Fact Sheet: MUNCHKIN CAT

Original title: Munchkin Cats - What You Should Know

Photo: PublicDomainPictures

The unusual look of the Munchkin cat does not in any way affect its confidence and outgoing nature. This cat breed loves wrestling with friends and playing just like any other ordinary cat save for the short legs that are unique to it. It has been dubbed as the magpie of cat species thanks to its habit of borrowing shiny small objects that it keeps away for later play.

Besides the cat's playful nature, it does have hunter instinct and it will definitely chase up mice and any moving objects. It however, generally prefers snuggling more than it does hunting. The cats are suited for home environments and have become popular pets for cat lovers.

General appearance - These cats come in different colors and they can have short or long hairs. All of the munchkins however, have miniature look and short legs. Their eyes are walnut shaped, round and big. They tend to maintain that kitten like appearance all through their lives, making them simply adorable especially by children.

The coats - Munchkins which are shorthaired usually spot medium-plush coats whereas the long haired ones will usually come with semi-long silky coats. With this in mind, the cats do not require too much grooming Brushing your long haired cat twice a week and short haired cat once every week is enough to keep them looking good.

The legs - Their short legs are the main identifying character. The short nature allows the cats to be extremely fast. The munchkins are amazing pouncers and sprinters but they do not jump as high as other breeds would. The hind legs seem to be longer than forelegs but even with the shortness they will jump on furniture and climb just like other cats.

The body - This breed of cats is small to medium in terms of body size. Most fully grown cars will weigh between 5 pounds and 9 pounds. But even when they small bodies, they are muscular and stocky. They may have short legs but they have a very normal physique.

The backs - Unlike short legged dogs which tend to suffer spinal issues, the munchkin cats do not develop any spinal problems even with their short stature. This is probably because a cat's spine is quite different from that of a dog.

Cat temperaments - Munchkins are pretty active and will constantly be exploring the environment around them. They love socializing with both children and adults, and will not use their claws as often. They are patient, sweet and gentle and love to be cuddled and pet. Their loving gentle nature however puts them at risk with stray dogs and cats. It is best that they are kept indoors for safety purposes.

Cat health - These cats generally live healthy, normal lives, especially considering that they do not develop any spine and hip issues. It is however still of importance to ensure that you get your cat from breeders with written health assurance. To maintain the overall good health, you should take measures to protect your cat from obesity issues; watch cat diet to help it maintain the appropriate weight.

By Shalini Madhav Munchkin cats are simply adorable and make amazing pets. Choose munchkin cat breeders you can trust when getting your cat so you get a top quality breed. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Information Regarding the MUNCHKIN CAT

Munchkin is a domestic cat that is made unique by its short legs. The short limbs are owing to a genetic mutation and thus there is debate as regards the origin of this cat, since the mutation could have occurred at any point in time in the past. Notable cases though, existed in Europe around the middle of twentieth century. 

Short haired female Munchkin. 7 months old. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Like so many other pet breeds, the Munchkins also went into obscurity with the advent of Second World War. It was not until nineteen eighties that Munchkins were again reported, this time in United States. The short-legged creatures were seen with great intrigue by observers and named 'Munchkins', after the dwarfs in the Oz series of books by Lyman Frank Baum. The short leg size, or hypochondroplasia, was soon established as being a result of the genetic mutation. Since the gene is lethal in homozygous formation, Munchkins are outcrossed with other cats including domestic felines, Abyssinians, Persians, Siamese etc to produce healthy litters, with kittens having heterozygous alleles for the said gene.

Aside from their short legs, Munchkins have a normal physique. The rest of their body is not miniature and they are compact, sturdy animals. They are medium in size with normal musculoskeletal development. No restrictions exist on color and pattern of coat or eyes. Hind legs are longer than the forelegs and the medium length tail narrows towards its tip. Even as the short limbs don't allow these cats to jump high, they are said to be good at moving and turning at a rapid pace.

There is lots of controversy over the continued breeding of Munchkins. 

Many believe that doing so is propagation of a genetic defect and malformation (achondroplasia/hypochondroplasia). As such Munchkins are not recognized by most cat fanciers and are not eligible for registration in most bodies around the world as a distinct breed. Some think though that Munchkins are normal apart from their short legs and can lead a life like other regular cats. Some select organizations accept them and claim that their following is growing with the passage of time.

The cats themselves are quite sweet in their nature. They are gentle and loving and often behave like kittens even as they age. Since they can't evade and defend themselves properly in encounters with stray cats and dogs, they should be kept indoors. They are social and intelligent cats and prefer to be around people all the time.

By Omer Ashraf The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Munchkin cats. Article Source: EzineArticles

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