The Munchkin is a naturally occurring domestic cat breed characterised by unusually short legs. A spontaneous change in the genetic heritage of the cat has introduced a gene similar to that seen in the Basset Hound, Corgi, and Dachshund, which the Munchkin closely resembles. However these cats have been proven free of the spinal problems sometimes found in the Dachshund.Although only recently discovered by the cat fancy, Munchkin sightings were reported long before World War II in Stalingrad, Germany and in Great Britain. It was at times noted to sit on its haunches with its usually short legs in the air, similar to the alert stance of a rabbit, hence in 1953 it was dubbed the "Stalingrad kangaroo cat."
Seeming to have disappeared from Europe, the Munchkin was rediscovered in Rayville, Louisiana by Sandra Hochenedel in the 1980's. Sandra was in pursuit of a pet cat for her three children. She found Blackberry, a pregnant female cat living beneath a truck in a rural area. Back at home, Sandra was astonished when she realised the cat was unlike any other cat that she ever had seen. This extraordinary cat had body movements that were ferret-like with dwarf legs that resembled the Corgi dog. Blackberry proudly presented Sandra's family with several litters, and each litter included short and long-legged kittens. One day Blackberry vanished. Sandra feared the trait was lost again, but it was not. The gene pool was retrieved from Blackberry kittens that had been given to Kaye LaFrance.
A Munchkin is a product of nature rather than a manmade breed. Because of the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, a cat with the Munchkin gene will produce kittens with the same short legs. There is no evidence to suggest that the gene for short legs hampers survival or quality of life.Munchkins are registered with The International Cat Association showable in the NBC (new breed or colour) class, and United Feline Organisation showable in championship. Munchkin breeders are diligently working to get the cat recognised for Championship competition with TICA.
The Munchkin is a medium sized cat with a substantial, thick semi-foreign body type and a well-rounded chest. Munchkin litters consist of both short and long legged kittens. Male Munckins are generally larger than their female counterparts.Captivating Munchkins come in all colours and hair lengths. Both varieties have plush, all-weather, resilient coats with a lustrous, silky appearance. The longhair Munchkin has the distinction of sporting a beautiful plumed tail. Eyes are medium large and walnut shaped found in most colours with a deeper, more vivid eye colour preferred. These irresistible cats can do anything other cats can do. Munchkins are able to leap great heights such as counter tops, although many prefer to intelligently find an easier way up. Munchkins movements are described as being like that of a ferret. They can also run extremely fast, despite their short legs.

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Breed Munchkin & American Curl
TICA & CFA register cattery