Munchkin vs Domestic Shorthaired Cat - Breed Comparison

Information about the short-legged Munchkin cat has been around since the 1940s. A British veterinary report in 1944 noted these short-legged cats.

During the 2nd World War, the cats disappeared but other short-legged cats were seen in Russia during 1956 and then the United States in the 1970s.

The cat was introduced to the general public in 1991 but for many years it wasn't accepted in cat competitions. Eventually, the Munchkin was proposed as a new breed by foundation breeders and accepted by TICA into its New Breed development program in 1994. The Munchkin breed achieved TICA Championship status in May 2003. The Cat Fanciers Association doesn’t recognize the Munchkin.

The Domestic short-haired cat has also got mixed ancestry and can have lots of different looks. In the UK they are often referred to as Moggie.

It is one of the most common cats in the United States. The roots of this cat go back to the pioneer settlement in North America where they were thought of as working cats. Nobody seems clear on where they originated from.

Hardy and unaffected, they quickly became a sought after cat that stood up well to all kinds of conditions. Even though this cat is a non-pedigreed cat, it is accepted by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in the Household Pets category.

The Munchkin is a small to medium-sized, muscular cat with a thick coat that comes in all colors and patterns. In fact, color, pattern, and coat length will vary.

There is also a long-haired variety. It usually weighs between 3 and 4kg. It has short, stubby little legs and a torso that hangs fairly low to the ground. The cat’s back legs are somewhat longer than the front legs. The legs of these cats can be slightly bowed. The eyes can be any color.

Temperament:

The Munchkin is such a social, outgoing cat that just loves being petted and pampered by his human family. He is sociable and friendly as well as intelligent and is easy to train. While he is an amicable cat and can get on well with everyone in the family, it isn’t a good idea to have such a cat as a playmate for children as they can become injured.

An interesting feature with this cat is the way he doesn’t really sit like other cats but has a way of sitting up on his legs, much like a rabbit.

The Domestic short-haired cats can be so many things – different coat colors and different patterns as well as being different shapes and sizes.

They can all have different shaped eyes and colors and their ears and tails can differ from cat to cat. The reason for this is that these cats don’t belong to a specific breed.

It has a mixed ancestral history. The Domestic Shorthaired varies in colors and size and their coats can be any color, solid or patterned. The length of the coat is short and is silky and shiny.

It’s a low shedding cat and grooming will be easy. Every cat has its own physical characteristics, and some can have a slight build while others are heavier built and more muscular.

You could find their eyes can be different colors too – blue, green, copper or brown.

Temperament:

Just like the Domestic Shorthair has lots of different looks, the temperament too varies. There is no set standard for these cats and when you choose a kitten, you can’t really be sure how they will turn out.

Your cat may be quiet, very vocal, active, placid, loyal loving, independent, playful or lazy – who knows with these wonderful cats?

Certainly, most of them are friendly, loving and loyal. They make wonderful pets for new cat owners, singles, couples, families and seniors.

People love them as they aren’t high maintenance pets – they are undemanding.

The Munchkin may be short and stock but he is just as active and playful as any other cat. When you have him in your home, you'll discover that his short little legs don't stop him from trying out everything other cats do.

He is ready to show you what he's made of. He is a confident, social cat and is friendly, intelligent, and loving towards his human family. He makes a devoted companion and he will get along with other cats in the family as well as dogs.

He may be a bit odd to look at but if you want an excellent companion, the Munchkin is well worth your consideration.

As we’ve already suggested, the Domestic Shorthaired has an easy-going personality, not demanding much from you except nutritious food and lots of love and attention.

It’s important to provide your cat with a lifestyle that keeps him happy and content.

Rather than buy your pets lots of expensive cat accessories, your cat will be happier to do with less but to have more attention from you. This cat is willing to give you so much love and companionship ad he asks the same from you.

Because this is a fairly new breed, it's still not too clear about its health. It was once thought that the Munchkin cat could develop spinal problems because of its short legs.

It was in 1995 that some breeders had some of their older Munchkins x-rayed to see if there were any signs of joint or bone problems, but none were found.

The Munchkin cat should also be vaccinated as a kitten and be treated for parasites. To ensure the good health of your sweet little Munchkin cat, give him the best diet possible.

In fact, if you take good care of your Munchkin and you make sure to get all the necessary vaccines for him and get him to the vet when he shows signs of illness, your munchkin can reach 12 to 15 years of age.

Because of their mixed breed, these Domestic Shorthaired cats don’t sicken easily and they are healthy cats and robust – less vulnerable to the genetic problems that plague purebred cats.

Nonetheless, he can succumb to illness and then you need to get him to the vet immediately. There are come cat illnesses that can kill your cat in just a few hours. Look at bloat as an example – this is when your cat’s stomach becomes swollen and your pet is weak and vomiting. It’s a life-threatening condition that can kill your cat in half an hour,

Every cat is unique and the Munchkin is a unique cat, This little cat is a carnivore just like any other cat and his diet must be made up mostly of protein.

Speak to your vet about the best food for your Munchkin because a kitten will require a different diet to a senior Munchkin. Also, you don’t want your Munchkin to put on too much weight as this can be detrimental to his joints.

Not only that, being overweight comes with all kinds of health issues. The manufacturers of commercially manufactured cat foods have made sure that they have brought out foods for every stage of a cat's life and age.

Munchkin cats will need to have their fur brushed at least once a week. Trim the claws at the same time.

Provide your sweet little Munchkin with a litter box and keep the litter box immaculately clean, removing the feces every single day.

Just like you prepare for a human baby’s arrival, prepare for your Domestic Shorthaired’ arrival.

Have food and water bowls, a nice, dry, warm bed, toys to stimulate mind and body, litter box, scratching post, climbing tree and collar.

Have your cat neutered or spayed. This is to avoid unwanted kittens. You’ll often see these cats in animal shelters and you don’t want to add to the burden of these shelters. By neutering and spaying your cat, they behave in a better way. They are far less likely to want to roam away from home as well. A cat that have been neutered or spayed also enjoys a host of health benefits, and this common surgical operation is highly recommended.

Food for your cat is very important for good health. Do research and you’ll discover how imperative good gut-health is. A poor diet and the wrong diet can cause your cat to battle with a lot of poor health issues and digestive problems.

You’ll end up spending a fortune on your cat’s vet bills. A cat is a carnivore and it is most important to feed your cat meat. Check out the labels on the cat’s commercially manufactured food and choose the ones that make meat a top ingredient.