Named after the ‘little people’ in the popular 1939 movie ‘The Wizard of Oz’, the Munchkin cat is not a true miniature cat, but rather, is a dwarf that is characterised by its very short legs. Munchkins are typically a medium sized cat with legs in three different lengths, referred to as standard, short and ‘rug huggers’ (very short). As the Munchkin breed is outcrossed to domestics it is very difficult to define a type. Size, coat colors, and patterns are many and varied, and they are available in both short and long haired versions.
Munchkin Cat Personality
Despite their short legs, the Munchkin cat will run and jump just like any other domestic cat and have been compared to a ferret as a result of their fast movement on the ground. They are described as energetic, affectionate and playful, with many examples of the breed keeping their kitten like playfulness well into adulthood.
The Munchkin breed is highly intelligent and sociable. They get on well with children and other animals and are an ideal family pet. They are usually very good at learning tricks and enjoy the challenge of puzzle toys that holds treats.
Did You Know?
The Muchkin’s short legs are the result of a naturally occurring genetic mutation which has nothing to do with any human intervention. The gene has often been compared to that which gives Welsh Corgis and Dachshunds their short stature. Many cat fanciers became concerned the Munchkin could be susceptible to the same spinal problems these dog breeds are prone to. Fortunately, the spine of the Munchkin is very different, so should not succumb to these spinal issues.
In the 1940s a UK veterinarian noted several generations of cats with short legs which seemed to disappear during WWII. However, in 1953 short legged cats were spotted in Stalingrad. In 1983, Sandra Hochenedel of Louisiana discovered a short-legged cat and named her Blackberry. Blackberry’s litters almost always consisted of a half and half mix of short legged versus normal legged kittens, and the modern day Munchkin breed was born.
Munchkins have a charming way of sitting up on their hind legs which reminds many people of a rabbit. This trait earned the Stalingrad cat the nickname “Stalingrad Kangaroo Cat”.
They are also referred to as ‘magpies’, for their habit of borrowing small, shiny objects and hiding them away to play with later.
Caring for Your Munchkin Cat
Munchkin cats require little in the way of special care and just need the same amount of exercise, sleep, and play as any other domesticated cat. Longhaired Munchkins will benefit from daily grooming in order to prevent matting.
Munchkins typically live 12 -14 years, but this also depends a lot on their heritage.
Have you ever met a Munchkin cat? Please share your experiences in the comments below.
I think my Paisley has munchkin in her. She is going on two and stopped growing. She sets on her back feet for the longest time and can jump a good distance.
My cat Tilly has short legs, she’s nearly 10 years old and can move about very fast and swiftly around the house behind furniture and over any obstacle in her way. She out runs my 5 year old Rory whose a tabby always. She doesn’t seem to have aged whatsoever and is always mistaken for a kitten. She’s great fun, very, very playful still, and so affectionate. She’s black and white and has a fluffy medium coat, I would say.
I have 2 Munchkin cats and have never had a problem with either of them. One is 12 yrs old and the other is 5 months old. They do everything that a normal cat does and actually rule the other cats….they have the best personalities and are very entertaining…I highly recommend a Munchkin as a pet.
This is one breed I’m opposed to because of the genetic-based limitations. They are unable to move, jump and navigate the natural environment like regular limbed cats. They must be kept indoors.
The cats are so cute. I didn’t know that the breed came from a genetic mutation. I must confess I was convinced it had to do with human intervention. Always learning new thinks about cats 🙂
I’ve never seen a Munchkin that I’m aware of, but they sure are cute! They sound like a lot of fun, too. Jewel used to sit up on her hind legs, and it was really adorable. 🙂
We didn’t know that “short legs” cats was in reality the Munchkin cat breed ! Purrs
One of my favorite fellow TICA competitors this past season was an 11-year-old Munchkin lady! She is one of the longhaired ones, and she has the prettiest, doll-like face. She did quite well this season, even though she was the oldest one in the rings… she’s proof that this breed does have continued good health and quality of life over more than a decade of living.
this is a strange and wonderful coincidence! I was at my “bonus” daughter’s home today and she has 3 cats and 3 dogs (a couple of them are fosters), one of the cats she referred to as a “Dwarf”….but it appears to be a mix between a Dwarf (or munchkin) and a Snowshoe.
I am going to be sharing the photos some time soon and will be interested to hear what you have to say. She is super social, talkative and hilarious!