Munchkin Cats

The munchkin is a relatively new breed created by a mutation that causes achondroplasia, or more likely hypochondroplasia as the skull size is unaffected, resulting in cats with abnormally short legs. However, the shortness of their legs do not seem to interfere with their running and leaping. The breed originated in 1983 when Sandra Hochenedel found an extremely short-legged black cat living under a trailer in Louisiana. This cat, named Blackberry, was pregnant and half of her kittens were born short-legged. One of Blackberry's kittens, a tomcat named Toulouse, became the father of a breeding program that established the breed in North America.

History of Munchkin Cats

Physical Characteristics

The munchkin cat occurs in every cat body type, head type and coat type. The only distinguishing feature of this cat is its obviously short legs. With its short legs there are some concerns that the munchkin cat may suffer from back or spinal problems, however current research doesn't indicate that short legs in cats will lead to any spinal issues. The front legs of munchkin cats are bowed but this doesn't prevent the munchkin cat from climbing activities, although they may be limited in their jumping capabilities.

Temperament

Munchkins are sometimes described as "ferret-like" in their playfulness, as they run, chase, and play with toys. They also have an endearing way of sitting up, rabbit-like, on their hind legs, a trait which gave the Stalingrad cat the name of "Stalingrad Kangaroo Cat." Because Munchkins may be bred to a wide number of breeds, an individual cat's personality will depend on its inheritance. All-in-all, however, they have been described as loving, sociable, and playful by Munchkin fans.