Munchkin: Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care

Munchkin cats are ordinary domestic cats that have extraordinarily short legs due to a natural genetic mutation. Discovered in the U.K. in the 1940s, the short-legged lineage was perpetuated by breeding. But it wasn't until 2003 that munchkins were accepted as an official breed by The International Cat Association (The Cat Fanciers' Association does not yet accept them).

Despite their controversial breed status, munchkin cats make loving pets that delight their humans with humorous antics like scurrying after toys in a "ferret-like" fashion and sitting upright like rabbits.

Learn more about the munchkin cat, including the breed’s characteristics, history, and care needs.

Munchkin Cat Characteristics

Munchkins are sometimes compared to ferrets in the way that they run and play on their short legs, but they are bona fide felines.

Also, munchkin cats are small in size; they reach full maturity at around 1 year old. When they are adults, they typically weigh up to 9 pounds.

Because munchkins may be bred to a wide variety of domestic cats, an individual cat's temperament and personality will depend on their inheritance. Some describe them as "dog-like" since they may follow you around the house. Overall, their devoted fans have described them as loving, sociable, and playful.

Munchkins generally get along well with children, other cats, and dogs.

History of the Munchkin Cat

Munchkins owe their short legs to a naturally occurring gene, not human selective breeding. In the 1940s, a veterinarian in the United Kingdom described several generations of short-legged cats—a line that disappeared during World War II. However, a similar short-legged cat was discovered in Stalingrad in 1953.

Thirty years later, U.S. cat breeder Sandra Hochenedel found a short-legged cat in Louisiana she named Blackberry. Blackberry's first and subsequent litters consisted of half short-legged kittens from which today's munchkin breed has descended. Named after the short Munchkin characters in "The Wizard of Oz," this breed achieved The International Cat Association (TICA) championship status in 2003.

The gene that produces the short legs of munchkin cats is autosomal dominant, meaning it is not sex-linked and is expressed whether inherited from one parent or both parents. However, it is lethal when copies are inherited from both parents (those embryos die in the womb). As a result, munchkins are only bred with regular domestic cats, not with other munchkins.

The offspring of munchkin/domestic cat matings have an equal chance of being munchkins or not. Only the offspring that are munchkins carry the gene.

The breed standard states that permissible outcrosses are domestic longhair or shorthair cats that are not members of a recognized breed. Munchkin crosses with recognized breeds produce short-legged variations of that breed.

There is an ongoing debate about whether recognizing the munchkin cat as a breed is ethical due to the abnormal mutation. Opponents say they should not promote a genetic mutation that could have poor health consequences for the cat. Proponents point to evidence that munchkins do not seem to have any health concerns specific to the breed, and the cats seem to lead a full life on their shorter legs.

Munchkin Cat Care

When it comes to grooming and exercise, munchkin cats aren’t demanding, but they do require your attention. They are sociable cats that crave human companionship. They are kitten-like, both in appearance and their playful personalities.

Any cat, including a munchkin, should be kept as an indoor-only cat to ensure they are not exposed to diseases from other cats, fights, attacks, or accidents. Spaying or neutering your cat is recommended if they are not going to be bred.

Exercise

Munchkin cats are smart, active, social, inquisitive, and willing to learn. They can be trained to do things like walk on a leash, play fetch, and perform tricks. Clicker training can be an effective method for training your munchkin to follow commands, and you can use this time to bond with your cat.

Munchkins have no problem running around on their shorter legs, but can't jump as high as their longer-legged counterparts. Still, they will hop and climb, so providing a cat tree can help them reach new heights safely. These curious and active cats also enjoy interactive cat toys and playtime with their people.

Shedding

Munchkin cats generally shed a moderate amount. However, this can vary, just like their personalities, based on their lineage.

Brushing your cat regularly can help remove loose hair that would otherwise end up in your home or on your clothes.

Grooming

The munchkin cat requires some grooming assistance since their shorter legs prevent them from reaching certain areas of their coat with their tongue.

Short-haired cats should be brushed weekly and long-haired cats should be brushed a couple of times per week. Regular brushing helps prevent hairballs and matting.

You should also trim your cat's nails, and help your cat maintain oral hygiene by brushing their teeth a couple of times per week, in addition to getting regular cleanings at the veterinarian. If their ears need to be cleaned, do so gently and carefully with a cat ear cleaner.

Common Health Problems

On average, munchkins live 15 years. You can expect a normal lifespan if you get the recommended immunizations and preventative care from your veterinarian.

Munchkin cats can develop any of the health problems that can affect other breeds, and can also be more prone to the following:

• Lordosis: Some munchkin cats may have lordosis at birth. This refers to an exaggerated inward curve of the spine, typically in the lower back. Depending on how severe the curve is, it can cause pain.
• Osteoarthritis: A munchkin's short legs have been the source of controversy. They are known to be at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition involving the joints where cartilage breaks down over time. This can affect a cat's mobility, including the ability to run and jump.
• Pectus excavatum: This refers to a deformity of the breastbone. Since the breastbone is abnormally large, it sinks into the chest and can affect heart and lung function. This congenital defect occurs as a result of the munchkin's genetic mutation. In severe cases, surgery is necessary to remedy it.

Appearance

The munchkin is a medium-sized cat that may appear smaller because of their short legs. Besides the leg length, this is a very normal looking cat, bearing characteristics of their particular breeding lineage.

Generally speaking, the munchkin cat's coat is soft and plush, ranging in length from short to long.

Diet and Nutrition

Your munchkin cat should be fed the same diet as any other cat. This is a medium-sized cat with a weight and body mass that is not significantly affected by having short legs.

A wet food diet is often considered best, but you can leave out dry food for your cat to snack on as well.

Discuss your cat's needs with your veterinarian, especially if your cat has diabetes, is obese, or is older.

Provide fresh, clean water for your cat at all times.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Munchkin Cat

On average, a munchkin cat costs $800 to $1,200. However, the price will depend on the breeder, and some cats are priced over $2,000.

You may be able to purchase a purebred munchkin cat through a breeder in your area. There is a website called Munchkin Cat Guide that maintains a breeder directory.

If you'd rather adopt from a rescue organization, check out:

• Petfinder
• Adopt a Pet
• Go Kitty
  

Types of Munchkin Cats

Munchkin cats can have varying leg lengths:

• Standard: Compared to a normal cat, these munchkins’ legs might only be a bit shorter.
• Super-short: These munchkins’ legs will be 2 to 3 inches shorter than a normal cat’s legs.
• Rug hugger: These munchkin cats have the shortest legs, and are closest to the ground compared to other munchkins. 
  

Munchkin Cat Overview

Munchkin cats are cute, short-legged felines that look and act like the breed(s) in their family history. There is a controversy involving the ethics of breeding cats with abnormally short legs. If you have no qualms about perpetuating the anatomical abnormality of the munchkin breed, you will enjoy the playful and friendly companionship of this unique cat.

Pros of Munchkin Cats

• Loving, sociable, and playful
• Not likely to jump up to high places
• Highly intelligent; enjoys toys and games
  

Cons of Munchkin Cats

• Breeding this cat is controversial
• Needs help with grooming
• Susceptible to breed-specific illnesses
  

More Cat Breeds and Further Research

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Moggy
• Toyger
• Sphynx

Otherwise, check out all of our other cat breed profiles.