Small Cat Breed Information: Munchkin
Justin, you are in for a treat. I get these type of questions all the time and I must say, the Munchkin is one of my favorite breeds of cats. They are the cat equivalent to the Dachshund and the Basset Hound, which I just adore. Hope this answers all your question on the Munchkin.
The Munchkin breed comes from a genetic mutation in the cat breed to cause short legs. Not all Munchkins are born with short legs because it is a mutation and not a manmade cat breed.
When Were Munchkins Discovered?
The first Munchkin was brought to the world via Good Morning America in 1990. However, the breed got its start in 1982 when Dr. Sandra Hochenedel found a cat.
Dr. Sandra Hochenedel found a short pregnant cat hiding under a truck. From all appearances the cat was pregnant and had no legs. The poor little cat was so short and pregnant her legs could not be seen. Dr. Hochenedel brought the cat home and named her Blackberry.
When the cat delivered her kittens, some of the cats had short legs while other kittens had normal sized legs. She called the short-legged cats Babylegs. They remained Babylegs until word spread about the new breed.
In 1990, Dr. Hochenedel sent a new kitten off to cat genesis Dr. Solveig Pflueger. He was able to get the new cats on the Good Morning America talk show, where they needed a breed name. This is when Sandra thought of Wizard of Oz and called the new cat breed Munchkin.
The Munchkin Cat Breed Appearance
Munchkins look like normal cats except they have tiny legs. Like the Dachshund, Munchkins have shorter front legs than back legs. Due to this genetic mutation, they are known to sit up on their hind legs in the “beg” position.
The Munchkin Personality
Are they playful? They are playful throughout their entire life.
Can you train the cat? They are trainable, including walking on a leash
Are they sociable? Munchkins are very sociable and enjoy cats, dogs, and children.
Health Problems Associated with Munchkins
Munchkins are considered the feline version of the Dachshund. However, their health history is not exactly the same.
- Munchkins have not seen problems with the back legs like their canine counterpart.
- Debate is going on whether or not they have spine and back problems like the Dachshund
- Lordosis is a condition found in Muchkin kittens (as well as other cat breeds.) This is where the kitten is born with a “tight chest.” It causes shortening of the muscles that hold the spine in place. Kittens born with a severe case of Lordosis rarely live past 12 weeks old.
Cute Picture of Cats: Munchkin
Cute Picture of Kitten: Munchkins
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