Munchkin Cat Breed Information

Group

Short Haired

Weight

1.8-3.6 kg

Length

2.7-4 kg

Lifespan

12-14 years

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About the Munchkin Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

If you’re looking for a little four-legged friend to brighten up your day, how about one of the cutest cat breeds and the second smallest in the world, the Munchkin cat.

This breed of cat is special; they look like a regular domestic cat; however, they have super short legs. They have the nickname ‘sausage cat’ because they are seen as the feline version of the sausage dog.

This cute cat is known for its beautiful, loving personality and bouncy energy and could be the perfect friend for you. Let’s take a look at the Munchkin cat breed, their life span, habits, colours and health and see if we have found you your perfect cat.

What Is the History & Origin of the Munchkin Cat?

The Munchkin cat is a relatively new breed. These beautiful bouncy little cats look like regular cats but with a naturally occurring genetic mutation that causes them to be very short-legged. Their name comes from the Munchkins in the Wizard of Oz because they are so small!

Short-legged cats didn’t become popular as a breed until the 1980s when a short-legged cat was crossed with a regular cat producing the Munchkin breed. It was first introduced officially as a breed in 1991 in Maddison Square Gardens at a cat show.

People were worried at first because they thought the legs were a genetic defect. Critics thought the short-legged cat would suffer the same leg and hip problems as short-legged dog breeds. However, this was found not to be the case, and these Munchkin cats tend to be a healthy breed.

What Is a Munchkin Cat Breed?

The Munchkin is a medium-sized cat, but the Munchkin gene causes their little legs. They are a friendly and curious breed, and you can often see them sitting up on their back legs to get a better view of the world. This has earned them the nickname ‘kangaroo cat’.

They have long and short coats and come in many different colours, just like a regular cat. Their life expectancy is around 12 to 14 years, similar to other cat breeds.

Who Is a Munchkin Cat Best For?

These little cats are a bundle of fun and are super friendly, making them the perfect pet for families. Young children get on so well with this breed due to its short size and kind temperament. They are relatively easy to take care of and can even be trained.

Don’t worry if you are out of the house from time to time either, as these cats are quite happy being on their own. They do get on well with other animals if you have any and have been known to bond well with dogs in particular.

What Does a Munchkin Cat Look Like?

The Munchkin cat has a similar appearance to a domestic cat, with long or short hair and many different colours. The only difference is their little legs. They have beautiful walnut-shaped eyes, which can be any colour.

They are pretty little cats and are only around 18 to 20 cm tall. As mentioned, they have been known to have a few nicknames such as ‘kangaroo cat’ because they like to sit on their back legs!

Coat

Their coat can be long or short-haired. The short-haired cats don’t take much grooming, whereas the longer-haired will need a bit more brushing. It is advised that you groom your long-haired Munchkin around twice a week.

Coat Colour

Their coats come in many colours, including white, blue, brown and jet black, the same as many other feline breeds.

Patterns

They come in many different patterns, including tabby, bicolour, and tricolour markings, as well as tortoiseshell.

Munchkin Cat Grooming & Shedding

The short hair Munchkin cat won’t need much grooming at all, whereas the longer hair variety will need regular grooming like your other pets. They do shed a little but no more than any other breed.

How Do Munchkin Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

Munchkin cats have playful personalities and are very inquisitive cats that are quite easy to train. They are very loving little creatures and make perfect family pets. They are great for children as they are small, and most get on well with other pets.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Munchkin Cats?

Habits

Munchkin cats love to explore and will run on their little legs, occasionally stopping to perch on their hind legs to see where they are going. They enjoy cuddles and can become very attached to people, enjoying snuggling on your lap.

They like to lie on their backs and have their tummy rubbed. These little cats can also be left alone quite happily and will be super excited to see you when you get home!

Activity

A Munchkin cat loves to jump, even though they can’t quite reach the dizzying heights of a regular cat! These little guys will still leap up onto your bed or sofa, especially if a cuddle is on offer.

Although they are a bundle of energy and fun, like most felines, these little cats also love to sleep. They will spend time in the day chilling, especially if the sun is coming in through your window.

Are Munchkin Cats Vocal?

Munchkin cats are no more vocal than your regular domestic cats and will meow when they need you. They have a little meow that matches their diminutive size, but they will be vocal if they need to be!

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a Munchkin Cat?

Weight

The Munchkin cat can tend to be a little greedy, so keep an eye on what you feed them. Female Munchkins tend to weigh around 1.8 to 3.6kg, whilst the males are a little heavier at 2.7 to 4kg.

Height

Munchkin cats, when fully grown, will be around 18 to 20 cm tall. They reach adulthood and stop growing around 9 to 12 months old. You can expect your Munchkin kitten to be very small indeed!

Size

They are almost pocket-sized with their abnormally short legs. They will always stay small, and even if a regular cat is bred with a Munchkin parent, the result would still be little legged kittens as the Munchkin gene is dominant.

Are Munchkin Cats Easy to Train?

The use of toys and games from an early age can sharpen any cat’s mind, and the Munchkin is no different. They are naturally inquisitive and have been known to get along better with dogs rather than other cats. There are even suggestions that they can be taught to play catch.

Does the Munchkin Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

The Munchkin cat is a relatively new breed, and so far, it is thought they are a healthy breed. There were concerns from critics when they were first introduced as a new breed that the autosomal dominant gene that causes their short legs may cause health problems. Some joint problems are also expected due to their short legged build. No genetic health problems have been found as yet, though.

Like any other cat, they are predisposed to infectious diseases, along with kidney disease in their senior years.

What Is the Lifespan of a Munchkin Cat?

They have a good healthy life span for the most part living to the grand old age of 12-14 years, similar to regular breeds. Their long life span may back up the fact that they seem to be generally healthy as a breed.

How Much Does a Munchkin Cat Need to Be Fed?

You shouldn’t feed cats human foods like tuna or chicken; it is best to provide well-balanced cat food to promote growth and good health. You can complement the Munchkin breed diet with treats, but they mustn’t make up more than 10% of their overall diet.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Munchkin Cat in Australia?

If you are looking to buy the official breed of Munchkin cat, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1500. Always do your research and make sure you are getting your furry friend from a reputable breeder.

Munchkin Cat FAQs

Can a Munchkin cat jump?

These little guys may not have the legs to scale the heights of a regular domestic cat, but they still love to jump. They will happily jump up onto your sofa or bed as they are a bouncy little thing full of energy!

Can Munchkin cats be left alone?

Munchkin cats are fine to be left alone. They will happily entertain themselves and be super excited when you get home. They do have a tendency to become attached to people, but as long as they know the routine from an early age, you will be able to get on with your day, knowing your little kitty is more than happy chilling on their own.

What is the smallest cat breed?

The Singapura cat holds the title of the smallest cat in the world, but our little Munchkin cats come a close second.

Are Munchkin cats hypoallergenic?

Munchkin cats may cause allergies as they do shed their fur. They are therefore not considered to be hypoallergenic.

Is it cruel to have a Munchkin cat?

Many people believe that breeding animals with genetic mutations is cruel because it perpetuates physical deformities. Worldwide pedigree cat associations like the International Cat Association have refused to recognise the Munchkin breed due to its genetic abnormality.

However, these little cats have great personalities and don’t seem to suffer because of their little legs. The breed seems to be free of health issues and can live a long and happy life. It is vital, however, that if you are thinking of owning one of these little guys, to research your breeder.