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The Munchkin cat - also known as the Sausage cat - is a breed of cat characterized by its very short legs and is considered to be the original breed of dwarf cat. Compared to many other cat breeds, it is a relatively new breed, documented since the 1940s and officially recognized as a breed in 1991. Munchkin cats are only one breed of short-legged cat.

The name "Munchkin" was coined in the 1900 L. Frank Baum's novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Inhabitants of Munchkin Country, in the Eastern region of the Land of Oz, are notably short in stature much like humans with dwarfism.

The term Munchkin most likely originates from the Middle Dutch word mutseken, meaning “little cap.” Other scholars believe the term comes from Münchner Kindl, the name for the coat of arms for the city of Munich, translating into “little man.”

Many pedigree cat associations around the world refuse to recognize the Munchkin cat as a breed due to health and breeding concerns.

History
Short-legged cats have been documented in England since the 1940s. In 1944, a British veterinary report documented four generations of short-legged cats. However, this British line of short-legged cats seemingly disappeared after World War II took the lives of countless dogs and cats. Short-legged cats were spotted in Russia in 1956 and the United States in 1970.

In 1983, Rayville, Louisiana school teacher Sandra Hochenedel discovered two pregnant short-legged cats hiding under her car. Hochendel kept one of the pregnant cats whom she named Blackberry. Half of Blackberry’s kittens were born with short legs. Hochendel gave one of Blackberry’s male short-legged kittens, Toulouse, to her friend, Kay LaFrance.

Hochenedel and LaFrance appealed to The International Cat Association (TICA) to determine if their short-legged cats were a new breed. TICA conducted genetic testing on cats, concluding that their spinal cords had not been negatively impacted by the shortness of their legs. While Munchkin cats were not recognized as a breed because of Blackberry and Toulouse, the official Munchkin breed was developed because of them.

In Davis, Oklahoma in 1991, The International Cat Association’s nationally televised cat show first debuted the Munchkin cat. Some critics argued that a short-legged cat would be disadvantaged in competition. The public had a mixed reaction, with concern spiking due to potential back and joint problems like some Dachshunds. The breed would not be officially recognized yet.

Geneticist, cat show judge, and Chairperson of TICA’s Genetics Committee, Dr. Solveig Pflueger advocated for the official recognition of the Munchkin cat breed. Pflueger was sent two cats from Hochenedel’s litter and began breeding Munchkin cats.

In September 1994, breeders Laurie Bobskill and Robert Bobskill of Massachusetts proposed Munchkin cats into the New Breed Development Program by the TICA and were accepted. Show judge Katherine Crawford resigned in protest, citing ethical concerns over health and breeding. In May 2003, the Munchkin cat achieved TICA Championship status as a breed.

Characteristics
Munchkin cats are medium-sized short-legged domestic cats. Similar to other cat breeds, they tend to be well-mannered, outgoing, affectionate, curious, intelligent, and respond well to handling according to the TICA and Australian Cat Federation (ACF).

Munchkin cats come in all fur colours and patterns – except for amber – including calico, pointed, tortoiseshell, tabby, and bicolour. They can have any eye colour. However, to be a true Munchkin cat, they cannot resemble any other cat breed. Munchkins can have both long and medium coat lengths. Males typically grow larger than female Munchkin cats.

Cheeks are well-rounded and broader in males. The neck is medium-sized and firmly muscled – especially in males. Eyes are almost round, farther apart, open, and alert. Shoulder blades may appear higher on Munchkin cats, but should not be too prominent. Their backs are straight with a slight rise closer to their haunches. Shoulders and hips should be of equal width when looking at the cat from a birds-eye view. The tail should be in proportion to the body and set high. Shorthair Munchkin fur is all-weather resilient, semi-plush, and dense. Longahair Munchkin fur is moderately dense and silky.

Athletic cats have the illusion of foreleg bowing due to shoulders fitting tightly around the rib cavity. Tricep and bicep development are often mistaken for bowlegs in Munchkin cats. There should be no signs of bowing in the hind legs. The hind legs may be slightly longer than the forelegs. Paws should be proportionate to the body pointing directly forward.

Munchkin cat legs cannot be too tall or too short. From ground to chest, four fingers are the sufficient minimum clearance. The ideal height for an adult Munchkin cat is between 17-21cm. Kittens at 12-16 weeks typically weigh between 2-3 lbs. Adult female Munchkin cats typically weigh between 5-7 lbs and adult males typically weigh between 7-10 lbs. The life expectancy of a domestic Munchkin cat is typically between 15-18 years.

Health
Munchkin cats are born with a gene that shortens their humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, and fibula. This genetic disorder is called achondroplasia. This form of dwarfism is sometimes referred to as hypochondroplasia or pseudoachondroplasia. Munchkin cats do not have impacted walking according to the TICA Genetics Committee. A pedigree Munchkin cat should not have any breed-related health concerns or diseases.

