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Cat breed munchkin

The Munchkin cat breed is a relatively recently developed breed that is characterized by its unique physique: short legs and long bodies. As a smaller breed, they require only minimal space to live and their diet is also less expensive when compared to other breeds. Additionally, they are noted for being friendly, gentle, and intelligent companions. They enjoy participating in active play, and are easily trainable. They are also known to be quite affectionate and easygoing, with a gentle, playful attitude. A Munchkin cat can make a great pet for any household – their low maintenance needs and personality make them an ideal choice.

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Pet lovers often have short-legged pets. This breed is called munchkin or munchkins. Some believe that it is cruel to breed cats with genetic ugliness, but many people consider them cute and beautiful..

What does munchkin look like

Dachshund cat

Dachshund cats in appearance are practically no different from ordinary pets. One feature – short legs. The color is varied, but mostly mixed. The coat in the munchkins is short or long, depending on the dominant gene of the parent. There are specimens with tassels on the ears.

The average weight and height is 3-4 kg and 15 cm. The neck and body are strong, muscular. The tail is not long, but cats skillfully balance it. Life expectancy is 10-15 years. Munchkins need home care – they are not adapted for the street.

TICA standard

Longhair and Shorthair

All breeds of cats are registered according to certain parameters in the international association. It is called TICA and is located in Texas in America. The organization determines the parameters that animals must meet for sale or exhibition..

Munchkin cat breed standards:

  • Body – slightly elongated, with rounded chest. The back is smoothly inclined from the shoulders to the tail. Muscle development in cats, females with rounded hips.
  • Head – wedge-shaped, proportional to the body. Flat forehead, highly defined cheekbones, firm chin compared to a medium-length nose.
  • Ears – wide at the base, with rounded tips.
  • Eyes – in shape reminiscent of a walnut, widely spaced. Color is not associated with color. The look is open but wary.
  • Legs – short, equal in length. Feet are round, in proportion to the body. Paws pointing straight, not outward or forward.
  • Tail – Corresponds to body size, not long. Positioned vertically if the cat is moving.
  • Wool – long or short, of any color – from classic black and white to custom tortoise.

Characteristic

Munchkins are called the ideal breed of domestic cats. This is due to their behavior, loyalty to the owners. The animal is always ready to travel, often accompanies people on trips.

Temperament and character

Striped cat

Endurance, adaptability and playfulness – a hallmark of the cat breed munchkin. The animal is patient, gets along well with other pets. Character complaisant, balanced, but not without a sense of self-esteem. The Manchkins are always in a good mood; aggression is alien to them. Cats are playful; they can run after the ball for half a day or participate in children’s games in the fresh air. The animal is unpretentious, will not interfere with the constant meow for no reason.

Friendliness and affection

Animal plays

Affectionate Munchkins, adore their master. The munchkins are loyal to him; Loyalty and affection, they are more like dogs. If a person is rude or aggressive, it will cause stress in the pet.

Animals are happy to accept housing changes, are not afraid of transport. Short-footed cats are friendly to children, but it is important that they know how to handle the pet. Munchkin will not harm the baby, you can not be afraid to leave them alone.

High intelligence

Cat is playing

Cats respond well to training, but the owner needs to motivate the animal with affection and encouragement. This will help teach your pet tricks of varying difficulty. The Munchkins are smart, intelligent, and smart. They will not be sad alone. Chewers will always find something to do. One of your favorites is to find and hide shiny things..

Features Manchkin

Like other breeds, these cats have individual differences. They appear in everything from the appearance history to the features of appearance or behavior. Another sign is possible health problems due to the origin of cats..

Appeared as a result of a genetic mutation

Adult animal and kitten

The Manchkins owe their short paws to the surprise of nature. The hypochondroplasia gene inhibits the development of the animal’s limbs. A mutation of this species is characterized by dwarf growth with a head of normal proportions, an elongated body and shortened paws. Munchkins appeared without human intervention as a result of a natural gene mutation. It extends only to the limbs, without affecting the body..

