Skip to main content

Everything you need to know about the munchkin cat: Some facts may surprise you

Get to know the scoop before you adopt a munchkin cat

A red and white munchkin cat with long hair stands against a teal blue background.
MDavidova / Shutterstock

Watching cute cat videos has become a hobby in of itself in modern times, and we’re here for it. Some particularly cute kitties seem to go viral all the time, and it’s no surprise that many of the most popular videos on TikTok feature an adorable munchkin cat. Whether you’re a longtime fan or you recently discovered the breed online, you may wonder what a munchkin cat even is. Let’s find out more about these curious kitties.

A brown tabby munchkin cat kitten stands on a gray felt background.
Sviatoslav_Shevchenkox / Shutterstock

Munchkin cats: Getting to know the breed

With their short, stubby legs, elongated bodies, and insatiable curiosity, munchkin cats are a unique breed in the world of cats. In fact, these short-legged stunners wouldn’t look entirely out of place in fantastical literature. (Is it just us, or do munchkin cats look like the noble steeds of fairy kings and queens?) Munchkin cats have appeared and disappeared many times throughout history because this genetic mutation can pop up anywhere. However, the modern-day munchkins come from the tiny town of Rayville, Louisiana.

Sandra Hochendel, a Rayville music teacher, found two pregnant munchkins — one black, one gray — cowering underneath a truck. Hochendel kept the black cat, which she named Blackberry, and she rehomed the gray cat, dubbed Blueberry. Unfortunately, no one knows what became of Blueberry, but we can attribute all modern-day munchkins to Blackberry and her progeny.

A munchkin cat perches on the sofa
Tranmautritam / Pexels

Do munchkin cats always stay small?

Cute munchkin cats grip so many hearts, and in part, because they look little for their whole lives, even once they’re grown (which is also where they get their name, from The Wizard of Oz movie). The most noticeable feature of this breed comes from a genetic mutation that gives them stumpy legs, about 3 inches shorter than average. While of course, all babies reach adulthood, munchkins stay low to the ground forever. It means they look a bit like a dachshund and frequently get the name sausage cat. Some can even stand up on their hind legs!
A gray munchkin cat kitten stands on top of a white dressing table
Dasha Parfenova / Shutterstock

Munchkin cat size, personality, and health

Like the Sphynx and Manx, munchkin cats are the direct result of inbreeding, which can lead to a host of health problems — and occasionally behavioral issues. If you’re looking to adopt one of these precious cats, you need to be aware of a few things first. We’re here to walk you through everything you need to know.

Size

With their stubby legs and plush coats, which can make them appear larger than they really are, the munchkin cat is classified as a small-medium cat breed. As with all cat breeds, males tend to be larger than females. A male munchkin cat usually weighs somewhere between 6 and 9 pounds, while females are smaller, weighing between 4 and 8 pounds.

Personality

Not only are munchkin cats adorable, but they’re also one of the most affectionate breeds in the world. Munchkins love spending time with their human family members, including children. (Just remember to monitor your kids while they play with the family fur baby!) You’ll also need to make sure not to leave valuable jewelry lying around the house. The munchkin’s affinity for shiny things has drawn comparison to birds, earning the breed the nickname “magpie.”

Munchkin cat life span and health issues

Cat aficionados on both sides of the fence are eager to hiss their opinions on the breed. Fortunately for munchkin cat fans, these fur babies can live a comparatively normal life span with proper care. While they aren’t as long living as some breeds, munchkins live a respectable 12-15 years.

But we have some sad news, too. Munchkins owe their adorably stubby legs to a genetic mutation, which can lead to painful health issues like osteoarthritis. While treatment for arthritis is readily available, would-be pet parents should monitor their fur baby’s weight, as carrying extra pounds places unnecessary pressure on their already-stressed joints. A well-rounded diet, regular exercise, and staying in touch with your veterinarian can help you keep cats of any breed as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

an orange cat with a fuzzy paw
Александар Цветановић / Pexels

Is a munchkin cat a good pet?

Munchkin cats can make great pets for many families. Though small in size, munchkin cats have big, loving personalities. Though cats have a reputation for “hiding” and being “anti-social,” that’s not always true. Munchkin cats usually buck the trend and adore spending time with family members of all ages. Still, you’ll always want to keep an eye on small children around munchkin cats, and always check their body language for signs of distress. This advice is standard for all animals, but munchkin cat’s small size makes them more susceptible to injuries. A shelter can do a meet and greet with you and a munchkin cat to ensure you and your family are the best fit to care for the specific kitty.

