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    Female Weight

    4 - 8 pounds

Personality

These sociable, little cats are incredibly playful and, despite what you might think because of their stumpy legs, love to run around. They exemplify the cat's trademark curiosity, often sitting up on their hind legs to look at something that interests them. What they may lack in speed and ability to jump they easily overcome in intelligence, finding a path, albeit longer, that will get them on top of any shelf or cabinet another cat could reach. Lastly, these aptly named Munchkins are a loving bunch, always looking to pal around. .

Color

The Munchkin, like many breeds, can be found in a plethora of different colors and patterns.

Health Concerns

Due to their special spine structure, Munchkins do not suffer from many spinal problems. They are normally sturdy and found to possess good health.

Appearance

Most notably, Munchkins have stumpy little legs, in much the same way as a Dachshund or a Corgi. Their body is slightly smaller than that of a domestic shorthair, but they maintain the same proportions (except for their legs, that is). Their fur is soft, begging to be petted, and their tail plumes out in a tuft. In terms of weight, the Munchkin weighs somewhere in the neighborhood of seven pounds, give or take a pound or so.

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