Over the last several years, munchkin cats, defined by their little legs, have gained a growing amount of attention. This group of animals, which have been dubbed after figures from the fantasy literature classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, has been grabbing people’s attention for the better part of three years.
Don’t be fooled by their little stature; these cats possess the same enormous personalities and athleticism as larger domestic cat breeds. Are you interested in finding out more? For more information about this beautiful species, continue reading!
Although they are relatively recent, Munchkin cats do not appear to be entirely new to the world of cat collecting. As early as the 1930s, veterinarians in Europe began to observe domestic cats with all of the normal feline features but with notably short legs.
During World War II, a large number of these cats appeared to vanish from Europe. Scientists determined that all of these short-legged felines had a defective gene that caused damage to the long bones of the leg, culminating in this unique characteristic only in the early 1990s when they re-appeared in the United States.
Since then, after considerable debate, the species has been legally acknowledged by The International Cat Association (TICA). It has been awarded Champion status since 2003, according to the organization. If you want to find out more about this breed, check out this link http://www.vetstreet.com/cats/munchkin.
Munchkin cats are really rather healthy, according to vets
In the beginning, the TICA was afraid that these cats may be susceptible to common illnesses in short-legged dogs, including spinal, leg, and hip issues. On the other hand, they are in quite good health. A large number of Munchkin owners assert that their dogs are just as capable as their long-legged counterparts when it comes to freely moving and even leaping in the air.
Munchkins can have hollow chests or even spine curvature in rare instances, although this is extremely uncommon. They do not appear to be any more prone to health problems than other domestic cat breeds, which is a good thing.
Moreover, their look is not restricted to their legs. Aside from their tiny stature, they have a lot in common with domestic cats in terms of physical characteristics. A number of coat patterns are available as well as different lengths of short, medium, or long hair on them. This is great for cat lovers who want a particular-looking pet out of this breed.
It has been observed by some owners that the cat’s back legs are slightly longer than its forelegs, giving the impression that the cat is squatting. However, the difference in leg height is usually not substantial.
Male Munchkins (generally 6-9 pounds) are larger and weigh significantly more than female Munchkins, as is true of other cat species (typically 4-8 pounds). Click here for more.
They’re cuddlers and tricksters
As you can expect, the personality of these little creatures is tremendous in comparison to their size. Cats have a powerful hunting instinct, and they have a tendency to keep their favorite toys or treats for later use. These cats, on the other hand, are just as likely to play with their littermates as they are to cuddle up on your knee for a nap during the middle of the afternoon.
A great companion for any size family
It is possible to utilize Munchkins in a variety of different types of households, but they are especially well-suited to smaller homes and apartments. Because of their small stature, they might potentially be well-suited to larger homes and indoor-outdoor living arrangements due to their lack of movement.
What is the maximum size of a Munchkin cat?
Munchkin cats generally reach a height of 7 to 8 inches and weigh 6 to 9 pounds. They live for 15 to 20 years on average. They can, of course, survive for several years longer if given adequate care. They are gregarious creatures who enjoy running and playing. They are autonomous thinkers that are usually fast to pick up on voice orders.
These Munchkins are extremely powerful, despite their tiny legs and compact size. This breed’s back legs are longer than its front legs. They are extremely nimble and move at a rapid speed, despite their small legs that prevent them from jumping very high. Want to know more? If that’s the case, check out holistapet for more interesting information.
How quick are they?
The Munchkin cats’ actual power is in their capacity to react rapidly to changes in their environment. They have a great deal of energy, which they put to good use by demonstrating their strength and agility in competition. They are also quite agile. They may not be ready to jump exceptionally high, yet they are incredibly capable of climbing, leaping, and running. The Munchkin’s short legs do not interfere with its capacity to hunt for prey in a short period of time.
Do they have a tendency to collect things?
The natural tendency of a Munchkin cat is to gather shiny objects. As they are frequently known, Magpies are birds with a similar penchant for stealing, storing, and concealing glistening objects. The likelihood that you have a Munchkin in your home increases if your cat has short and stubby legs and if your valuables are frequently stolen from you increases. In addition to possessing a high level of self-assurance, the Munchkin cat also has an extremely expensive taste in food.
