Also known as the sausage cat, this new cat breed is recognized for its oddly short legs caused by a genetic mutation. So the Munchkin is an original dwarf cat.
Munchkin cats are a result of breeding a cat with the munchkin gene for short legs with a regular long-legged cat.
The kittens adapt quite well because only one parent has the mutation, and they fetch an exorbitant price.
Though there is much debate about the ethical layout of intentionally breeding felines with short legs, many people find them adorable and don’t mind paying a high price to have them as their companions.
If you’d want to snag yourself a cute Munchkin cat, then find out more about this breed.
How Much Does a Munchkin Cost?
Muchkin cat can cost anywhere from $1000 to $2,500 and price can vary as per several factors like whether you buy from a reputed breeder, pet shop, your buying location, and purity of the breed. Adopting a munchkin cat be less expensive and can cost around $75-$100 to adopt a Munchkin cat.
Factors Affecting The Price of The Munchkin In USA
Status of the Breeder
The best breeders guarantee healthy and purebred Munchkin kittens.
Note that the breeding of these cute kittens isn’t permitted everywhere so, you’ll have to do your homework to land a licensed breeder.
Some breeders refuse to breed this feline because its short limbs are a genetic mutation, and the outcome of the flaw isn’t known yet.
Munchkin kittens have a high mortality rate. So responsible breeders would never breed two Munchkins but instead, use one parent with a new gene to lower the feline’s mortality.
Veterinary Charges
Prepare for high vet bills with this breed. Vet costs are probably the costliest thing about owning a Munchkin.
The breed’s short legs are said to pose some health risks, but there is not much scientific evidence regarding this.
Though Munchkins are jolly and playful like any other cat breed, they may suffer from Lordosis and Pectus Excavatum. Lordosis is a health complication that affects the elongated spine.
The condition also affects wiener dogs, causing the curving or sinking in of the spine.
Pectus Excavatum causes deformity of the cat’s chest. Because of the elongated spine and short limbs, the kitty’s developing heart and lungs fail to function properly, leading to difficulty in breathing.
Keeping in mind that the breed is new and its health is yet to be understood, it is best to see the vet at least twice a year.
A regular vet consultation will cost around $50 to $100 excluding tests and vaccinations.
Because the Munchkin is a sensitive breed, you can consider pet insurance to ease your mind.
Insuring your Munchkin will cost between $10 and $50 every month, depending on the package you select.
Cat Toys
Don’t be shocked, but these sausage felines are incredibly active. Their full-speed activity and leaping will surprise you.
Their short legs do not limit Munchkins. They play and chase things around like any normal cat breed.
One shocking revelation about this breed is that it loves shiny things like your jewelry set. So don’t be flabbergasted if your Munchkin steals your shiny necklace to store away in her bed.
To keep her away from such mischievousness, buy your Munchkin lots of toys like balls, lasers, and mice.
You can also curve aluminum balls from foil to catch your kitty’s attention. Cat toys usually go for around $10 a piece.
Owner’s Time
Your time with your Munchkin is priceless. The cat has a bountiful personality and playfulness.
Munchkins are also vocal breeds. They won’t shy away from demanding more attention from you.
This kitty shouldn’t spend long hours at home without human interaction. They constantly desire affection and human attention. You simply can’t put a price on time spent with your Munchkin.
History of the Munchkin Cat
The sausage cat has been around since the early 20th century in whose physical condition was described as a naturally occurring genome deficiency.
The International Cat Association acknowledged the breed in 1994. But before 1982, the Munchkin’s popularity was pretty much oblique.
Generations of cats resembling the Munchkin existed in the United Kingdom in the 1930s and 1940s, but their population greatly declined in the II World War.
The next generation of short-legged cats was noted in 1953 in Stalingrad, Russia.
Initially, this breed was known by the name ‘baby legs’ when a woman, Sandra Hochenedel found a short-legged pregnant cat in Rayville, Louisiana.
She named the feline ‘Blackberry’ who later delivered kittens, some with baby legs and some with long legs.