Got its name thanks to the Wizard of Oz

The ancestor of the Manchkin cat breed is considered to be a female nicknamed Blackberry. She was picked up in 1983 by the American Sandra Hohenedel. The music teacher felt sorry for the stray animal, took it to her, because the cat was pregnant. The American mistook short legs for an illness. After some time, Blackberry gave birth to kittens. Some had normal legs, while others had short legs..

The son of Blackberry – Toulouse, Hohenedel gave Kay La France. She lived in Louisiana and founded a Manchkin colony on her plantation. Girlfriends named a new breed in honor of the people from Manchkiland. These are the heroes of Baum’s The Wizard of Oz, who were short and called “munchies”.

Recognized only by the International Cat Association (TICA)

Awards and cups

The new breed has long been considered genetic ugliness. In 1991, she was recognized by the International Cat Association. An exhibition was held in New York where the best short-legged individuals were introduced. American and international associations of cat lovers refuse to acknowledge the existence of the Manchkins. Their members consider it unethical to breed animals with a mutation gene for enrichment.

They have no other deviations in health and development.

The munchkin cat breed is distinguished by the fact that the mutational gene affects only the legs. The spine and bones have not undergone changes, so arthritis is not observed in cats. There were no problems with movement either – the munchkins run like other cats. The animal is active at ground level, agility and reaction are developed. Of the possible health problems is lordosis, when the spine goes down and presses on the organs or the concave sternum.

Jump badly, but very fast and agile

Munchkin

It is a mistake to think that a short-legged cat cannot climb onto the closet. She will not jump there the first time, but she will achieve her goal in 3-4 attempts. In speed and agility, the munchkins are not inferior to other breeds. Short paws do not limit the activity of cats. They hunt for mice, run after a sunbeam or other irritant. Another distinguishing feature is the ability to sit on its hind legs. Gopher pose – the usual position of the body of short-legged pets.

Love to cuddle

Munchkins are tender, have a good disposition. After an active day, the animal sits on its knees to the owner and hugs him. These cats often have forepaws involved. They perform functions similar to human hands..

Very curious

Munchkins naturally want to know everything. The breed of cats with short legs easily tolerates a change of place, exploring new corners of the territory. Curiosity makes them poke their faces everywhere, not be afraid of strangers.

Care and maintenance

Characteristics of Manchkin

The cat breed Munchkin is unpretentious. Leaving does not take much time. Shorthair pets are combed out once a week, furry animals – every 3 days. Ears are cleaned with a cotton swab monthly, and bathed – several times a year. The maintenance is inexpensive – the cat eats almost everything, but it is better to use a special feed with the addition of vitamins.

Breeding

To obtain healthy offspring, munchies are mated with normal sized cats or low animals. If both parents have a mutation gene, then most munchkin kittens will die – only 25% of the litter will survive. Breeders claim that breeding of munchies is no different from breeding a dachshund or corgi.

Where to buy a kitten breed munchkin

Short-footed kittens

If you want to get a purebred animal, then you should contact the nursery. There a cat or cat on short legs is sold with all the documents – a pedigree, a vaccination certificate, etc. Another option for buying is to contact the breeders directly.

In Moscow, several kennels are engaged in the sale of short-footed cats:

  • SUNNY FAIRIES – You can buy a cat for 25 thousand rubles. Females are much more expensive, not for everyone.
  • PUZZLE ENJOY – It deals only with the breeding of Manchkins. The price of a kitten is from 30 thousand rubles. upon prior request.
  • Murmulet – animals conform to the TICA standard. The buyer can choose a kitten online. Cost – from 40 thousand rubles. prepaid 30%.

Manchkin nurseries in Russia:

  • Loving you – located in Yekaterinburg, is listed in the list of the best in the country. The cost of a short-legged kitten is from 20 thousand rubles.
  • Caprice – The main direction of the Kaliningrad nursery is munchkins. It costs a kitten from 30 thousand rubles. Non-standard animal – with normal paws, but from a short-parent can be purchased much cheaper or free.
  • Iberis – located in Magnitogorsk. Manchkin litters rarely appear, so the price for a kitten reaches 50 thousand rubles.
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Comments: 1
  1. Riley Morgan

    What are some unique characteristics and behaviors of the munchkin cat breed?

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