Munchkin Cats. Learn all about this unusual short-legged breed of cat. Information includes the history and origins of Munchkin Cats and breed desription.

Munchkins are the dachshunds of the cat world - distinguished by shortness of the legs. However these cats have been proven free of the spinal problems found in their doggy counterparts.

History

The Munchkin is a short legged cat. It is a natural, spontaneous mutation that has occurred several times in the domestic cat.

In 1983 Sandra Hochenedel, then living in Louisiana, was looking for a new cat. What she found was a pregnant black female (Since named Blackberry) with short legs living under a pickup truck.

In her first litter and in each subsequent litter, Blackberry passed the trait of her short legs on to about half of her kittens.

One of Blackberry's sons, Toulouse, was given to a friend named Kay LaFrance who established a colony of Munchkins on her Louisiana Plantation.

The present Munchkins are decendents of Blackberry and Toulouse, although Munchkins have been sited throughout North America and the world.

Munchkins come in a variety of coat lengths as well as colours. They are sound, healthy and sociable little cats.

Though short of leg they can run fast and corner like a race car. No curtain too high or counter high enough seems to be their motto. If you love kittens, you have found the right breed.


The breed is being reestablished in long or short coats and a variety of patterns and colours.

Characetristics and Temperament

Though short in stature these cats are big in people skills.

They maintain their kitten personality for their entire life, making them the perfect choice for the person who desires a kitten that never grows up.

Special Requirements

They are sound and healthy cats; through many years of genetic testing and breeding they have proven free of any defect or spinal problems.