The Munchkin is a breed of cat with a natural gene mutation that causes short legs. Everything about the breed is not known for certain, but it is believed that this type of cat is at least two centuries old.
Strange cats with short legs often evoke sympathy in people and a desire to pet them or treat them to something tasty. However, munchkin cats have no idea that their small limbs should limit them in any way, and lead a busy lifestyle.
Origin story
It is difficult to say where cats with short legs came from, but rumors about such animals have been circulating since the 18th century. Most often, such animals were considered underdeveloped for a number of reasons.
The Munchkin breed appeared in the thirties of the last century, but the war completely destroyed the animals bred by breeders, which stopped the experiments.
The ancestor of the real short-legged munchkin cat was Brambleclaw, Sandra Hochenedel's pet. A music teacher took in a stray cat and assumed that the short legs were the consequences of a hard street life.
When Ezhevichka had the same “low” kittens, Sandra turned to felinologists. It turned out that the cat and her offspring are carriers of a rare spontaneous mutation, the achondroplasia gene, that’s what the DNA section responsible for tiny limbs is called. The peculiarity of the breed is that it is highly dominant, so the selection of animals was not difficult.
In 1995, the breed was officially recognized.
Today the munchkin Albert is considered the most popular in the world. This cat has his own Instagram with half a million followers.
Price
Munchkin kittens cost differently. The price depends on the important components of each animal, namely: parents, whether he/she has a veterinary passport, as well as metrics and the fact of castration/sterilization of the cat.
If we talk about parents, then we mean the fact that one of them was present at any exhibitions, won them or took any places of honor. You understand, the more merit the parents have, the higher the cost of the kitten.
A metric is, roughly speaking, a birth certificate; if this document is available, the price of a pet will also rise slightly.
Having a veterinary passport is also very important when buying a pet; it does not play a special role in the price, but it is better to have it.
But the fact of castration/sterilization of the animal plays a major role in the price. If the animal has not undergone any operations in this regard, its cost will be more than that of an operated pet. This state of affairs is explained by the fact that the animal can participate in the breeding of its own kind, from which the owner can make money in the future.
Breed standards
The breed of cats with short legs still does not have a complete standard, but the main characteristics for it have been determined. The description of the breed includes the main criteria for compliance with “understated cats”:
- small size - cats rarely weigh more than 4 kg, and cats - 3 kg;
- the body is elongated, with pronounced muscles;
- paws are straight, only slight curvature is permissible;
- the hind limbs are slightly longer than the forelimbs;
- long rounded tail;
- powerful neck of medium length;
- the head is wedge-shaped, narrowed towards the chin;
- ears set wide apart, rounded to the tip, pubescent;
- the eyes are large, oval, widely spaced.
Any coat and eye color for the Munchkin “dachshund cat” is allowed. You can easily find both a black munchkin and a white one. Any animal colors, colors and combinations are acceptable. In this breed, eye color does not depend on coat color. Munchkin cats are also classified according to the length of their fur.
The short-haired Munchkin may have soft velor fur or fairly coarse fur. Moreover, even a cat with short hair can end up with a fluffy tail.
The Fluffy Munchkin can have long or medium-long hair. Long-haired cats often have visible “pants” on their hind legs, and a magnificent “collar” on their neck. The length of the coat visually affects the length of the limbs, shortening them even more.
Varieties
The breed has several varieties due to crossing with other cats. Quite famous, but rarely seen, is the Fold Munchkin, which is the result of mating Munchkins with Scottish Folds. Breeders call these animals Munchkin Fold.
However, this breed is not officially recognized, primarily due to frequent health problems in kittens. “Low” folds often suffer from pathologies of the heart muscle, so their breeding is not recommended.
The bald munchkin looks amazing, resulting from the crossing of “dachshund cats” with sphinxes and Devon rexes. This species is called the Minskin cat; it is distinguished by a longer tail and enlarged ears.
Munchkins were also crossed with other breeds, for example, Napoleon was obtained due to their connection with the Persians.
How did the Munchkin breed originate?
Short-legged cats were created through natural mutation, so most of them have good, strong health. The first mentions appeared in the 30s of the twentieth century. But the Second World War practically destroyed this genetic line.
But after graduation, dachshund cats were spotted in America and Soviet Russia. In the USSR they were called “Stalingrad kangaroos” because of their ability to sit on their hind legs. There were suggestions that the breed appeared due to difficult living conditions.
Officially, the history of munchkins began in 1983, when music teacher Sandra Hochenedel from Louisiana (USA) discovered a pregnant cat with short legs and named her Blackberry. Half of her kittens were short-legged, which greatly surprised the owner. She gave an unusual pet named Toulouse to her friend Kay LaFrance.
