Munchkin Cat Breed: Are Short Legged Cats Cute Or Cruel?

Common Cat physiques call for slender bodies and elegant legs. A Munchkin Cat however, has just the opposite type of legs— short and often stubby. The size and type of your home should always be a factor when it comes to the consideration of getting a Pet. This is inevitably important, for certain pets require a spacious house for their habitual activities. Like the Munchkin Cat for example; they can't jump as high as their other breed counterparts ☺

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The Munchkin Cat

Munchkin Cats are short-legged Cats that were spotted as early as the 1940’s in Britain. While all traces were lost during the  WWII, they were spotted in Russia again in 1956. In 1983, Sandra Hochenedel rescued Blackberry— a Munchkin Cat that took hiding in her truck after being attacked by a Bulldog. A pregnant Blackberry then gave birthed to half a litter of Cats with short legs. Sandra Hochenedel gave a Male kitten to her friend, Kay LaFrance. Allowing her un-neutered male munchkin Toulouse roam about freely around the household, Kay LaFrance eventually ended up with more short legged cats. 

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Both ladies realized that they might have a new breed on their hands, and approached a Show Judge Dr. Solveig Pflueger in 1990. Pflueger immediately conducted studies to determine that the Munchkin did not pose any health issues with regards to spinal problems that often occurred with short-legged Dog breeds. The Munchkin Cat breed was introduced to the public on a TV Show held at Madison Square in 1991.

Dr. Solveig Pflueger

Fun Fact      Despite the Munchkin’s unique short legs and cute appearance, it is not a recognized breed to many Cat Registries, such as the CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association)— a veteran Show Judge even resigned as a sign of protest against the Munchkin breed. 

Many have considered the Munchkin Cat breed to be a Genetic Disease or Mutation, regarded as cruelty with concerns to the Cats’ well-being. In certain countries, breeding of this breed is also considered unacceptable, even though breeders have claimed that the Munchkin cats are not subjected to the speculated health problems and are perfect for small homes.

Munchkin Cat Appearance

Features — The first thing you’ll undoubtedly notice is the Munchkin Cat’s short legs. Their legs grow to an average of 3 inches tall. With front legs shorter than their hind legs, Munchkin Cats are often seen standing to reach for things— like a Meerkat.

Size — Though Munchkin Cats are not much different from any medium-sized Cat when it comes to their bodies, their legs are noticeably shorter. Think, a Cat-version of a Corgi or Dachshund dog. The average weight of an adult Male ranges from 3 to 4 kgs, and an adult Female 2 to 3 kgs.

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Colour — A Munchkin Cats are available in a wide range of colours, coat patterns, even in both long and short coats. 

Grooming A Munchkin Cat

Short Coat — A short coat Munchkin Cat does not require extensive grooming. Brushing once or twice a week to rid loose hair.

Long Coat —  For long haired Munchkin Cats, weekly brushings should be increased to prevent knotting and matting of hair. This also helps rid any debris attached to their coats.

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Both long and short haired Munchkin Cats require these regular grooming steps— Cleaning of ears with a cotton pad and Vet-approved cleanser, clipping of nails, and brushing of teeth with the Pet-appropriate toothpaste.

If you are unsure how to perform these tasks, consult a professional Groomer for their services!

Munchkin Cat Personality

Don’t let those short legs fool you, Munchkin Cats are surprisingly energetic, playful and a whole lot of fun. They love chasing objects, and are reportedly known to even hide shiny objects or toys around the household only to play with them later on— as excellent self-entertainers. This is a Cat breed that thrives on human affection, you can often find them laying on your lap, longing patiently for their pats. 

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Friendly and well-renowned for having a kitten-like playfulness even in their adulthood, the only difference between a Munchkin Cat and a regular Cat is their inability to jump around as much and as high. Provide easily accessible areas for your furry Munchkin companion so they won't face difficulties or injure themselves trying to reach out. With proper care and love, the average lifespan of a Munchkin Cat ranges from 12 to 14 years.

Keeping A Cat In Singapore

Cats are not allowed in HDB flats of Singapore, though this does little to deter the avid Cat lovers. A lot of folks too have already grown accustomed to their neighbours owning a pet Cat or even a few. However, we must always practice responsible and good Pet-ownership— by keeping your Cat(s) indoors, maintaining a clean home and limiting the amount of Cats in accordance to the size of your apartment space. 

Adopting A Munchkin Cat

Pet abandonment in Singapore is ongoing every single day, even exotic and beautiful Cats are victims of this issue. Before you purchase a pet, always check with our local Animal Shelters for available options. Perhaps you may not find the exact breed you’d hope for, and perhaps you might, but who’s to say your hearts won’t be won over by another feline friend at the shelters? J

 You might also be interested in:

Life Hacks For Cats: Ten Useful Tips For Every Feline Lover

Is My Cat Unwell?: How To Tell If Your Cat Is Sick or Sad

Cats Of Instagram: Adorable Feline Photos To Boost Your Productivity

Your Stories Can Be Heard Too

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Disclaimer

This article was written with informational purposes, as you know, we’d love to share our collective research and experiences as fellow Pet owners and lovers. It is not meant to alternate in any way as advice or diagnosis of Professionals.

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