Munchkin Cats

A munchkin cat showing of its short legs

History

The mutation that causes cats to have short legs has manifested around the world for centuries.

In 1944, British veterinarian Dr. H.E. Williams recorded four generations of short legged cats. This line was lost during World War Two, although the short legged gene soon reappeared. In 1983 US music teacher Sandra Hockenedel rescued a pregnant short-legged cat, naming her Blackberry. This cat became the foundation of the modern Munchkin breed.

Behaviour

Munchkins are affectionate cats who enjoys human company, form close bonds with their owners, and are usually happy to meet other cats, dogs and children, making them good family pets.

Those short legs are very misleading - this is a surprisingly agile cat who will jump and chase far faster than you would have thought possible.