Blackberry and Toulouse were later examined by a doctor who informed the women that the breed was a natural occurrence. The mutation does not harm health in any way and does not lead to problems with the spine, as in short-legged dachshunds.
As a result of long disputes, munchkins were recognized only in 1995. They received their unusual name in honor of the dwarf people with a cheerful disposition who lived in Lyman Frank Baum’s fairy tale “The Wizard of Oz.” Now these kittens are bred all over the world. At the beginning of the 21st century, this breed was brought to Russia.
Description of the Munchkin breed
Fluffy “dachshunds” have an average body size, while their paws are shortened by 2-3 times. They are often crossed with other breeds, and the offspring are long-legged. Such children do not participate in exhibitions; they are bred to maintain the viability of the offspring. Having two short-legged parents increases kitten mortality.
Munchkins are medium-sized cats, the weight of an adult animal is 2-4 kilograms. The eyes are almond-shaped, there is no connection with the color of the coat, like in the fold breed. The ears are slightly rounded at the tips, set wide and high. Longhairs have tassels.
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Based on their paws, they are divided into three types: regular, short, and very short. The legs are proportional, curvature is not allowed. The length of the tail is equal to the body, and rises upward when walking. The coat is semi-long with undercoat, soft to the touch. Any color, often two-tone. Life expectancy with good care is 15-20 years.
Munchkin character
Short-legged cats have a light and cheerful character. They get along well with other pets and children. They love to play and can run for a long time and hunt for a wind-up mouse.
The nature of the munchkin makes it possible to have it as a pet even in families with babies. Despite their sufficient activity and curiosity, they are very good-natured and devoid of aggression; they will not scratch a child even if they are in pain.
The Munchkin does not jump due to his anatomy. Such cats play pranks in the lower areas of the home. It should be noted that they love to hide small trinkets in their house or secluded corners of the apartment.
An interesting feature of the breed is its sitting style. The cat sits in a column on its butt, maintaining the balance of its body with the help of its tail resting on the floor. At these moments, the pets, thanks to their short front legs, resemble a kangaroo in appearance.
Cats with short legs
The most famous breeds of cats with short legs are Munchkin, Bambino, Napoleon, Lamkin, Kinkalow, Skookum. Each of them has its own characteristics of behavior and character. All animals have a friendly disposition and get along well with small children.
Bambino
Bambino cats
The breed arose as a result of crossing two other breeds: the Sphynx and the Munchkin. The first kitten from such parents appeared in 2005. He inherited two distinctive features from his dad and mom: short legs and lack of hair.
The cat has good physical characteristics, loves to frolic, is able to remember and perform simple tricks, and knows and loves its owner.
Separation from the owner negatively affects the bambino: the animals even refuse to eat. This factor must be taken into account when deciding to get a pet. Cats tolerate moving, travel, and new surroundings well and quickly adapt to new conditions.
The breed is expensive; the price of a hairless kitten starts from 35,000 rubles.
Napoleon
Cats of the Napoleon breed
Napoleon is the result of crossing a Munchkin with a Persian. In 2005, the International Cat Association recognized the new breed.
The cat has a round muzzle and large eyes, the muzzle is more like the muzzle of a fluffy Persian. The wool is very thick, its length and color can vary. Weight no more than 2 kg. Jumping and falling from heights are especially dangerous for Napoleons.
Pets are distinguished by their peaceful nature, are suitable for families where children are raised, and go into the arms of strangers.
The price of a kitten depends on the pedigree, color and length of the paws, ranging from 30,000 to 80,000 rubles.
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Lamkin
Cat of the Lambkin breed
Lambkin, or Lambkin (English: Lambkin Dwarf cat) is a dwarf breed with curly hair, recently bred in the USA. The Lemkin breed has no official recognition. The parents of the first lambkins were the Munchkin and the Selkilk Rex.
There are several nurseries for breeding purebred cats, all located in the USA and New Zealand. According to the clubs, there are no lambkin breeders in Russia.
A special feature of the breed is its curly coat, the color can vary, there are no standards. In the litter there are kittens with straight hair or curly hair, but with long legs.
Cats are funny and playful. They get along with children. They love to move and can climb heights.
Kittens are sold for an average of 15,000 rubles. Often, non-standard kittens from a litter of purebred cats are usually passed off as lambkins. When contacting a specialized nursery, the price will be several times higher. This is a very rare breed.
