Hello Pups and Kittens and welcome back to The Groomer Next Door. This week we're going to discuss Munchkin cats and Dwarf cats. This is a very interesting breed of cats and it's all inspired by our foster Spencer Rhodes. So what's a Munchkin cat?

Did You Know?

Munchkins are sometimes called magpies because they

love shiny things and will often stow them away for a later date. Hide

your valuables from this kitty.

When you see the Munchkin moving at high speed, cornering around your

dining room table, you immediately drop any preconception that this is a

slow or laid-back cat. Instead, he’s an energetic extrovert, ready and

willing to play with kids, other cats, and friendly

dogs.

And don’t think his short legs preclude him from jumping on your

furniture. He might not go as high as other cats, at least not in one

leap, but he gets there eventually.

The Munchkin is a small to medium-size cat weighing 5 to 9 pounds.

Other than his short legs, he resembles any other cat, with a short or

long coat, either of which can be just about any color or pattern.

The Munchkin is well suited to any home with people who will love

him and care for him. Keep him indoors to protect him from cars,

diseases spread by other cats, and attacks from other animals and he can

live 13 years or longer.

The Munchkin’s coat is easy to groom. One with a short coat can get by

with weekly brushing. Brush or comb a longhaired Munchkin twice a week

to prevent or remove mats or tangles.

The only other grooming the Munchkin needs is regular nail trimming and

ear cleaning if the ears look dirty. Use a gentle cleanser recommended

by your veterinarian. Brush the teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet

toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath.

Start brushing, nail trimming, and teeth brushing when your cat is

still a kitten, and he will accept these activities later on.

All cats have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as

all people have the potential to inherit diseases. Run, don’t walk,

from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on kittens or who

tells you that her kittens are isolated from the main part of the

household for health reasons.

Munchkins are generally healthy and do not appear to have spinal

problems, but this is a young breed, so that could change. It’s always

wise to purchase a cat from a breeder who offers a written health

guarantee.

Remember that after you’ve taken a new kitten into your home, you have

the power to protect him from one of the more common health problems:

obesity. Keeping a Munchkin at an appropriate weight is one of the

easiest ways to protect his overall health.

This is an outgoing cat who enjoys being handled. He has lots of

energy and is faster and more agile than he looks. Think of a low-slung

sports car and you get the picture.

The friendly Munchkin likes playing with children and other cats and

dogs.

On the rare occasion when he’s not in motion, expect to see him sitting

up on his hind legs to get a peek at something interesting. He’s not a

“leap tall buildings in a single bound” kind of cat, but he is

definitely capable of making his way to high places if he so chooses. It

just takes him a little longer.

The Munchkin is highly intelligent. Challenge his brain by teaching

him tricks and providing him with puzzle toys that will reward him with

kibble or treats when he learns to manipulate them.

Always choose a kitten from a breeder who raises litters in her home

and handles them from an early age. Meet at least one and ideally both

of the parents to ensure that they have nice temperaments.