Hochenedel sent two kittens to Dr. Solveig Pflueger, a geneticist for more exploration.
She was later asked to name the new baby legs, for which she chose the name ‘Munchkin’ after the Munchkin County in the book The Wizard of Oz published in 1900.
The appearance of the Munchkin Cat
Much like their name, Munchkins look like a sausage, characterized by short legs and an elongated spine.
Because of their short legs, Munchkins move more like ferrets and less with the esteemed grace of most other cat breeds.
This medium-sized feline has a thick body and a well-rounded chest. It may have short hair or long hair, but both varieties have a silky all-weather coat.
The longhaired Munchkin has a feathery tail.
Munchkins come in a wide variety of coat colors and patterns, while their walnut-shaped eyes also come in various colors.
The Temperament of the Munchkin Cat
Despite their short stature, Munchkins are amazing runners and jumpers. They are accommodative felines who relate well with kids and other four-legged companions.
Apart from their obsession with shiny objects, Munchkins are quite curious and love to explore their environment, and that includes climbing trees.
Even adult Munchkins are packed with kittenish naivety and playfulness, which makes them more adorable. When they are not chasing their toys or running around, Munchkins love to cuddle with their humans.
These felines are typical extroverts characterized by intelligence, sociality, self-assuredness, and confidence.
However, their unique trait is stashing things away to play with later. If your jewelry goes missing, your Munchkin should be the number one suspect.
The Trainability of the Munchkin Cat
The Munchkin doesn’t require much activity. As long as the indoor space is roomy enough for her to run and play, she’s good to go.
Keep away any slippery rugs from your kitty’s path. When she’s particularly jolly she’ll run around the house amazingly fast, which means that things could get ugly pretty fast if she slides into the wall.
However, you don’t have to worry much about accidents as this extremely active breed will often workhouse corners with precision.
Though the Munchkin can’t make it to the top of the bookshelf in a single leap, she’ll definitely stir up some speed on her tiny legs.
Provide your Munchkin with a cat tree to explore greater heights. The cat tree will also help to keep her paws off your curtains.
As long as you provide your Munchkin lots of love and attention, she’ll continue to bloom. She enjoys cuddling, sitting on laps, and being patted.
Because Munchkins are intelligent, they can be trained to walk on a leash or fetch.
They also respond to click training with positive reinforcement through praises and treats.
Taking note of her short legs, the food dishes, water bowls, and litter bins should be low-set for effortless access.
Grooming the Munchkin Cat
The coat type dictates your Munchkin’s grooming. For shorthaired Munchkins, weekly brushing is enough, while longhaired ones need frequent brushing to prevent matting.
Though Munchkins practice self-grooming, their limited leg access can make hygiene a little challenging. So occasion bathing will help keep your kitty clean, accompanied by ear cleaning and nail trimming.
What is unique about Munchkin cats?
Just their appearance is unique in itself. Munchkins don’t look like most other cat breeds because of their short legs and elongated spine. Because of their genetic mutation, Munchkins move like ferrets, thus lacking the feline grace of long-legged cats.
Do Munchkins develop back issues?
Early assumptions were that Munchkins were at high risk of developing spinal problems due to their short stature. But in 1995, many breeders decided to take their Munchkins for X-ray and other medical examinations and found no signs of bone or joint problems. So it’s safe to say that Munchkins don’t develop back issues.
Can Munchkins jump?
Yes. Munchkins can tousle and jump like other cat breeds except for leaping to greater heights like the top of a counter. Munchkins have the distinct ability to perch on their hind limbs like prairie canines.
Are Munchkins good pets?
Absolutely! If it wasn’t a good pet, people wouldn’t go to such great extents to breed this dwarf breed. Munchkins are active, friendly pets who get along with everyone. Their kittenish attitude well into their adulthood makes them even more lovable.
Conclusion
The Munchkin is much like any cat breed, except for its short stature. She, therefore, doesn’t require any special care. Simply offer her plenty of affection and attention, space to run around to her heart’s content, and perhaps a fancy piece of jewelry because she does love her accessories!