Munchkin
Munchkin cat
At the end of the last century, a US resident, Sandra, took in a stray cat, deciding that her legs were short because of the harsh living conditions. But Ezhevichka (that’s what the cat was called) gave birth to the same short-legged offspring. The breed achieved official recognition in 1991. Until now, the breed standard has not been fixed, but the description that a purebred animal must correspond to exists. This breed is involved in the development of new dwarf cat breeds.
The main feature of the Munchkin is its paws - they are short and straight. The color can be different, as well as the length of the coat. Among the representatives of the breed there are lop-eared individuals.
Munchkins are friendly creatures and get along well with people. Due to their short legs, they do not jump well in height. They become strongly attached to their owners.
The price of munchkins varies from 5,000 to 35,000 rubles.
Kinkaloe
Kinkalow cat
The breed was bred in the USA by crossing a Machkin and a Curl. Kittens have short legs and curled ears. This breed is found mainly in America; it has not become widespread in Russia, although Kinkalows are officially recognized.
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The breed also has a long tail. The animals have thick, shiny fur. Weight does not exceed 3 kg.
Cats become very attached to their owner and do not like to be left alone. They enjoy playing with children. Frisky and active animals.
The price is high due to the fact that the breed is rare - from 500 to 1000 euros. You can only buy it in the USA.
Skookum
Skookum cat
American citizen Roy Galusha developed a new dwarf breed by crossing a munchkin and a laper in 1996. Roy achieved official recognition of the breed 10 years later.
Outwardly, Skookum is similar to other cats of dwarf breeds, but the weight of the animal is larger: up to 4 kg. The coat is wavy, especially the fluffy collar area.
Skookums spend their time actively, love to play with their owners, but will not bother them. A distinctive feature is a quiet voice.
The price is high - from 800 to 3500 euros, it will not be possible to buy in Russia. Can be purchased in European countries.
Health and life expectancy
If properly kept, the short-footed munchkin lives for at least 12 years, with an average life expectancy of 16 years. This breed is in good health.
The main health problem for short-legged cats is lordosis (weakening of the spinal muscles). This disease often occurs in obese animals and causes serious harm to health.
Animals of this breed suffer from all the diseases that cats are susceptible to. Therefore, to maintain the quality of life of a pet, it is necessary to regularly examine it at a veterinary clinic, get vaccinations and monitor its nutrition.
Care and hygiene
Munchkin cats are extremely clean and quickly learn to use the litter box. It is advisable for them to choose a toilet with high sides or a closed one. Caring for and maintaining a short cat is not particularly difficult. It is enough to wipe your ears with it a couple of times a month and regularly wipe your eyes. If you wish, you can trim your claws, but these pets rarely damage furniture; a scratching post is enough for them.
Short-haired cats need brushing once a week, and a little more often during shedding. Long-haired dogs will need to be brushed a couple of times a week and daily if they shed. It is worth noting that hairs are easily removed with a furminator.
For the safety of your pet, it is advisable to remove all potentially dangerous objects higher up.
What to feed a munchkin
The Munchkin cat is a big fan of food, so it often suffers from excess weight. The owner should monitor the calorie content and portion size. It is also important to remember that the breed needs predominantly protein foods. If an industrial type of food has been chosen, then preference should be given to specialized premium and super-premium food.
Natural nutrition should consist of lean meat, for example, veal, chicken, turkey. You can give rabbit meat, sometimes sea fish and eggs. All food should be given to the cat ready-made without salt. You can add a small amount of vegetables and cereals to your diet.
A kitten should eat at least 6 times a day; an adult cat needs 3 meals.
How much does a munchkin cost?
Short-legged Munchkin cats, despite their popularity, are quite rare. In Russia, purchasing a baby can be difficult, especially considering that ordinary “nobles” kittens are often sold under the guise of inexpensive “dachshund cats.”
In trusted nurseries, the cost of a pet-class baby starts from 15 thousand rubles. A show-class cat will cost at least 60 thousand rubles.
Choosing a kitten
Pets of the short-legged breed should only be purchased from trusted breeders. In a good nursery, children will receive age-appropriate vaccinations and be treated for parasites. A munchkin kitten must have documents even if it is classified as a pet.
When purchasing a munchkin cat, you should inspect it visually and observe its behavior. The kitten should not have any damage or bald spots on its skin. His fur should be well-groomed. You should also look into the ears and make sure there are no ear mites. A healthy baby is mobile, active and easily makes contact with people.
The Munchkin is an ideal pet for any person who can give him enough attention. A good-natured disposition and tenderness will relieve loneliness, give you a partner for games or a fur vest for tears.
