DISCOVERED IN
AMERICA
Although the Munchkins have only recently been discovered by cat fanciers,
cats with short legs are not new to the scientific world. Sandra
Hochenedel discovered the first documented Munchkin here in the United
States in Louisiana in 1983. Sandra was looking for a pet cat for her three
children. She found Blackberry, a pregnant female cat living beneath a truck
in a rural area. Back at home, Sandra was astonished when she realized the
cat was unlike any other cat she ever had seen. This extraordinary cat had
body movements that were ferret-like with dwarf legs. Blackberry proudly
presented Sandra's family with several litters, each litter included short
and long-legged kittens. One day Blackberry vanished. Sandra feared the
trait was lost again, but it was not, the gene pool was retrieved from
Blackberry kittens that previously had been given away. Several colonies
have been established which now span multiple generations.
PERSONALITY
Munchkins have very sweet, kitten-like personalities. And they will keep
their kittenish ways all their lives. They are very affectionate, playful,
and love to be around people, other cats and dogs. Munchkins are not
aggressive cats, but are very social and out-going. They enjoy the company
of other animals and adapt well to most circumstances. Have you ever gotten
a kitten and wished it would stay little, playful and cute forever? Then
try a Munchkin... the "kitten forever" cat!