A long-haired calico munchkin cat kitten stands against a blue backdrop.
Sviatoslav_Shevchenko / Shutterstock

Munchkin cat price

If you’ve set your sights on bringing a munchkin cat into your home, you’re probably asking yourself, “How much is a munchkin cat?” Unfortunately, the answer is, “That depends.”

Many factors influence the cost of a munchkin kitten. While disreputable breeders sell kittens for lower prices, we strongly urge you to avoid purchasing from these vendors. Flagrant disregard for the welfare of their animals, health issues, and deplorable living conditions are common at low-cost breeding facilities. Reputable breeders price munchkin cats in the $500-$1,500 range on average, though if you have your heart set on a famous bloodline or unusual coat pattern, you could expect to pay as much as $2,000-$3,000.

While the breed isn’t without its controversies, the munchkin cat is here to stay. Will munchkins become as accepted as Sphynx and Manx cats? Only time will tell. In the meantime, we encourage prospective munchkin parents to research breeders thoroughly, stay on top of vet visits and vaccinations, and share their feline family on social media for the rest of us to enjoy.

Editors' Recommendations

Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Do cats get cold outside? Veterinarians explain what temperature is too low for outdoor kitties
Here's how you can tell if you cat needs to come in from the cold
A black cat with a dusting of snow on her coat stands outside

If your cat is an indoor/outdoor pet, he likely loves to pop outside to explore even when the temperatures drop. There are plenty of cold-weather cats who have thick coats and seem to do well outdoors in the winter, but it's important to consider your cat's comfort and safety before letting them roam the winter wonderland.

Cold temperatures can affect cats and threaten their health, and extreme temperatures can even lead to a cat's death. As scary as that sounds, it doesn't mean you can't let your cat out in the frigid temps. Instead, it's important to understand how cold is too cold and what extra care your cat may need to stay comfy in chilly weather. Don't worry; we'll explain.

Read more
Do cats sleep more in winter because they’re depressed? Here’s what to know about seasonal changes in felines
Do they experience seasonal depression? Find out here
Cat sleeping on a beige fleece blanket

When the winter weather hits and the days become shorter, gray, and overcast, it can be all too tempting to climb into your PJs early and call it a night. Chances are -- your cat is right there with you! If you think you're noticing your feline friend sleeping more frequently or for longer periods of time during the winter, you might not be imagining things.
Cats' sleeping habits can change for many reasons! Anything from a change in diet to a new family routine can change the way a kitty sleeps or how long they spend napping. It's important to keep track of your cat's sleep, though, because big changes can sometimes indicate health issues in pets. So, do cats sleep more in winter? And why do they spend so much time snoozing?

Do cats sleep more in winter? If it seems like it, you're not just imagining things
You're not crazy if you feel like cats sleep more in the winter -- it's totally true! The ASPCA reports that cats typically sleep between 12 and 20 hours per day, but in the winter, they may sleep even more. Many people and other pets -- like dogs and hibernating species -- can relate!
That increase in sleep may be because of a natural, seasonal change in animals' circadian rhythms -- the daylight hours are shorter, after all -- but your cat might also be picking up on your own changes in routine. If you're headed to bed a little earlier than usual, they might too.

Read more
Why do cats stick out their tongues? Here are several surprising (and mostly harmless) reasons
Health concerns to harmless changes: Reasons cats stick out their tongues
Side view of a cat sticking out its tongue

If you've ever wondered, 'why do cats stick out their tongues?' you're not alone. Whether you've noticed your cat doing it and wondered if something might be wrong with them, or you've simply seen a cute TikTok, try not to worry. Most cats occasionally "blep," or stick their tongues out, and it's rarely cause for concern. In fact, it's downright adorable! (Search for 'cat bleps' online when you're feeling down; the precious images are the perfect pick-me-up.)
What causes cats to blep? We'll explore a few potential reasons behind this strange yet adorable behavior.

Why do cats stick out their tongues? Do you need to worry about it?
Your cat is exploring the world with their tongue
One of the most common reasons for an exposed tongue is rather simple: your cat is literally exploring their surroundings. When your cat leaves their mouth open and tongue out, they're collecting pheromones on their tongue -- this is called the Flehmen response. Those pheromones give your cat important information about other cats around, including whether they're in heat, via electrical signals from body to brain. Who knew something so cute could be so helpful, too?

Read more