Munchkin cat: Breed Personality, Behavior Facts and Characteristics, Health Care Info

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Of small-medium size, the cat munchkin It has become one of the most popular breeds because of its peculiar physical appearance. By its most characteristic feature, this feline is also known as a short-legged cat. However, it is not the only attribute that defines it, since this adorable kitten also stands out for being very affectionate, social and active. Do you want to know more about this cat breed? Keep reading and discover in Everything you need to know about munchkin, its care, its character and characteristics.

Origin of the munchkin cat

Although the munchkin cat breed has recently been recognized and has been popularized relatively recently, the fact is that it has already documented its presence at the beginning of the 40. Dr. HE Williams Jones described in a British report the appearance of four generations of short-legged cats and indicated in this same document that they were physically similar to the rest of cats, except for the length of their limbs. However, this lineage disappeared during the Second World War and it was not until the year 1956 in Russia and 1970 in the United States that they did not register new indications of the existence of this race.

Despite the recorded documents, it was in the 80 decade, in Rayville, Louisiana (United States), when the munchkin race was officially rediscovered by Sandra Hockenedel, a music teacher, when she found one of these cats pregnant. The teacher decided to adopt her, call her Blackberry, and start breeding the munchkin cat with her and one of the short-legged male puppies he had, Toulouse.

The International Cat Association (TICA) recognized the munchkin cat breed and included it in its development program in September of 1994. The Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFE), however, has not yet recognized it.

Physical characteristics of the munchkin cat

Physically, the munchkin cat resembles the other feline breeds, since the only difference lies in the length of its legs. Thus, the most characteristic physical feature of the munchkin is its short legs, being the rear slightly larger than the front ones. So much so, that it is not strange to see the munchkin leaning on their hind legs and showing the front ones collected, just like kangaroos do.

Since the only requirement to be considered munchkin is to have very short legs, this feline breed accepts all colors and facial features, since it is even possible to observe munchkin cats with the face of a Persian cat, the tonalities of a Siamese cat or the mantle of the angora. In this sense, it is also worth mentioning that we found munchkin cats with long, medium and short hair. The short-haired munchkin has a layer of fluffy and fluffy mantle, while the long-haired munchkin has a semi-long and silky coat, adapted to all types of weather.

Regarding the average weight of the munchkin cat, the males tend to oscillate the 3-5 kg while the females tend to weigh between 2 and 4 kg. Because of this average, this adorable and unique looking cat is considered one of the smaller cat breeds.

It should be noted that although the munchkin accepts all kinds of colors and patterns due to its genetic diversity, this does not mean that it must be a miniaturized version of another race; it is considered munchkin when it comprises a unique cat, despite having common features with other feline breeds.

Munchkin cat character

The fact of having such short limbs does not make the munchkin cat a slow or clumsy cat, on the contrary, precisely this characteristic feature has made him a agile, fast, dynamic and light cat. The munchkin is able to reach great speeds and heights, as well as to enter any hole or hole no matter how small it may seem.

On the other hand, this feline breed stands out for its great intelligence and energy, being one of the most active, playful and affectionate cats. In addition, the munchkin is kind, outgoing and docile. It is also quite curious, so you are always looking for a way to see what is happening around you to control the environment and know each corner of the home. He loves to explore and learn new things every day, so that offering new stimuli, toys and challenges is an obligation for his tutors.

Cat care munchkin

The munchkin cat does not require exceptional care or different from other breeds of cats. Depending on your hair type, you should receive more or less weekly brushes, being the minimum recommended one or two a week to remove any knot that can be formed, dead hair and avoid, thus, the dreaded hairballs. If the cat has long hair, it will be essential to carry out three or four weekly brushes, which can be increased during the molting season. As for the bath, as with the other feline breeds, it should be done when it is really dirty and using products designed for cats and adapted to its coat.

The sandbox will be placed away from the bowls of food and water, as well as from the bed, to maintain a distance between the resting place and the one to relieve themselves. Cats are very neat animals and the munchkin is no exception. Likewise, if there is more than one cat in the home, it is important to place one sandbox per cat and one extra to avoid behavioral and territorial problems. About the type of sand, you should choose the animal’s favorite, since some felines are a substrate while others opt for a totally different one. Of course, it is recommended avoid scented sands.

Leaving hygiene aside and focusing on munchkin cat care to maintain emotional stability, it is important to offer this feline breed varied toys, activities that maintain it stimulated physically and mentally because, as we said, he is a very active and intelligent cat. Another way to meet their needs is through education, and is that the Munchkin cat is able to learn many tricks, such as giving the leg, find and bring the ball, etc. To achieve the best results, it is necessary to use positive reinforcement, since it allows the animal to understand what it is doing, how to do it correctly and, at the same time, to want to continue learning. Through punishment, it is only possible to promote fear and, even, aggression as a consequence.

If the munchkin cat can not be offered all the exercise and stimulation he needs, he may have to choose another feline race or mongrel cat.

Cat health munchkin

The munchkin cat is a feline, in general, pretty healthy, so it is not usually prone to suffer any specific disease. Despite its characteristic extremities, it also does not suffer from genetic or hereditary diseases. Likewise, it does not present disorders in the mobility of its legs nor has a history of joint or spinal problems, on the contrary, it is a very agile cat. Of course, it is necessary to take care of your diet, offering a quality one and watching the quantities, since as it usually happens with most cats, you could develop obesity easily and this would seriously harm your health.

In addition, especially when adopting a munchkin kitten, it is necessary to apply the obligatory vaccines as well as deworming it following the frequency guidelines stipulated by the veterinarian.

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