Despite its very short legs, this active little cat has a full zest for living, and it enjoys a good game with the family.
The extraordinarily short legs of the Munchkin are the result of a chance mutation. This breed appears to have escaped the spinal problems sometimes associated with very short legs in dogs such as the Dachshund, and having a low-to-the ground stature does not inhibit its general mobility.
In fact, Munchkins can run extremely fast, and they are energetic and playful. These confident and inquisitive cats make sociable family pets. In addition to the silky, semi-longhaired version, there is also a shorthaired Munchkin, and both come in an almost endless variety of colors and patterns. The Munchkin longhair needs regular grooming to prevent the coat from matting.
Various colors and patterns have been introduced through outcrossing, which maintains the Munchkin’s genetic diversity.
Origin: US, 1980s
Breed registries: TICA
Weight range: 6–9lb (2.5–4kg)
Grooming: 2–3 times a week
Colors and patterns: All colors, shades, and patterns.