You only have to look at them for them to touch your heart. You only have to spend a short time with them to want to expand your family. Because Munchkin cats are like that: graceful, adorable, playful, and very sociable. They bring together the attributes we usually desire in a cat. But where do they come from? Why are we experiencing this "boom" with these ARISTOCATS?
A somewhat controversial origin
Short-legged cats have appeared in different places and at different times for many years. There are records of short-legged cats in the United Kingdom in 1944, although they disappeared during World War II. There is also evidence of their existence in Russia and in different parts of the United States. But the decisive moment in the history of these cats occurred in 1983 when Sandra Hockenedel found a pregnant short-legged cat and used her as the basis for today's Munchkins. The mother and her son were the precursors of this breed, which was developed within the TICA (The International Cat Association) and, after years of breeding and observation, received the green light from the genetic committee of that association. This was in 2003.
What are Munchkin cats like?
Munchkins are small to medium-sized cats (in fact, the smallest cat in the world is a Munchkin), with short or long plush fur, walnut-shaped eyes, and high ears. Their exceptional and unique characteristic is their short legs, which give them everything that makes them adorable to the human eye (a comic touch that makes us feel an enormous desire to protect and love them), but which, at the same time, greatly diminishes and denaturalizes the most representative characteristics of cats: agility, speed, grace, and the ability to make great leaps.
Munchkin cats What is their character like?
The other aspect that has made Munchkins one of the most desired cats of the moment is their character. Munchkins are extremely playful. They love to run, chase, and play. They also love children, dogs, and all pets in general.
They are curious by nature, which makes it common to see them sitting or standing on their hind legs, like a rabbit, to get a better view of what is happening around them.
At home, a Munchkin will never leave a corner unexplored, a slipper unsmelled, or a box uninspected. You cannot expect them to make big leaps (from the table to the sofa and from the sofa to the shelf), because their small legs make it impossible. However, their intelligence and innate curiosity allow them to achieve their goal. If they want to reach high, they will find a way to do it, taking small steps.
How to care for Munchkin cats?
Their extroverted and family-oriented nature means that Munchkins require a little more attention than other cats. Especially when they are kittens. Because they are more restless and active than normal. That's why we encourage you that if you are thinking of expanding your family with a Munchkin, make sure you will have the time and patience to dedicate to it. If so, we encourage you to take a look at the tips in this post to welcome your cat when it first arrives at your home. As well as the keys to consider for properly training it.
We say goodbye to you with a video in which we see Munchkins up to their antics, so you can get to know them better. We hope you like it!