The Munchkin cat, affectionately known as the “Sausage Cat,” is a distinct breed characterized by its notably short legs. Despite its unusual stature, the Munchkin cat is a relatively new breed, first documented in the 1940s and officially recognized in 1991. This breed is believed to be the original breed of dwarf cats.
However, the Munchkin cat has sparked considerable controversy within the cat breeding community, with critics voicing concerns over potential health and mobility issues. This article dives deep into the history, characteristics, health, genetics, and controversies surrounding the Munchkin cat breed.
The Munchkin Cat’s History
The Birth of the Breed
Short-legged cats have been noted around the world since the 1940s. A British veterinary report mentioned four generations of short-legged cats resembling normal cats except for their leg length. This lineage vanished during World War II, but other short-legged cats were spotted in Russia in the 1950s and the United States in the 1970s.
The Munchkin cat breed as we know it today began in Louisiana, USA, in 1983. Music teacher Sandra Hochenedel discovered two pregnant cats hiding under a truck. Both cats had short, stubby legs on normal-sized bodies. Hochenedel kept one of the cats, Blackberry, and all the kittens she birthed were short-legged. Hochenedel gave a short-legged male kitten from one of Blackberry’s litters to a friend, Kay LaFrance, who named the kitten Toulouse. All of today’s registered Munchkin cats are descendants of Blackberry and Toulouse.
The Munchkin Breed’s Registry History
The Munchkin cat was first introduced to the general public in 1991 at a cat show held by The International Cat Association (TICA) in Davis, Oklahoma. However, the breed was not officially recognized at that time. Critics predicted that the breed would develop back, hip, and leg problems similar to those plaguing some Dachshunds.
Dr. Solveig Pflueger, a show judge, geneticist, and Chairperson of TICA’s Genetics Committee, was a strong advocate for the official recognition of the breed. Amid much controversy, the Munchkin was proposed as a new breed and accepted by TICA into its New Breed development program in September 1994. The Munchkin breed achieved TICA Championship status in May 2003.
Currently, the only registries that fully recognize the breed are TICA and the Southern Africa Cat Council. However, several cat registries do not recognize the Munchkin due to concerns about genetic mutations and potential disadvantages to the cat.
The Controversy Over Breeding
Several countries and territories, including the Netherlands, Scotland, and Victoria, Australia, have prohibited breeding with Munchkin cats to protect animal welfare. The Australian Capital Territory government considers the Munchkin breed to be “malformed animals,” and the deliberate breeding of them is considered “unacceptable” due to the genetic health problems associated with such breeding.
Distinctive Characteristics of the Munchkin Cat
TICA Standards describe the Munchkin as “outgoing, intelligent, and responds well to being handled.” The Munchkin has similar characteristics to normal domestic cats due to their frequent use as outcrosses. It is a small to medium-sized cat with a moderate body type and medium-plush coat. Male Munchkins typically weigh between 6 and 9 pounds and are usually larger than female Munchkins, which typically weigh between 4 and 8 pounds.
The Munchkin comes in all coat colors and patterns. It also comes in a long-haired variety, shown in a separate Munchkin Longhair category. The short-haired variety has a medium-plush coat, while the long-haired has a semi-long silky coat.
In 2014, Lilieput, a Munchkin cat from Napa, California, was named the shortest statured living cat in the world by Guinness World Records. She stands 5.25 inches tall.
Health Concerns of the Munchkin Cat
The impact of the genetic mutation causing the short-legged trait in Munchkins on the health of the breed is not fully known. The breed is still considered young, having only been officially introduced in 1991. Early speculations that the Munchkin would develop spinal problems commonly seen in short-legged dog breeds were refuted when several breeders had their oldest Munchkins X-rayed and examined for signs of joint or bone problems and found none.
However, Munchkin cats are known to be at a higher risk for severe osteoarthritis than other feline breeds due to the shorter limbs affecting their activity levels and behavior. Diagnosis of osteoarthritis and the assessment of its severity for a cat may require radiography. Many pedigree cat associations around the world have refused to recognize the Munchkin cat due to the welfare of the breed and severity of the possible health issues.
The Genetics Behind the Munchkin Cat
The Munchkin gene is autosomal dominant. Homozygous embryos for the Munchkin gene, with two copies of the gene, are not viable and do not develop in the womb. Only kittens that are heterozygous for the Munchkin gene, with only one copy, develop into viable short-legged Munchkin kittens.
When two Munchkin cats are crossed and small litter sizes occur, this indicates that embryos that are homozygous for the Munchkin gene are non-viable.
Breeds Derived from the Munchkin Cat
The Munchkin has been crossed with several other breeds to create unique new breeds. These include the Skookum (Munchkin and LaPerm), Minskin and Bambino (Munchkin and Sphynx), Lambkin (Munchkin and Selkirk Rex), Napoleon or Minuet (Munchkin and Persian breed group), Kinkalow (Munchkin and American Curl), Scottish Kilts (Munchkin and Scottish Fold), and Genetta (Munchkin and Bengal).
Conclusion
Despite the controversy surrounding the Munchkin cat breed, it remains popular among cat lovers due to its unique physical characteristics and outgoing personality. However, potential owners should be aware of the potential health issues associated with the breed and ensure that they are prepared to provide the necessary care and attention these special cats require.
