Are you in love with fluffy giants, but can’t resist the short-legged munchkins? Although it seems impossible to pair the two, Munchkin Maine Coon will give you the best of both worlds!
This unusual crossing simply melts my heart away. Created by crossing the largest cat breed, Maine Coon, with the adorable short-legged Munchkin cat, this fluff is definitely one of the most adorable breeds you can own. I can just picture her running around my house with her adorable short legs and long fur…
It’s pretty obvious that the Coons and Munchkins are two completely different breeds. The cross between these two isn’t a common one, but it sure is special. You never know what you’re going to get, which is why it’s important to know both of these breeds well.
Knowing their characteristics, grooming requirements, and temperament will help you get a better understanding of what your Munchkin Maine Coon might be like. All of that, of course, depends on the genetics they inherit, which means your fluff will be one of a kind!
Together, we’ll go over some of the main personality traits, as well as care and training requirements when it comes to Munchkin Maine Coons. That way, you’ll be able to make a final decision and see if this is the right fluff for you.
The brief history of Munchkin Maine Coon
Let’s start with a short history lesson about Munchkin Maine Coons. Although there isn’t a lot of information regarding their origin, this mix is a relatively new one. Maine Coons, however, go back to the mid-1800s when they were first recognized, while Munchkin cats first appeared around the 1940s.
The short legs on Munchkin cats were simply a result of genetic mutation, which is why this breed had quite a lot of health issues in the beginning. Over time, however, breeders found a way to improve their health through crossbreeding with other domestic kitties.
50 years later, they were recognized as a breed, which is when mixing with other kitties took a new turn. There are many Munchkin mixes you can find, but the Maine Coon one is definitely the most interesting.
Over time, Munchkin mixes gained plenty of popularity, mainly due to their adorable appearance and irresistible purrsonalities.
Fun facts about a Munchkin Maine Coon mix
This combination is quite a unique one, so it comes as no surprise that it brings some unique facts, too! Here are some things you might want to know about your one-of-a-kind, sweet cuddle buddy.
1. Their parents break records!
If you didn’t think they were special before, let me tell you about their record-breaking parents, and it might change your mind. There’s a kitty named Lilieput and, with her adorable 5.25 inches, she holds the world record for being the shortest cat! You’ve guessed it – she’s a Munchkin.
On the other side of the spectrum, a 3 feet and 11 inches tall Barivel holds a record for being the tallest kitty in the world! Surprise, surprise, he’s a Maine Coon. With her parents being world champions, it comes as no surprise that Munchkin Maine Coon is the most interesting fluff you can have.
2. Not all of them have short legs
Although this might be the reason you get this fluff in the first place, not all Munchkin Maine Coon cats will have short legs. Because these two breeds are so different, there is absolutely no guarantee about how their kittens will turn out to be.
They could take after their Maine Coon parent, their Munchkin side of the family, or simply be a purrfect mix of both! Getting this adorable mix is like a surprise – you never really know what you’re going to get.
Depending on the genetics they inherit, they could have short legs like their Munchkin side or long legs like their majestic Maine Coon parent. If you’re lucky enough and want the best of both worlds, your fluff might have legs that are somewhere in between.
3. Secret behind their name
No, you’re not imagining things, their name does sound familiar. Munchkin Maine Coons were named after book characters! If you’re a fan of The Wizard of Oz, you might remember that the shortest residents of Oz were named Munchkins, which is how the breed got its name.
Munchkin Maine Coon: Personality traits
The adorable Munchkin Maine Coon cats have a mild temperament, and they get along pretty well with other pets and children. They’re a perfect addition to every family. Once they find their furrever home, they provide nothing but love, loyalty, and devotion to their families.
Munchkin Coons are super fun to have around thanks to their energetic nature. They love to run around and play, and your children will have the best playmate they could’ve asked for! Both of their parents love being around people, so their love for attention comes as no surprise.
Having such a kitty by your side means you’ll never be alone. They’re wonderful feline friends, who will shower you with affection, but also demand you to spend some quality time playing with them, too!
The best thing about this breed is how intelligent they are. However, because of their high intelligence, they can feel quite bored when there’s not enough mental stimulation. They’re huge fans of puzzle toys! Getting one will keep your fluff entertained when you don’t have enough time to play with her.
If you plan on keeping your cuddle buddy in an apartment, you’ll be happy to hear that Munchkin Maine Coon cats are pretty easy to train. Even as kittens, they quickly learn how to use the litter box, and you might even be able to teach them some tricks!
Munchkin Maine Coon: Healthcare and training
With both of their parents being completely different, it’s normal that you’re worried about the proper way to take care of your Munchkin Maine Coon. Let’s go over the basics: feeding, health, grooming, and training.
1. Feeding
Don’t worry if your Munchkin Maine Coon seems like she never grows. Her giant parent has very slow growth, and they reach adulthood once they’re around 4 years old. When it comes to her feeding requirements, however, she gets the best of both worlds, so you can follow the regular, healthy cat diet.
Your Munchkin Maine Coon should eat high-quality food that’s rich in protein. Your best option would be to choose cat food that’s made of pure animal protein. When possible, avoid giving her food with artificial flavors and ingredients.
Give her a nice balance between kibble and wet food, and she’ll be a happy fluff. Just like most cats, she’ll be quite the diva, so she might refuse to eat the food she doesn’t like. In that case, try to find something she prefers, but still make sure it’s providing her with enough nutrients.
2. Health
Like it’s the case with all mixed breeds, her health will mostly depend on the health of her parents. The good news is, both Maine Coons and Munchkins are quite healthy breeds. However, you should always get your kitten from a reliable breeder.
Ask for her parents’ health screenings and see if they suffer from any medical conditions. If they do, there’s a high chance that your Munchkin Maine Coon might inherit them, too.
Some Munchkin cats suffer from spinal and other deformities due to their genetic mutation, as well as certain heart diseases. Maine Coons, on the other hand, can suffer from hip dysplasia, which is common in large breeds, as well as some cardiac diseases such as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
3. