www.munchkin-cat.net                                       An affiliate of Mivicks Cattery

Munchkin

Description

The Munchkin, a domestic cat breed characterized by unusually short legs, is the result of a spontaneous autosomal dominant mutation. The spontaneous change in the genetic heritage of the cat introduced a gene similar to that seen in the Corgi, and Dachshund. However, the Munchkin have not the back or spinal problems sometimes found in their canine lookalikes.

Despite their short legs, the Munchkin can do anything other cats can do, although their movements tend to be like that of a ferret. Sociable and affectionate cats, they retain their kitten personalities throughout their lives. They are outgoing, intelligent, and respond well to being handled. Friendly and self-assured, the Munchkin gets along well with other cats, dogs, and people.

Munchkins can be born shortlegged or longlegged.  This is part of dealing with a breed from a mutation which is no different than the Scottish Fold breed can produce folded-eared or non-folded eared kittens. Obviously, most people who are attracted to the Munchkins are dazzled over the shortlegged version, but both short and longlegged versions make wonderful pets.

History

The Munchkin has appeared throughout 20^th century veterinary literature, the earliest in the 1944 Great Britain Veterinary Record by Dr. H.E. Williams-Jones. In 1956 Zoologischer Anzeiger, Max Egon Theil of Hamburg, Germany, reported a short-legged cat he seen in Stalingrad, Russia, dubbing it the “Stalingrad Kangaroo Cat”. Seeming to have disappeared from Europe, 40 years later the breed was rediscovered in Rayville, Louisiana by Sandra Hochenedel in 1980s.

Associations

The Munchkin has championship status in TICA (The International Cat Association Inc.), AACE (The American Association of Cat Enthusiasts, Inc.), and CCC of A (Coordinating Cat Council of Australia). It is accepted by UFO (The United Feline Organization) under NBC (new breed or color) status.

Frequently Asked Question as answered by the Munchkin Breed Club

Link: http://www.munchkin.net/faq.html