Munchkins

I've wondered before why one doesn't see the amount of physical variation in domestic cats that one sees in dogs. Although domestic cats can have different kinds of coats and face shapes among other things, all the cats I've seen, in particular the domestic shorthair cats that dominate shelters, are about the same size.

Then I found out about the munchkin. A fairly new breed, the munchkin is relatively normal in size and appearance except for its very short legs. The cat kind of looks like the feline version of a dachschund. I've read that munchkins move quickly like ferrets and exhibit a similar playful nature. Apparently the shortness of their legs is due to a random mutation.

Filed in: Oddities