A munchkin is a natural mutation of the domestic cat. It is not a man-made breed. They were "first discovered" in Stalingrad just after World War II. However, it disappeared before anyone could truly study it. Munchkins were noted in England sometime thereafter. The next sightings were in the New England States, sometime in the 1970's. The present Munchkins started in the 1980's from a cat with short legs rescued by Sandra Hochenedel in Louisiana in 1983.
The main characteristic of a Munchkin is a shortening and bowing of the long bones similiar to
the Dashshund and the Corgi, but no other skeletal changes, the spine being the same as a regular
cat. Though the Dashshund may experience spinal problems, the cat spine is constructed
differently and no medical problems arise. Females range from 4 to 5 pounds and males usually a
pound more. They come in all colors and fur lengths. You have "Standard" (short legs),
"Non-Standard" (long leg), short hair, medium hair, long hair, "Teddy-Bear Fur", points and
tabbies in any combination.
But one characteristic they all share is that they aren't very vocal. Even when they beg at the
dinner table, they would much rather make you feel guilty by staring at you. If that doesn't
work then a nuzzle at the ankle and then maybe a "Meow, Hey, I'm down here."
A Munchkin is definitely not like other cats. First, it never loses its kittenlike cute behavior. Although it sometimes likes privacy, sleeping in its sunbeam or looking out the window, it also likes to follow its owner around like a puppy, nudge its owner with its nose for attention, can be taught to fetch, sit up and beg with a stance very like a prairie dog and otherwise become a member of the family ready to greet you at the door as soon as it hears your car pull up. The personality ranges from laid back to very active in the same litter. It's not unusual to have one sleep at your feet on the bed or at your head (or for that matter on you). Otherwise, it acts much the same as any other cat. Quick, intelligent, loving, playful and going where any other cat can go, it is a people cat. It likes people.
Is closed to the public. This is to safeguard our kittens from possible incoming infections and to reduce the stress on our breeders. These cats are strictly indoor cats and to protect the nursing mothers and newborns we do not allow visitors. This may contrast with some Cattery policies, but experience has shown this is best for the cats. These cats are never caged but raised underfoot in a normal home environment. New kittens are monitored daily for weight gain and health and so from birth are used to being affectionately handled. Each kitten comes from TICA registered parents. Please contact us for prices and full information on how to hold your chosen kitten for you. Please note, we reserve the right to refuse the sale of a kitten. By the time you get them, we have gotten to know them as individuals with cute loving personalities that deserve a good home.
