The Munchkin cat is small, but capable.
The Munchkin cat is characterized by its short legs and overall miniature appearance caused by a genetic mutation. But those short hind legs should not be underestimated. Just like for many wild animals, short legs are an adaptation that suits the Munchkin cat well for survival.
The Munchkin cat breed was not officially accepted to The International Cat Association (TICA) until 1994, but its history is much longer than that. Short-legged cats have been around at least since the early 20th century, naturally adapting to survive.
Much controversy erupted over the breed when it was recognized by The International Cat Association with critics voicing concern over potential health and mobility issues.
The story of how munchkin cats really rose to popularity and became an official breed all starts with a pregnant cat named Blackberry that was found under a truck in Louisiana by Sandra Hochenedel (a music teacher!) in 1983. Half of the cat's litter was born with short legs and Hochenedel then gave one of the kittens to her friend Kay LaFrance. The cat was named Toulouse and became the primary carrier of the munchkin gene and the beginning of a new breed.
Does the name Munchkin cat have anything to do with The Wizard of Oz? Yep! Kay LaFrance established a colony of Munchkins on her Louisiana plantation.
Munchkin cats, and especially munchkin kittens, are full of energy and have endless curiosity. They never stop playing and exploring. They are self-assured but also love to spend time with people, and make great family pets.
These domestic cats come in longhair and short hair and even with their stubby legs, they don't have health problems or spinal problems like their counterpart short-legged dog breeds, like Dachshunds.
Corgis also fall into this stubby legs dog category. So munchkin's short legs share this trait with many dog breeds! As a result of possible health issues, the Munchkin cat breed is not recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association.
The munchkin breed does still require regular veterinary medicine checkups just like normal cats to check health issues in general.
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Body image: Vet Street
Do you have a munchkin? Tell us or show us in the comments below!
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