A New Cat (To Me)

[kokopelle]

I learned today about a breed of cat called the "Munchkin".



From the website http://www.catfacts.org/munchkin-cat-facts.htm:

Munchkin cats are a relatively new breed created by a random mutation that produced a cat with extremely short legs. Munchkin cats have short or long coats in a wide variety of colors. Because of this cat's short stature, munchkins are particularly adept at climbing and jumping. The Munchkin cat is usually raised as an indoor cat, although they are reported to be extremely active, agile and fast runners.

Comments

[fuego.livejournal.com]

I've seen them...have to wonder if it's really any good for the cat to purposely breed them to have such short legs....

[greensh.livejournal.com]

I'm more fearful of dogs bred to be small. At least cats have claws that can used to climb their world. Really small dogs seem to be stuck at floor level and run the risk of injury when jumping off of objects that are no issue for larger dogs.

[fuego.livejournal.com]

actually, I was thinking physiologically...what sort of problems it could cause within the body structure

[iskender.livejournal.com]

Exactly. What happens when the cat who's used his claws to climb up somewhere tries to jump down and, lacking the length of leg to absorb the fall, harms himself?

If it's a case of adoption, that's one thing--they're still animals. But I don't think I can support the voluntary breeding of a deformity like this. Cats ought to have long legs.

[odyssey-spirit.livejournal.com]

Wow. And the ocicat also linked from your linked page is just gorgeous.

[greensh.livejournal.com]

Pretty neat... I never had a pedigree cat before. I've had lots of the mutt variety and they've worked well for me.