Munchkin - cats of this breed have one uniquedistinctive feature. This cats with short paws. Munchkins are the result of not targeted selection, but rather, spontaneous mutation. But let's start in order: whence and how these unusual cats appeared, and what this breed is today.
Where did the munchkins come from?
The progenitress of modern munchkin is consideredHomeless black-and-white kitten Blackberry (Blackberry), which was found in the US state of Louisiana in the early eighties of last century. This black-and-white (already pregnant) cat was picked up by the compassionate Sandra Hochenidel, who felt that the short legs of the foundling were the result of a difficult childhood or some kind of illness. However, this amazing cat was quite healthy and frisky and brought the same healthy, but also short-nosed offspring. It was these kittens that gave birth to a new breed that was officially recognized in the USA in 1985. By the way the history of this family has quite a happy continuation. One of the most short-legged kittens of the Blackberry, the cat Toulouse, went to live on the farm with the new owner Kay Lefrans. Thanks to free farming life, Toulouse had a very numerous offspring, which had extraordinary success not only among the surrounding farmers, but then far beyond the state. So the homeless cat Blackberry and the farm cat Toulouse can be called the founders of the Munchkin breed - cats with short paws. The breed of cats was officially introduced in the spring of 1991 at the exhibition of the International Association of Cat Owners (TICA) in New York. By the way:
- Munchkin (cat) received its name due to the small characters of the fairy tale "The Wizard of Oz" by F. Baum, known in the Russian translation as "chewed";
- animal advocates opposed this breed, believing that breeders bring cat's health to fashion;
- unusual cat-dachshunds were known in Europe in the thirties of the 20th century, where they were called kangaroos;
- there is a legend that such short-legged cats were seen in military Stalingrad, with the front legs of the Stalingrad cats much shorter than the rear, which further strengthened their similarity with kangaroos;
- there are mentions of similar cats that live in the vicinity of Sevastopol.
Probably, the Second World War prevented the breed of cats-short-legs from appearing much earlier than it happened. Although, the prerequisites for this, apparently, were. 
How did the Munchkins appear?
Korotkolost is well known in the world of domesticanimals. In particular, such popular dog breeds as dachshunds, Scotch terriers and bassets surprise nobody. However, in the world of cats, manchins are simply unique. The reason for the appearance of such a distinctive feature as short paws is achondroplastic dwarfism (a genetic phenomenon). In fact, this is not dwarfism per se. Real dwarfs have proportionally reduced parts of the body (from the head to the tip of the tail). When achondroplasia become short (and thickened) only the limbs, and it occurs as a result of a disruption in the growth of cartilaginous cells. If the genotype of a cat is dominated by the gene for achondroplasia, then it may have the appearance of short-necked offspring. And if one of the parent-cats has short paws, then among their kittens necessarily born munchkin. 
What are the Munchkins?
Numerous medical studiesfound that short paws in no way limit the mobility of cats and practically do not affect their viability. Although they make adjustments to the behavior of cats that is habitual for us. So, for example, if ordinary cats stand on their hind legs to see something hard to reach, then the munchkins behave differently. In this case, they sit firmly on the "ass", using the tail as a strong and comfortable support, and the front legs hang over the trunk. This position makes them really like kangaroos. Today, the munchkins are muscular cats short-horned cats with three varieties of breed: standard, ultra-short, dwarfish. In addition, all these cats can be either long-haired or short-haired type. The coat color in the breed standard is allowed absolutely any. However, among the short-haired Munchkins, the variations of the Siamese and the patterned color are the most popular, and among the long-haired ones - smoky, silvery and bicolor. Among the peculiarities of the Munchkin character, it is worth noting intellectual abilities, friendliness, sociability, curiosity. These cats are very fond of walks on the harness, easily get acquainted with new people and other pets, sociable and affectionate. Owners of the Munchkins celebrate their literally dog fidelity to the master, equanimity, loving and playfulness. Being a representative of an unusual breed of cats, Munchkin will be an excellent companion, which combines devotion and independence and is so unlike other cats. We advise you to read:
