All through history, there have been reports of short legged cats cropping up in different areas of the
world. It was not until 1983 that someone choose to learn more about these cats and create a new
breed from them. In 1983, a teacher by the name of Sandra Hochendel discovered two short legged
cats that were cornered under a truck by a dog. She rescued the cats from their precarious situation
and took them home with her. It was not until later that she discovered that both cats, one black and
the other grey, had short legs and that both were pregnant. Ms. Hochendel gave away the grey cat
to a friend, but kept the black one which she named Blackberry. When Blackberry gave birth, it was
noted that about 50% of the kittens that she gave birth to had the short legs. This was the beginning
of a new breed which was initially called Babylegs, for their short legs, but are now known as
Munchkins.
Over a period of many years, with hard work and dedication, breeders have worked to get these cats
accepted in the cat fancy. They are now accepted for championship in TICA and work is being done
to get them accepted in CFA. They are accepted for registration through the TDCA as well.
Over the years, many people have fallen in love with these short bundles of fur and some have
chosen to outcross this natural mutation with other breeds to create hybrid breeds. The appearance
of the original Munchkin was that of a barn cat with short legs. Although many people like that
particular type of cats, others prefer a more "refined" look and are now looking towards these new
hybrids as pets. There are now many types of new hybrid breeds that have been derived from the
munchkin and other recognized breeds. If you would like more information on the new hybrid
breeds, feel free to go to the TDCA website.
Some people may wonder if these short legged cats have any problems with their spines or backs
like many of the short legged dogs do. The answer to this is no. Studies have shown that the spines
of cats are different than those of dogs and that the shortening of their legs has not effected cats
with the same problems seen in short breed dogs. The scientists have not yet identified the gene
that causes the shortened leg bones in these cats, but do know that it is not the same one that
causes short leggedness in dogs, nor is the same as that found in human dwarfism. It is also not the
same genetic mutation as that found in the Twisty Cat that was in the news several years back.
From what has been determined so far, we know that only the long bones of the legs are affected by
this natural genetic mutation and that it is a dominant gene (requiring only one parent to carry it in
order to pass it on).
I've often been asked by people at cat shows and friends that are meeting my cats for the first time
whether they can run and play and get around as well as the longer legged members of their
species. My answer is yes and no. My munchkins can get to any place they really want to, but
sometimes they have to take the scenic route to get there. They can climb just like any other cat,
but because their legs are shorter can not jump as high. They are very playful, even as adults and
many have an obsession with getting as high as they can. I've spent many hours trying to figure out
how some of them get on top of the refrigerator or cabinets... until finally, I just sat back and watched
one day as they navigated the cabinets, tables and counters. One thing that I have noticed in
particular with these cats is that their balance appears to be even greater than my long legged cats.
They often sit up like a ferret for long periods of time and will play with a cat teaser from that position
as well.
Please feel free to email me if you would like more information on these wonderful cats.
