| Origin | Louisiana |
| Weight | 6 – 9 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 12 – 15 years |
Appearance
The Munchkins have thick, firmly muscled but not bulky body. About a foot and half long, with their legs about 3 inches shorter than other cats. Well-rounded chest and firm hips. Color, pattern, and hair length will vary, as the Munchkin can come in any color or pattern, including the Siamese pattern. They can be shorthaired with a medium-length plush coat or longhaired with a semi-long silky coat.
Temperament
Munchkins are self-assured and outgoing, unaware of the controversy surrounding them. Their short legs doesn’t mean short on intelligence or personality. Friendly and people-oriented, Munchkins make devoted companions, and they get along well with other cats, dogs, and people.
Despite their short legs, Munchkins run fast, bounding like ferrets and taking corners at full speed. They often sit up on their haunches like prairie dogs to get a better view. They can climb cat posts and curtains as well as any cat, but they can’t jump as high because the shorter back legs don’t provide as much leverage. These cute, curious cats are known for stashing small, shiny objects, so don’t be surprised if these “magpies” borrow your favorite piece of jewelry to play.
History
Short-legged cats have been recorded as early as the 1930s in England. According to evidence, these short-legged cats survived for four generations before World War II took its toll on the cat population of Europe. One such cat was also reported in the Soviet Union in the 1950s and dubbed the “Stalingrad Kangaroo Cat” for its tendency to sit up on its haunches. But the breed as we know it today began in Louisiana, USA.
