Munchkin Cat: Why To Be Special?

Ever wonder what a munchkin cat is? And why are cats so cute? The answer is Munchkins are cat breeds with shorter legs​, also known as little or tinny cats. Of course, these small cats have other names, like cutest munchkin cats, cats with short ears, etc. These cats are small because of Natural genetic mutation, which plays a vital role in their cuteness. A gene in munchkins causes their leg bones to stay small.

The Munchkin cat was first recognized in 1944, but it was later registered as the original breed of small (dwarf) cats in 1991. In 1991, it was known to be the first breed of dwarf cats. There were many health concerns about this cat. 

Many cat breed associations like TICA expressed concerns about Munchkins’ short height, mobility, and health issues. However, later, it was proved that these cats are perfectly healthy; it’s just the gene mutation that caused this. Munchkins are curious, playful, and vocal, but very gentle and caring. They love to play and eat and will not stop yelling until fed properly. 

What Makes Munchkin Cat Special?

The thing that makes a munchkin special is their short legs which are the result of genetic mutation. The funny and amazing fact about munchkin fluffy cats is that they lift their front legs to get a proper view. These cute movements make them special. These small cats get along with children very well and can be left with them for hours. 

Munchkin Cat Profile

Munchkin Cat Characteristics

Munchkins are bred with a large number of cat breeds. Therefore their qualities and character depend upon the breed they are bred with. So in general munchkins are known to be very cute, loving, social, and calm pets. But there are also other characteristics associated with them.

• Highly affectionate and loving. 
• Constantly seek attention.
• Very friendly and get along with all people.
• Love to make friends with kids.
• Interact with others in a gentle and friendly manner.
• Needs high exercise like running, jumping, etc.
• Love to play with things and toys.
• Their energy levels remain at their peak all day long.
• Very intelligent. 
• Tends to vocalize in the hours of need.
• Love to hide things and play with them later.
• Shed a medium amount of hair which depends upon coat length.

Genetics Markup of a Munchkin Cat

We already know that munchkins are short-lived cats which happens due to naturally occurring genetic mutation. Here is a short but in-depth genetic markup. 

Genetic Mutation:

• The genetic mutation that causes these felines to be short-leged is caused by a gene called the M gene. It is a dominant gene.
• This Gene affects limb length. It is called achondroplasia or pseudoachondroplasia.
• It causes dwarfism.

Gene Inheritance:

The M gene is dominantly inherited by a munchkin cat. If there is a single copy of this gene (M gene) then the breed will show short legs. These cats inherit this gene in the following pattern.

• Homozygous (MM): if the cat inherits two Copies of the M gene then it will cause lethal gene syndrome. This syndrome causes the embryos to die in the uterus. This is the reason munchkins are bred with non-munchkin cats. 
• Heterozygous (Mm): In this type, one copy of the gene from the munchkin cat and a copy from a normal parent cat is required to produce a short-legged munchkin cat.

The following Punnett square will help you understand the process of Homo and heterozygous gene inheritance. 

Mating Two Munchkin Cats:

Mating two munchkin cats has a 25% chance that it will cause lethal gene syndrome due to the dominance of MM copies.

There is a 50% chance the kitten will be short-legged.

25% chance it will be normal.

Mating a Munchkin and a Normal Cat:

No homozygous gene inheritance occurs.

There is a 50-50 chance that the baby kittens are long or short-legged

Physical Traits Associated with the Gene:

• In munchkin cats only leg bones remain short
• The overall upper body remains the same.
• It does not affect their movements or agility. 
• They can run and jump but not as high as normal cats.

Cat Health Concerns

If the breeding practices are well-regulated then there is no risk of health issues. Munchkins may get some diseases due to their short legs.

• Lordosis: In this condition, the spine curves abnormally inward.
• Pectus Excavatum: A deformity in the chest area.

There are also some common health problems associated with this breed.

• Dental concerns
• Hyperthyroidism
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Heart Conditions
• urinary tract infection
• Kidney disorder
• Digestive problems

Do Munchkin Cats Shed?

Cat shedding is common in all breeds. Munchkin kitties shed according to their coat length. These cute cats shed but less. Munchkins with lengthy coats require combing 2 times a week to remove access lost hair and to video tanging. On the other hand kitties with short coats require combing once a week. 

Munchkin cats have both long and short hair. The munchkin with short hair has a medium-sized plush and dense coat. On the other hand, the long-haired munchkin cat has a long plush yet silky touch. Both types shed minimally. 

Like some other fluffy cat breeds, Munchkin cats can experience increased shedding. This usually happens in the spring and Fall. These are generally the shedding seasons for Munchkin cats and almost for almost every long-haired cat, like Persian cats and Scottish fold. This seasonal shedding helps cats get rid of old fur and make a way for new fur to grow. Regular cat grooming during these season helps manage cat shedding.

Regular cat grooming manages shedding and keeps the coat healthy and shiny. Brushing once a week for a Short-haired munchkin is sufficient. But for long-haired munchkin felines, brushing two to three times is sufficient. Also, brushing is very healthy for a cat, as it helps it lose old fur and distribute skin oils. 

Although Munchkin cats are generally healthy, certain health issues can influence shedding patterns. Conditions such as osteoarthritis, lordosis, and pectus excavatum are more prevalent in this breed and may indirectly affect their grooming habits and shedding. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to confirm any health problems are handled.

Nutritional Requiements

Each cat or kitten has different nutritional needs than others. But in the end, every cat is a carnivore. Although munchkin cats have small bodies they are effectively active like all other cats. They have nutritional requirements according to their age, health, and lifestyle. A munchkin growing kitten will require more nutrition than a grown one. Feeding the required amount of food is essential as excess food may cause obesity, and may turn your feline into a foodie cat. Pet treats come in handy for training purposes. There are foods like boiled chicken, potato, tuna, fish, and cat food contain essential nutrition that is good for cat health.

Grooming Requirements

There are certain parts of the body that your fluffy munchkin is unable to reach. If not groomed every day the coat gets greasy. It happens only in long-coated munchkin cats. So groom your kitty every day to ensure their good health. Like all other munchkin cats require vaccination, constant health checks, and prasit cotrol meds.

Are Munchkins Indoor Cats?

Due to their small size less running speed, they can’t survive the outside environment. These are indoor cats and need extra care. Even in homes, they can hurt themselves in an attempt to jump from a high place. 

Are Munchkin Cats Hypoallergenic?

Munchkins are not from a breed of hypoallergenic cats. They produce Fel D1 protein and other allergens which can cause allergy. So, people with allergy issues from fur or hair should stay away from them. There is not a single cat breed that is completely hypoallergenic. All cat breeds produce fewer allergens and allergy-cause proteins.

Munchkin Cat Breeds

After being recognized by cat organizations munchkins were allowed to breed with other non-munchkin cats. These cat breeds are called derived munchkin cat breeds or munchkin cat breeds. 

• Dwelf
• Bambino
• Genetta
• Minuet (or Napoleon)
• Minskin
• Lambkin (or Nanus Rex)
• Kinkalow
• Skookum (or LaMerm)

Conclusion

To conclude all this, although munchkin cats are small and require some extra care these cats are very loving and perfect to keep in a house. if you want a house full of little runners you should give this breed a shot. These cats only cost around 1000$ to 2000$ but they will make it all worth it. If you have a munchkin in your home, we would love to know about their habits and activity.