THE FAQ
Q: What is a munchkin?
A: A munchkin is a cat with an autosumnal dominant mutation that causes the legs to be dwarfed. The body and head are just as big as a 'normal' cat, only the legs are shorter.
Q. How much do they cost?
A: That depends what you are looking for. If you want a cat to show or breed, or a particularly rare color like lilac, you're going to pay exponentially more than you would for a pet quality cat. Pet quality munchkins range between $300-$800 depending on color and availability. An average price would be around $350-$400 for a TICA registered pet quality munchkin.
Q. Why are they so expensive?
A: They're not any more expensive than any other pedigreed cat. A few years ago, they were selling for $3000 for pet quality because nobody had them and everybody wanted them. Munchkins are also not like most other breeds, if you breed two munchkins, you can't guarantee an all munchkin litter, so the supply varies.
Q: Does being a munchkin hurt the cat?
A: No. They don't develop arthritis or dysplasia or bone splays any faster or more often than a normal cat would.
Q: Can you declaw a munchkin?
A: You can, but I don't recommend it because the procedure involves sawing off the ends of their toe bones, and to do that to a cat who is already putting more pressure on it's feet than an 'average' cat seems, to me, to be asking for trouble. I do know people who have declawed munchkins to no ill effects, but the cats I know are all under 6 years old so I have no data on the effects later in life. I am personally against declawing cats, but it is a personal choice each owner has to make.
Q: Do munchkins have a better personality than other cats?
A: Munchkins as a breed do not have a specific personality trait. Their personality depends on the breed they're mixed from as well as how they are socialized/handled as kittens. For instance, a munchkin from persian stock would tend to be more laid back and docile and quiet, while a munchkin from siamese stock would be more playful and vocal. A kitten which has been handled and socialized well will have a better 'people' personality than one who has been neglected or relegated to a cage.