The Munchkin

I’m not sure how it happened, but recent statistics on pet ownership points to a “kitty revolution” around the world. There’s something special about cats..... and especially the enchanting Munchkin, a rare breed of cat.

Although only recently discovered by the cat fancy, Munchkin sightings were reported long before World War II in Stalingrad, Germany and Great Britain. It was at times noted to sit on ist haunches with its usually short legs in the air, similar to the alert stance of a rabbit, hence in 1953 it was dubbed the “Stalingrad kangaroo cat”.

Seeming to have disappeared from Europe, the Munchkin was rediscovered in Rayville, Louisiana by Sandra Hochenedel in 1980’s. Sandra wa in pursuit of a pet cat for her three children. She found Blackberry, a pregnant female cat living beneath a truck in a rural area. Back at home, Sandra was astonished when she realized the cat was unlike any other cat she ever had seen. This extraordinary cat had body movements that were ferret-like with dwarf legs that resemble the Corgi dog. Blackberry proudly presented Sandra’s family with several litters, each litter included short and long-legged kittens. One day Blackberry vanished. Sandra feared the trait was lost again, but it was not, the gene pool was retrieved from Blackberry kittens that previously had been given away.

Dr. Solveig Pflueger, Dr. David Biller and Diana L. Scollard, D.V.M. are currently involved in research in order to evaluate further the inheritance and expression of the short legged trait and the resultant changes in skeletal structure through the lifespan of the cat. A Munchkin is a product of nature rather than a manmade breed. Because of the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, a cat with the Munchkin gene will produce kittens with the same short legs. There is no evidence to suggest that the gene for short legs hampers survival or quality of ilfe.

Munchkins are registered with The International Cat Association, and showable in the NBC class. Munchkin breeders are diligently working to get the cat recognized for Championship.

Munchkins portray one of our favorite fantasies the short legged Lollipop Kids in The Wizard of Oz complete with sidestep maneuvers. You can almost hear them tap dancing away shattering the night time stillness. These irresistable cats can do anything other cat’s can do. With shorter legs they lack the same degree of leverage, it may take them more than a single bound to leap atop the kitchen counter, but leave a chair nearby and they will figure it out. Is this a noteworthy disatvantage? Well that is in the eye of the beholder and their personal point of view.

Captivating Munchkins come in all colour’s and hair lengths. They are defiantely exquisite cats full of cat adventures that all cat lovers appreciate, fully equipped with personality plus some, palsy-walsy, self-assured, trainable to walk with a bounce on a leash. With amazement and enjoyment you’ll watch these cuddly little cuties accelerate taking corners like small sports cars ducking under house hold objects. They can be taught to play fetch and to zestfully obey voice commands. Munchkins can be a welcome delight in any home.

Written by: Kate Bynum/Catoninetail Cattery
catoninetail@ccsdana.net

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