Don’t Buy a Munchkin Cat Without Knowing How to Care for it Properly

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It’s difficult not to find yourself immediately taken in by the small nature and sweet face of the munchkin cat, which is why so many people are clamoring to find breeders near them so they can have one of their own. These cats are little; they have short legs, small faces and never really get much bigger than they are as kittens. It’s a winning situation for anyone looking to own a kitten but not really a cat (though that is a terrible reason to own a cat at all, people). These cats are small based on a genetic mutation carefully planned for and created by selective breeding on the behalf of munchkin cat breeders.

This cat is considered one that is very trendy, very in style and very vogue. Many famous celebrities own cats of this nature, and it’s inspired people to go out and get one of their own, even though they may or may not have done their research prior to purchasing this breed. We are not telling you that you shouldn’t get this cat. If you want a munchkin cat, don’t let us stop you from getting one. All we want to do is make sure you know what to expect from this breed so that you make an informed decision.

The last thing we want any new cat owner to do is buy a cat because it is so cute and then realize that they actually don’t care for the temperament or personality. This is precisely the reason that so many cats are dumped at shelters and found wandering around without a home, food to eat or care. Don’t get this cat unless you know what you are in for.

Dwarfism Causes Health Issues

The simple fact of the matter is that animals bred specifically for dwarfism cannot do all the things that other animals can do. For example, your munchkin might not be able to jump on your bed, which is something you might love. However, as a cat, your cat should be able to be a cat, not an animal that was bred solely to look like a kitten. Additionally, with any genetic mutation comes increased risk of health issues. You should be very aware of this before you purchase this cat, as you might need to make time to visit the vet more often than not, and you might have to deal with health issues down the road. We aren’t saying you will deal with health issues, but you have a greater chance of dealing with them in munchkin cats.

Sex Matters

According to many munchkin owners, the sex of the cat matters. It seems that the vast majority of these cat owners agree that females are a bit more attitude-oriented than males. They vote that their little girls are a bit more difficult to get to know, they aren’t as affectionate, and they do not warm up quickly to other animals – if ever. Not all of them are like that, of course, but it seems that many people feel this way about their female munchkins, so it might be a bit more than just a fluke that they’re less affectionate or sweet.

It’s a Young Breed

This is a breed that did not even achieve full recognition by the International Cat Association until 2003, which was nearly 10 years after the association began to oversee the development of this breed. Because it is such a new breed, many vets and others recommend that you always expect the unexpected.

It often takes many years for vets and other associations to become aware of common health issues and other issues associated with any new breed animal, and while research is ongoing, we still don’t know whether or not this is a breed that lives a long time, is prone to genetic issues outside of dwarfism or many other factors. You just never know until something has been around for a long time, which means you could end up with a cat that might not live up to your expectations.

They’re Loud

Some people, not all; just some, say that this is a loud breed. It’s been said by many munchkin owners that this breed loves to talk and will do so on a regular basis. It’s not the most talkative cat around, but some people believe that cats are more of a quiet animal than a loud one, which means finding out that their cat loves to converse at 3 am is a big wake-up call for them – literally. We don’t want you to expect one thing and realize that owning a cat isn’t for you based on the truth. It’s better to have this information available prior to purchasing a cat than it is to find out once he’s already in your home.

Regular Grooming is Necessary

If you choose a munchkin with a long coat, expect to do some frequent grooming. Most cat owners don’t have to brush their cats often, but munchkin cats with longer hair need their coats brushed at least twice a week to prevent excessive shedding. Since most people aren’t fans of shedding and cat hair all over their house, it’s important you understand this is required. You will deal with matting and tangling, as well as frequent shedding if you don’t take care of the grooming as needed when it’s necessary. If you choose a short hair munchkin cat, you won’t have to worry about this so much.

The munchkin makes a wonderful pet. It’s sweet, friendly and affectionate. It gets along well with children and other people, and it’s not a shy cat that doesn’t want to be the life of the party. This is a cat that you will love for a long time, and it’s one that will garner a significant amount of attention from people who might never have seen one before. It’s a sweet cat, but please do not buy or adopt one if you’re unfamiliar with the breed and what’s required to care for a pet.

You can also read:

• The Most Adorable Munchkin Cat Breeds
• 20 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know about Munchkin Cats
• Controversial Munchkin Cat Health Problems and Misconceptions Addressed
• Five Things You Didn’t Know about the Scottish Fold Munchkin