Short legs do not tend to restrict mobility or put the animal at risk for survival. Munchkin cats bred to have ultra-short legs in turn have a very limited pathway underneath their torso. These ultra-short Munchkin cats are referred to as a “rug hugger” or a “VW Microbus.” These cats are at higher risk for breathing and joint conditions. Selective breeding of ultra-short Munchkin cats is discouraged.

There are no specific genetic or congenital issues associated with Munchkin cats. Early speculation suggested Munchkin cats may suffer spinal issues due to their shortened legs – like dachshunds sometimes do – however, this was disproved in 1995. Several breeders had their oldest Munchkin cats X-rayed in 1995 and there were no signs of joint or bone damage. This has stayed consistent.

Some Munchkin cats are born with their back paws curling backwards. As the kittens grow older, the paws straighten out and grow normally, so this is not considered a genetic abnormality for Munchkin cats.

There is an increased incidence in the appearance of two conditions for Munchkin cats; lordosis and pectus excavatum. Lordosis is the excessive curvature of the spine which can result in herniated spinal disks. Pectus excavatum is a hollowed chest that can impair cardiac and respiratory functions.

Breeding Controversy
There is controversy among pedigree cat associations and breeders regarding whether Munchkin cats are ethical or not. Katie Lisnik, director of cat protection and policy at the Humane Society of the United States, said "breeding animals for exaggerated physical characteristics, particularly when it compromises overall health, is irresponsible.”

Many pedigree cat associations, clubs, and organizations do not agree that it is ethical to breed an animal for a genetic mutation. The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF), American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA), and Fédération Internationale Féline do not recognize the Munchkin cat as a breed. They believe that the achondroplasia that causes Munchkin cats to have short legs is just a deformity and not the signifier of a new breed.

The International Cat Association (TICA), Australian Cat Federation (ACF), and South African Cat Council (SACC) recognize Munchkin cats as a breed of cat. These organizations make the distinction because Munchkin cats bare no similarity to other cat breeds and have distinguishing features that set them apart.

Care
Munchkin cats are very intelligent and enjoy playing games like fetch. Due to their lower body height, Munchkin cats are very swift. Much like squirrels who have shorter limbs and longer bodies, Munchkin cats are very fast when running. They tend to love playing with toys. Munchkin cats are known for sitting on their hind legs like a rabbit or a prairie dog when curious to get a better view.

To maintain good hygiene, shorthair Munchkin cats should be brushed once a week with a fine-tooth comb and twice a week with a wide-tooth comb to remove dead hair and prevent tangling. Longhair munchkin cats require more routine maintenance and grooming. Munchkin cats should be bathed occasionally when needed. Keep nails trimmed, ears clean, and teeth brushed.

Munchkin cats cannot ingest cooked chicken because of possible bone splinters. Munchkin cats tend to regurgitate ground meats, so, they should only consume raw meat, kibble, canned food, or a mix.

Derived Breeds

 * Bambino – A bambino is a cross between a Munchkin and a hairless Sphynx cat. The Bambino cat can be white, black, cream, or brown, with an average lifespan of 10-12 years. Their name comes from the Italian word for baby (bambino/a), referencing their hairlessness and short limbs. They are friendly and intelligent like the Munchkin cat.
 * Kinkalow – A Kinkalow is a mix between a Munchkin and an American Curl. They can come in almost any colour pattern, living to 12-15 years. Kinkalow cats take the short legs from their Munchkin parent and curled ears from their American Curl parent.
 * Dwelf – A Dwelf is a mix between a Munchkin, Sphynx, and American Curl. The Dwelf gets its name from its elven appearance and has a lifespan of between 8-12 years. They are playful and affectionate with curled ears.
 * Genetta – A Genetta is a mix between a Munchkin, Savannah, and Bengal. The Genetta looks like a wild cat from the Savannah and Bengal genes while being a miniature version because of the Munchkin. They are smart and mischievous. Genetta cats have an average lifespan of 12-16 years and can be marbled or striped with red, orange, black, or brown.
 * Lambkin – A Lambklin is a mix between a Munchkin and a Selkirk Rex. The Lambkin is one of the rarest breeds in the world, living between 15-20 years. They can be almost any colour but are generally white. Lambkin cats are very sweet and affectionate, forming a very close bond with their owner.
 * Minskin – A Minskin is a mix between a Munchkin and Sphinx with Devon Rex and Burmese genes added later. The Minskin is one of the most recently developed breeds with an average lifespan of 12-16 years. They are predominantly hairless with small patches of fur – typically brown, cream, or white – on their points.
 * Minuet (formerly Napoleon) – A Minuet is a mic between a Munchkin and a Persian. The Minuet cat is highly affectionate and lives on average between 12-14 years. They can be a variety of colours but are usually solid white, cream, or brown.
 * Skookum – A Skookum is a mic between a Munchkin and a LaPerm. The Skookum lives typically between 10-15 years and can be a variety of solid colours, bicolours, colour points, and various patterns. Skookum cats are laidback and affectionate.