Munchkins are ordinary domestic cats with very short legs because they are born with a genetic mutation. A short-legged lineage discovered in Britain in the 1940s was perpetuated by crossbreeding. Still, it was not until 2003 that the International Cat Association recognised the munchkin as an official breed.
These cats are relatively rare as they result from genetic mutations and a complicated breeding process. If you want to know how much a Munchkin cat costs, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $1200.
Characteristics of Munchkin Cats
Munchkin is a medium-sized cat with nut-shaped eyes, a long body, and triangular ears. Due to genetic mutation, they have short, stocky legs, their most recognisable feature. In addition, they have forelimbs of equal size and length. These cats come as long-haired and short-haired breeds, with coats suitable for every weather. Short-haired cats have medium-thick coats, while long-haired cats have soft, medium-long coats.
With high cheekbones, their heads are proportionate to their body size. Their nose is neither broad nor pointed and is in proportion to the rest of the head. The eyes of this breed are large and spacious. Munchkins are sometimes compared to ferrets because they run and play on their short legs, but they are real cats. Munchkins can be interbred with various domestic cats, so each cat’s personality varies based on heredity.
Overall, the munchkin cat’s characteristics are described as follows: –
- Affectionate
- Outgoing
- Playful
- Energetic
- Fun-loving
Requirements of munchkin cats: –
- Grooming: Due to their short legs, the munchkin cannot reach certain areas of their coat with their tongue, so they need a little help with grooming. You should brush short-haired cats weekly and long-haired cats several times a week. Regular brushing prevents pilling and tangling. It would be best if you also kept your cat’s nails trimmed and teeth brushed several times a week to help your cat maintain good oral hygiene and regular cleanings by your veterinarian.
- Exercise: Munchkin cats have no problem running around on their short legs but cannot jump as high as long-legged munchkins. Still, they bounce and climb, so having a scratching bar available will help them reach new heights safely. They usually get along well with children, other cats and dogs. Munchkins don’t need much human-led exercise: these cats love running and playing during the day and often hide. Please provide them with cat toys, low cat plants, and scratching posts to help burn off their energy.
- Common Health Problems: Munchkin cats are generally healthy, with an average life expectancy of 12-15 years. Yet, similar to any variety, specific medical problems can impact these little cats. Generally, Munchkins can foster issues that influence most cat breeds, including heart issues, urinary plot diseases, and pancreatitis. However, because their legs are very short, it is essential to avoid obesity and maintain a thin body.
- Diet and Nutrition: Any munchkin cat should be fed the same diet as any other cat. The munchkin cat is a medium-sized cat whose weight and body mass are not significantly affected by short legs. Wet food is generally considered the best, but you can also leave dry food for your cat as a snack. Discuss your cat’s needs with your veterinarian, especially if the cat is diabetic, obese, or elderly. Provide munchkin cats with fresh and clean water.
- Living Needs: Munchkin cats are well-suited to most indoor living situations as long as they have room to run and play. They are extremely active and full of energy. They may not be able to get to the top of the price in one jump, but they will still love to jump and climb.
Pros & Cons of a Munchkin Cat
If you’re buying a munchkin cat or any for that matter, you’ll find both advantages and disadvantages of owning one.
Pros:
- Adoring, friendly, and playful
- Inability to jump high
- Immune to breed-specific diseases
Cons:
- The breeding of this cat is controversial
- Needs assistance in grooming
- Less agile than other cats; may be injured if left on a high surface such as a counter.
Conclusion
Munchkin cats are one of the strangest cat breeds, perhaps due to their unique short legs. This corgi-like breed has won the hearts of many cat lovers across the country and has probably caused much controversy in the cat world. They are considered the “corgis” of the cat world. However, there’s no need to worry about caring for a munchkin cat; it’s a low-maintenance breed. There are short-haired and long-haired varieties. Short-haired cats only need to be brushed or groomed once a week. Munchkins with long, soft coats must be brushed more often to keep their coat from matting.