Munchkins, or Under-sized cats

In fact, underestimated cats - this is a very rare and unique breed of cats with short paws - munchkin. Quite often they are called "cat-dachshunds". This definition is not entirely true. Dogs with short paws have an elongated body, and cats are naturally endowed with a trunk of normal size. This is not a breeding breed. It appeared as a result of a spontaneous mutation.

History of the breed

In the forties of the twentieth century, cases began to occur when in an ordinary litter lowered cats appeared - animals with short paws. This began to happen in different parts of the Earth. In 1944, a veterinarian from Great Britain described four generations of these animals. They were perfectly healthy and differed from other animals only by the length of their paws. In 1897, in Louisiana, a woman hosted a pregnant homeless cat. In her house she gave birth to little ones. Half of the offspring were understated cats (munchkins).

First appearance in public

For the first time these animals saw the general public in 1991 at an international cat show. Opponents of the breed argued that further breeding of these individuals spoils the health of animals and threatens deformities. One of the judges resigned in protest, announcing it right at the exhibition. He called this unusual breed "an insult to the breeders". Immediately after this scandal, underestimated cats (munchkins) were thoroughly examined in the laboratory of the University of Kansas. There were no deviations in the state of animal health.

Official Recognition

As the breed the understated cats (munchkins) were recognized in the year nineteen ninety-five at TICA. Meanwhile, and still many associations in the world are against this. Perhaps, therefore, in European countries, these animals are extremely rare. However, all the arguments of specialists do not prevent the munchkin from provoking a feeling of sympathy among ordinary cats. These are very playful, good-natured and affectionate creatures.

Character and habits

The understated cat (the Munchkin breed) is an amazing animal. Owners say that many habits they have adopted in dogs. They are happy to walk with the owner on a harness, always peacefully and friendly towards other animals, adapt easily in a new environment.

Underestimated cats, the photos of which you see in this article, are devoted companions. They like to travel, provided that there will be a loved host nearby. Animals are very mobile, they can easily jump on high enough surfaces. However, it is difficult to descend to them afterwards because of the unusual structure of the body, so they do this roughly as martens. Owners of Munchkins need to know that falling from a height for these animals is fraught with serious injuries, so it's best to leave them on the street unattended.

Features of the breed

It's interesting to watch these animals from the side. To look around, they sit on their hind legs, and the tail at this moment serves as a kind of prop. In this situation, they can sit for quite some time. Because of the short paws, the munchkins are not very good hunters, but they have one rare and surprising feature. Like magpies, they collect little things and hide them in a secluded, only known place.

Low cats (munchkin) are half long-haired and short-haired. The colors of these animals are very diverse.