Munchkin

Temperament & Behavior: What the Munchkin lacks in height they more than makes up for in personality. This cat doesn’t mind being picked up and loves playing with their people. They’re highly intelligent and adaptable to most living situations. Outgoing with tons of energy, it’s best to keep your Munchkin physically and mentally entertained.

The Munchkin isn’t an overly noisy breed but is very attentive to what you say. Most Munchkins who are provided with lots of love, attention and mental and physical stimulation will be well behaved, while also exhibiting their trademark spunk. Munchkins are also able to jump on counters from the floor and will have to be trained not to.

Personality: Friendly, fun, spritely and spirited, the Munchkin is an ultimate companion pet.

Behavior with Kids: The Munchkin loves to be handled and their small size means they do fine around smaller children as well.

Life Span: Munchkins that are well cared for can live between 12 and 18 years.

Inherited Health Issues: The Munchkin cat is a very healthy cat breed with few specific health problems. Most problems stem from the conformation of the body leading to bone problems. These may include, but are not limited to, the following: Lordosis, Osteoarthritis and Scoliosis.

Preventive Care: Due to the problems with dwarfism / bone deformities, preventive care focuses on joint care and managing weight problems in this breed. Early joint supplementation with fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin can be quite beneficial in this breed to help delay the onset of osteoarthritis. Feeding age appropriate food will help in preventing obesity and feeding for the most appropriate weight.

Nutrition: This breed should be fed a commercially available diet. This breed should be fed an age appropriate diet to help avoid obesity. Take care not to provide excessive amounts of calories to avoid obesity.

Daily Consumption: Daily consumption for an adult Munchkin is 1/4 - 1/3 cup.

Energy Level: Frisky, energetic breed that is always ready for action

Exercise: Don’t let the Munchkin’s small size fool you — this cat is highly energetic and very intelligent, which means they need lots of opportunity for exercise, as well as plenty of mental stimulation. They enjoy puzzle games and other things that test their smarts.

Climate: Since they’re a smaller breed, temperate climates are better for the Munchkin.