What is the price of a Munchkin cat?
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Black Munchkin Cat: Can Munchkin cats be black?
The first time you see a black munchkin cat, you may wonder if your eyes are playing tricks on you. They look like ordinary cats but with much shorter legs. The world has accepted this physical trait in several dog breeds, including Corgis, Dachshunds, and Basset Hounds. Shorter legs in dogs have a purpose, often to aid in hunting. A lower profile makes tracking a scent easier for certain dog breeds. But in cats, this physical feature is purely for appearance’s sake.
The U.S. cat community has been slow to accept munchkin cats in all colors, including black cats. Are short legs on a cat a desirable trait or an ethical concern? Let’s take a look at the history of black munchkin cat for sale, how the breed gained popularity, and whether they make good pets.
Adorable Munchkin Kittens For Sale
The Earliest Records of Black Munchkin Cats
There are accounts of cats with unusually short legs living in pre-WWII England. The story of Munchkin cats in the U.S. originates in the early 1980s when a Louisiana woman found two pregnant strays. Both mother cats had normal-sized bodies but unusually short legs. The woman gave away one of the pregnant strays but kept one for herself, named Blackberry.
Blackberry gave birth to a mix of kittens with both regular-sized legs and shorter legs. One of these male kittens, Toulouse, remained unaltered. Toulouse was named after the French painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, who had an average-sized torso but short legs.
As a teen, Henri’s condition was thought to be brought on by injuries, as he broke both femurs. Toulouse, the cat, roamed freely outside and likely had numerous descendants. Some black and white munchkin cat aficionados credit Toulouse with expanding the breed.
Top 3 Unique Facts About Black Munchkin Cats
1. They are called “Munchkins” after the movie The Wizard of Oz.
The two women credited with expanding the breed in the U.S. named the cats “Munchkins” after the Munchkinland in The Wizard of Oz.
2. Some say Munchkins aren’t an official breed.
Some critics of Munchkin cats state they aren’t a separate breed but rather the result of a dominant gene that results in shortened legs.
3. There is a wide variety of Munchkin colors.
In addition to black, Munchkins can come in any coat color or pattern.
Does the Black Munchkin Cat Make a Good Pet?
A Black Munchkin would do well in almost any home. They are playful, energetic, and love to be around their owners. Munchkins are typically smart and active. They need lots of interactive play and things to do, or they could become mischievous.
One downside to Munchkins is that they are somewhat clingy and not independent. Most Munchkins are not good candidates to be left home alone all day. A Munchkin is a good choice for anyone who wants a lap cat who will shower you with affection.
Black and white munchkin cat cannot jump as high as other cats, but they can still run, leap, and pounce. Grooming needs depend on the length of a Munchkin’s fur, which is typically short to medium. Longhaired Munchkins need to be brushed at least twice a week, but shorthaired cats only need brushing once a week.
