Munchkin cats and kittens

The Munchkin is a medium sized cat, moderate in body type and head shape, with a thick, plush coat.

The Munchkin is a breed of cat characterized by its very short legs , which are caused by genetic mutation. Compared to many other cat breeds, it is a relatively new breed, documented since s [1] and officially recognized in Much controversy erupted over the breed when it was recognized by The International Cat Association TICA in with critics voicing concerns over potential health and mobility issues. The name derives from writer L. Short-legged cats have been documented a number of times around the world since the s.

Munchkin cats and kittens

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Devon Rex. August 24,

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Munchkin cats, also known as sausage cats, have longer bodies and short, stubby legs caused by a genetic mutation. They are the feline version of the Dachshund. However, they retain their trademark short legs. Munchkins are as energetic and lively as other cats and remain unperturbed by their hard-to-miss dwarf trait. Although Munchkin cats have been around since the early s, they are still relatively rare.

Munchkin cats and kittens

With their short, stubby legs, elongated bodies, and insatiable curiosity, munchkin cats are a unique breed in the world of cats. Is it just us, or do munchkin cats look like the noble steeds of fairy kings and queens? Munchkin cats have appeared and disappeared many times throughout history because this genetic mutation can pop up anywhere. However, the modern-day munchkins come from the tiny town of Rayville, Louisiana. Sandra Hochendel , a Rayville music teacher, found two pregnant munchkins — one black, one gray — cowering underneath a truck. Hochendel kept the black cat, which she named Blackberry, and she rehomed the gray cat, dubbed Blueberry. Unfortunately, no one knows what became of Blueberry, but we can attribute all modern-day munchkins to Blackberry and her progeny. Like the Sphynx and Manx, munchkin cats are the direct result of inbreeding, which can lead to a host of health problems — and occasionally behavioral issues. With their stubby legs and plush coats, which can make them appear larger than they really are, the munchkin cat is classified as a small-medium cat breed.

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The Munchkin can find it hard to jump although many can and they move very differently to standard legged cats, with a much wrigglier, rolling motion. Veteran show judge Katherine Crawford resigned in protest, calling the breed an affront to breeders with ethics. There may be a familial tendency to thoracic wall deformities pectus excavatum, unilateral thoracic wall concavity in Bengal kittens, and chondrodystrophic Munchkin cats may also have an increased incidence of pectus excavatum and spinal lordosis. Retrieved January 21, Domestic cat Felis catus. Avoid your Munchkin jumping or being encouraged to take risky jumps by providing steps and ramps to vantage points rather than climbing trees. Nutrition and Feeding. Remember that a greasy coat can be evidence that your cat is no longer attempting to groom themselves, which can be indicative of poor or failing health. Retrieved March 24, Retrieved September 14, Breed of cat. Read Edit View history. The short leggedness of the Munchkin breed is a deformity that means that they are prone to developing arthritis. Male Munchkins typically weigh between 6 and 9 pounds 2. The hind legs can be slightly longer than the front which creates a slight rise from the shoulder to the rump.

Munchkin cats are short on legs and big on personality.

Similarity to other breeds is grounds for disqualification. Personalised pet advice straight to your inbox. Metro UK. Join 8, owners subscribed to our free newsletters. The Munchkin cat is a very healthy breed with few specific health problems. Only kittens that are heterozygous for the Munchkin gene, with only one copy, develop into viable short-legged Munchkin kittens. July 23, The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Genetics Home Reference. Bengal Chausie Highlander Savannah Serengeti. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry cat food recipes.