The Munchkin is a relatively new cat breed characterized by its very short legs, which are caused by a genetic mutation. There was controversy arose over the breed when it was recognized by The International Cat Association in 1995 with critics expressing concern over possible health and mobility issues.
The name "munchkin" originated from writer L. Frank Baum's little inhabitants of Munchkin Country, originating in the 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
The Munchkin is a small to medium-size cat weighing from 5 to 9 pounds. The Munchkin’s most known feature is its legs, which are bow-legged and usually half as long as a regular cat’s limbs. The cat resembles any other cat, with a short or long coat, either of which can be just about any color or pattern.
There were documented sightings of short-legged feral cats before in the UK, Russia, and New England in the 20th century. But it was not until the 1980s that people officially began breeding the “Kangaroo cat,” which some people called the kitty because its forelegs were shorter than its hind legs.
The modern-day American Munchkin cat was descended from a short-legged pregnant stray, rescued in Rayville, Louisiana in the early 1980s by Sandra Hockenedel. The cat gave birth to similar-looking kittens, and Hochenedel gave one of them to her friend, Kay LaFrance. Since LaFrance let the cat roam around outside, her property was soon filled with short-legged cats.
Hochenedel and LaFrance believed they had a new breed on their hands. In 1990, the two contacted Solveig Pflueger, a cat show judge and chairperson of The International Cat Association's (TICA) genetics committee. Pflueger and other experts examined the cats to evaluate them.
The geneticists were worried that the Munchkin would have problems with its spine, similar to short-legged dog breeds. They never found any deformities in the cats’ joints or backbones, but, since the breed was so new, some critics did not believe that these studies were definitive.
The Munchkin is an energetic extrovert, ready and willing to play with kids, other cats, and friendly dogs. The Munchkin is adaptable to any home with people who like to take care of pets. Keep this cat indoors to protect it from cars, diseases spread by other cats, and attacks from other animals and it can live 13 years or longer.
Sources: https://howlingpixel.com/wiki/Munchkin_cat
http://mentalfloss.com/article/80011/7-short-facts-about-munchkin-cats
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Long live the Munchkins.
This is my Mama cat she is not a Munchkin but has short legs while her 4 babies are all normal.
I think you are a lucky cat owner.
..that breed of cat is so cute😻 sir @darthnava
...on the other side of my mind sir when i read the word Munchkin,I think of food...heheheh
..the muchkins of dunkin donut and there both cute
Yes, both are delightful.
I love cats, every cats and this is a very informative content! Thanks for share ^_^
Hey, thanks for dropping by!
i love cats upvoted bro..
very very wonderful cats photos. i like cats.interesting cats video.i enjoyed this video....upvoted
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Now ko lang nakita na may pusa palang pandak!
Akala ko aso lang, pati pala pusa!
At ayun oh, @albertvhonscat video, hehe
Ako namangha din...he he. Upvoted your latest post, by the way.
Oh!
I mean, thanks a lot!
Hehe,
Yung pusa ng kapitbahay nmin, sa amin lagi nghihingi ng pagkain, naalala ko,
Cute yung dalawang anak ng pusa kasi baby pa!
Kaso, hindi nman amin yun! Hehe
Interesting information i'm more about dogs but i like to know more about cats and what can offer each breed. Regards
so cute and lovely "munchkin", my babies love cats. thats awsome and unique with short legs. i saw this kind of cat first time. thanks for sharing such a lovely stuff.
its soo beautifull meow is my loving pet for home
13 years can survive for a very long time. Our cat just keeps it for 6 years
This one is so cute and amazing :D
Pure white and it's weird and pretty..
Have a good day boss
i like this cat.fantastic cats photos.really,amazing.love it's.
How come you are always commenting but not upvoting my posts?
Like a boss darth
oh,really sorry friend @darthnava ,,........... i upvoted your post and i wait for next post.
Cats Are Only Good for Laundry
https://steemit.com/animal/@woody26/cats-are-only-good-for-laundry
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excellent details and information you share this is a great post :)
Can't say I knew what a munchkin was until reading this, I learned something today lol.
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So cute!
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