Munchkin kittens are adorable little furballs, but did you know that they are like little mutant kitties? That’s right, they have a genetic mutation that makes their legs much shorter than the legs of regular cats. However, rather than this mutation making them less adorable, they are some of the cutest kittens that you could hope to find. It is important to know as much as possible about these cute little balls of fur, as they are a great choice if you are interested in getting a kitten for yourself or your little ones.
You know how certain dog breed have short legs, such as the Dachshund, the Welsh Corgie, or the Basset Hound? Munchkin cats have the same genetic mutation as these dogs, but the good news is that Munchkins don’t have the same problems with their spinal column that these other animals have. This is because the spine of cats is very different than a canine spine, so the Munchkin’s spine works and looks almost exactly like a regular feline spine.
Did you know that there have been reports of short-legged cats throughout history? Russians called these adorable little cats “Stalingrad Kangaroo Cats”, and they have been found in other parts of Europe for many years. The first documentation of the cat was done in the U.S. in 1964. Ellen Kasten documented them in Westbury , New York, but they weren’t bred at the time. A music teacher native to Louisiana rediscovered them in 1983, when she found a pregnant cat gave birth to a litter – half of which were short-legged Munchkins.
As far as temperament goes, Munchkin kittens are some of the best for children. They are playful little cats, and they love being around people. They tend to be more outgoing than their more reserved cat cousins, and they are as intelligent as regular cats. They are easy to handle, and they are very easy to bond with if you handle them with love and care. They have a very sweet nature, and they are lots of fun for your kids to play with.
Many people are surprised at how much these Munchkins do, as their little legs don’t prevent them from getting into the exact same mischief as their long-legged cousins. They often have a personality similar to that of a ferret, but they are lots of fun to play with. They are often pets for kids due to their playful nature, and you will find that your child will have hours of fun with their little Munchkin kitten.
The cat will usually weigh 6 to 9 pounds (male) or 4 to 8 pounds (female), and a common trait is a slight bowing in their legs. The hind legs of the Munchkin are often slightly longer than their front legs, though the length of their legs tends to vary. They have a medium sized body, with either a plush coat or a coat that is silky and semi-long. They come in a wide variety of colors, just like regular cats, and their coat is often covered in a wide range of patterns.