KleineKatz Cattery is a small cattery
devoted to breeding healthy, happy Munchkins. Our Munchkins are
raised with children, other animals, and lots of love! We are
located in beautiful East Tennessee. Standard Munchkin cats have
short legs and wonderful personalities. For more information on
the Munchkin breed, available kittens, and other things we are
involved in, click on the links above.
Munchkins are a fairly new breed of
cat that are eligible for exhibition in the NBC (New Breed or
Color) class of TICA (The International
Cat Association). Starting in May, 2002 Munchkins will be shown
in the Championship class in TICA.
The Munchkin Cat has a form of dwarfism that affects the long
bones in the legs. This results in a cat that has limbs shorter
than average. However, Munchkins run like the wind, take corners
like the best race car, and attack their toys with great glee.
Most Munchkins probably cannot leap onto counters, but they often
manage to find another way up. Munchkins range in size anywhere
from 4 pounds to 12+ pounds. Munchkins are very intelligent, playful
cats with warm, affectionate personalities. They come in all colors
with both short and long coats. For the TICA Munchkin breed standard
click here.
The gene that causes the Munchkin's short legs is a dominant gene.
Munchkins are bred either Munchkin to Munchkin or Munchkin to
Domestic (any cat not of a recognized breed). Some of the babies
will have short legs, and others will have long (normal length)
legs. The short legged babies are registered as Standard Munchkins.
These are the Munchkins that you will see in the show ring. Their
long legged brothers and sisters are registered as Non-standard
Munchkins and are valuable in breeding programs and make wonderful
pets. Only the short legged babies carry the gene for short legs.
Munchkins can be out-crossed to domestics to avoid inbreeding
and to produce healthy, beautiful kittens. Munchkins shown in
the Championship class will need to be 3rd generation Munchkins.
