Munchkin: cat-dachshund or cat-kangaroo

Munchkin - a cat, bred not by selection, but "found" due to an accidental mutation. The gene responsible for the most important feature of this breed, shortness of heart, manifested itself before. Even in the interwar period in Europe, and even in Russia were described meowing short-legged. In Germany, these funny animals were called kangaroos, because animals tend to sit on their hind legs and stand for a long time with a "pillar", leaning on a massive tail. At the same time, short front legs are comically hanging along the body and complete similarity to the Australian marsupials. The similarity of Munchkins with dachshunds is superficial, since in dogs, except for short paws, the body is also disproportionately elongated, whereas in cats the body is no different from representatives of other breeds.

During the Second World War, everything was not up to the cats, and the Munchkins disappeared. Once again, the shortcuts were discovered in the US state of Louisiana in 1983. Sandra Hockenedel picked up the homeless little man and called her Blackberry (Blackberry). Sandra believed that the characteristic feature of Blackberry is associated with illness or trauma, and was surprised when the cat brought the kittens with exactly the same short paws. One of the kittens, Toulouse, Sandra brought with Blackberry, and this couple became the progenitors of the whole breed. In 1991, these animals were presented to the International Cat Association (TICA), and in 1995 the felinologists recognized them as an independent breed, called the Munchkin cat, in honor of the dwarfish folk from "The Country of Oz." Then the standards of this breed were developed and published.

In Europe, namely France, the first short-cuts came in 1993, but they did not make a furor there. But in Japan, where the Munchkin cat got to a little later, a real boom started, which did not go down for several years. In the CIS countries cat-dachshunds were brought only in 2001. The first registered specimen was Mimi Mi Pocket Hercules, brought from South Africa. Currently, there are only three Munchkin nurseries in Russia and Ukraine. To improve the gene pool, many animals from American nurseries of the most diverse and rare colors were brought in - ticked tabby, cinnamon, sepia, mink and others.

But the munchkin cat melts the heart not only with a touching appearance. These creatures are very affectionate, sociable and intelligent. They absolutely do not complex because of their low growth, they give a decisive rebuff to the rowdy bully, they like to walk on a leash like dogs. Do not feel the discomfort of moving to a new place, easily get new acquaintances with people. Perfectly get on with other pets. With children, they are full of patience, stoically endure "swaddling", burying in the sandbox and sitting in toy cars. These cats will be great companions for people who love travel.

Munchkin-cat can be of completely different colors, short-, medium- or long-haired. The defining characteristic of the breed is shortened limbs, which, however, are not associated with deformity or defect. Paws must be strong, straight. Pillows should be pointed straight, not outward or inward. The spine remains the same as most cats. Tail - strong, gently tapering to the tip, when walking upwards. Head of medium size, with a flat forehead with widely set triangular ears, mobile and watchful. Eyes large, far apart from each other. The standard stipulates that the elbows should rest against the body, and not protrude to the sides.

The breed of cats munchkin does not require special care. To comb them it is necessary proceeding from length of a wool. Cats are overweight, so you need to monitor their diet. Of course, you should do all the necessary vaccinations and regularly show the animals to the vet. The tray for the toilet must have high sides. In cats of this breed there is some kleptomania: they like to take things they like and play them in their house.