Tails

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Why We Love Munchkin Cats

Please note: We DO NOT sell Munchkin cats. If you are looking for breeders, please click here 

 

Personality and Temperament

The Munchkin may have quite an unusual look (short legs) when compared to other breeds. Nevertheless, it’s a confident out-going cat that does not show any self-consciousness towards this trait. This kitty may be small but it packs a punch, as it is commonly seen wrestling and playing with other cats.

Its nickname is magpie, as it thoroughly enjoys finding/borrowing small, shiny little trinkets which he/she will hide away and play with later. This cat has a hunter’s instinct and will therefore find it fun to chase mice or in fact, anything that moves. Ultimately, all your little Munchkin wants is a good lap to snuggle on and lots of attention.

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Traits

  • Nickname: Magpie
  • Weight: 2.2 kg-4kg
  • Height: Small to medium-size breed (18-20cm)
  • Coat: Plush, silky (long, medium, short)
  • Colour: Blue, cream, black, silver, tabby, brown, chocolate, cinnamon, tabby and white, fawn. Patterns: Mitted, tri-colour, striped tabby, marbled, tabby, colourpoint.
  • Litter size: 3-5 kittens
  • Life span: 12-14 years

 

 Physical Characteristics

The Munchkin is small to medium in size, having a long body, ears that are triangular and eyes that are walnut-shaped. Its short and stubby legs, its most identifiable feature, are the result of a mutation, however, they cause no disadvantage to the breed. Its forelegs are actually regular in size and are identical in length when compared to other breeds. This breed can be seen either with long, medium or short hair, all showcasing a variety of different colours and patterns.

 

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History and Background

Over the years there has been much debate as to the actual origin of the Munchkin. Short-legged cats have been around for quite a while, dating back to the 1930s in England. Sadly, several of them were eradicated during the World War II. Thereafter the breed started to show signs of growth. In 1983 a Louisiana music teacher named Sandra Hochenedel found two cats hiding in a delivery track after escaping a bulldog and upon rescuing them Sandra discovered that they were both females and pregnant. She found a home for the grey cat named Blueberry and kept the other black cat, which she named Blackberry.

Blackberry soon gave birth. One of the kittens Sandra named Toulouse was given to her friend Kay LaFrance. Kay also lived in Louisiana and owned several cats, which she would let roam freely outdoors. Over time the town become filled with little Munchkin cats. Given names from the little people featured in the fancy novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Holding the belief that she had stumbled upon a new breed Kay contacted the chairwoman of The International Cat Association's (TICA) genetics committee, Dr. Solveig Pflueger. To obtain more knowledge about the breed. The results of Solveigs study concluded that the breeds short legs were the outcome of a genetic mutation influencing the long bones of its legs.

Over time other breeders started to show interest in the breed and tried to get it recognized by the TICA. Unfortunately, this was denied, as there wasn’t enough information to support the breed. Many members of the TICA were very hesitant of the breed because of its short leg mutation that could possibly result in a hip problems or crippling back. TICA’s colour status and new breed was given to the Munchkin 1995. The benefit to all the controversy surrounding this breed is the amount of media publicity it generated allowing it to become a relatively popular cat.

 

Nutrition

Click here to see what breed specific pet food we sell now.

 

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