Munchkin Cat Insurance, Care and Health Advice
The short-legged Munchkin cat is a distinctive-looking cat with its short legs and long spine (sometimes described as the Dachshund of the feline world). Named after the Wizard of Oz characters, their shortened legs are the result of a genetic mutation. Cats with dwarfism can occur naturally but Munchkins have been bred specifically to be short in the leg department. This makes the breed controversial, but Munchkins also have a lot of fans.
This guide will provide all you need to know about the breed, including information on behaviour, training, exercise and the common health issues to watch out for.
Munchkin Cat Facts
Is a Munchkin Cat Right for Me?
If you are looking for an unusual cat and don’t mind the controversy that can surround the breed, these sweet and short-legged cats cats make delightful pets. Munchkins are friendly and don’t like to be left alone all day so make great companions for households with older people who can spend time with them. Best kept as an indoor cat, they’re also suited to families with children (especially older children), other cats, and cat-friendly dogs.
What Are Munchkin Kittens Like?
Munchkins kittens are super-cute, playful and active - just like any other kitten (apart from the shortened legs). Munchkin litters are often smaller than the average cat litters, possibly due to the fact that embryos that have inherited two copies of the gene die before birth. To avoid this, most Munchkins are bred with normal cats and not with other Munchkins. This means that not all of the resulting kittens will inherit the dominant gene that gives them the characteristic short legs.
Life with a Munchkin
Having short legs doesn’t prevent these cats from being energetic and having fun. They’re very curious and are known to collect shiny objects. Keep them indoors to protect them from cars and being attacked by other animals, and they should have the normal lifespan of any other cat breed.
Caring for Your Munchkin
If you buy your kitten from a breeder, they should be able to tell you how often and how much you should feed your cat. Try to feed your Munchkin the same cat food and at the same time every day. You can also ask your vet which cat food they recommend to best fit the needs of your Munchkin and how much to feed. If you decide to change your cat’s diet, do so gradually to avoid any stomach upset.
No need to worry about Munchkin cat care – they're a low maintenance breed. There are both short-haired and long-haired varieties. Short-haired cats just need a brush, comb, or grooming glove once a week. Long-haired fluffy Munchkins will need to be brushed more frequently to keep their coats mat-free.
Bathing using a specialist shampoo may be needed if they get very dirty so try to get them used to having baths from an early age.
Munchkins can run fast and climb just as well as other cats (although they might not be able to jump as high). They are often described as moving like ferrets. Sometimes they stand on their hind-legs like rabbits to get a better view of what’s going on. As they are intelligent, they can be trained easily and taught tricks such as playing fetch.
Munchkin Cat Insurance
Giving your cute Munchkin cat the care it needs is one of the joys of being a cat owner, and these affectionate and fluffy characters do love a cuddle. While you’re giving your kitty all the cuddles it craves, it’s worth thinking about Munchkin cat insurance.
Everypaw’s Cat Insurance have a range of cover Lifetime cover levels that can help care for your Munchkins when it comes to bumps, bruises and illnesses. And if you ever have a worry or concern about your cat’s health, training or care, our Petcall helpline with RCVS qualified vets and vet nurses are always there for you.
Common Munchkin Cat Health Problems by Vetstream
The Munchkin breed is still young and so it’s too early to completely rule out possible health problems. However, Lordosis and Pectus Excavatum have been seen to affect the breed. Munchkins can also be affected by the common problems that affect other cats such as Lower Urinary Tract Disease, Osteoarthritis, Hyperthyroidism and dental problems.
Lordosis is a rare spinal condition that can affect Munchkins. This spinal problem causes muscles to grow too short and the spine sinks downwards causing the spine to curve. Curvature can range from being very mild to being severe. In severe cases, compression of the heart and lungs can occur.
Pectus Excavatum (also known as funnel chest) is a malformation of the chest which can lead to breathing difficulties. The condition is usually apparent when the kitten is around 10 days old. If the condition is mild, no treatment may be required, but more severely affected cats may need surgery and the application of a splint to the ribcage.
Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects many older cats. This slowly progressive condition can easily go unnoticed by owners. Watch out for any reduction in your Munchkin’s activity levels, lameness in one or more limbs, pain when you touch or move the limb, change of temperament or if your cat finds it difficult to groom. Your vet will recommend the best medication and treatment to suit your cat.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a condition that covers bladder stones, cystitis and urinary blockages. These cause pain and discomfort when a cat goes to the toilet. If your cat is unable to empty their bladder, contact your vet as emergency treatment may be needed.
To prevent this unpleasant condition, make sure your cat drinks enough water and feed them a moist diet. Provide multiple litter boxes if your cat is in a multi-cat household.
Quick Munchkin Q&A
Munchkins enjoy company and will get along with other cats, and cat-friendly dogs. While their personalities can vary as in any other cat, they’re generally friendly and affectionate.
Like all cats, Munchkins like to keep their claws in good condition so having a scratching post is always a good idea to protect your furniture.
A Munchkin kitten can cost upwards of £200 (perhaps even up to £1000). Short legs command an expensive price tag. Female kittens also cost more as they can be bred from. Remember that every Munchkin litter will have kittens with both short and normal leg length depending on whether or not they inherit the dominant gene for short legs.
Make sure that you get your Munchkin from a reputable breeder so that your Munchkin will be healthy.
Munchkins are described as being small cats, but can grow to more medium sizes. Full-grown Munchkins range between 15-23 cm in height (an average normal cat is 25 cm tall). Males are generally larger than females.
Munchkin cats typically live between 12 to 15 years, provided they receive proper care, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary checkups.
Munchkin cats are playful, affectionate, and highly social, known for their curious nature and love of interacting with their human companions.
That’s All You Need to Know About the Munchkin
Originating in Louisiana back 1983. Munchkins certainly make a claim in the cute cat stakes. Short and sweet - their short legs may be controversial but this doesn’t hold them back! Easy to care for and easy to love, these cute kitties fit easily into most households.
Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Felis.
Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.
- Leslie A Lyons, Vetstream Ltd (online) Munchkin. In: Vetlexicon Felis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://vetstream.com/treat/felis/freeform/munchkin
- David Godfrey, Geert Verhoeven (online) Flat-chested kitten and pectus excavatum. In: Vetlexicon Felis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://vetstream.com/treat/felis/diseases/flat-chested-kitten-and-pectus-excavatum
- Eithne Comerford, David Godfrey, John Innes, Melvyn Pond (online) Arthritis: osteoarthritis. In: Vetlexicon Felis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/treat/felis/diseases/arthritis-osteoarthritis
- Martha Cannon, Danielle Gunn-Moore, Ellie Mardell, Rachel Korman (online) Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). In: Vetlexicon Felis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/treat/felis/diseases/feline-lower-urinary-tract-disease-(flutd)
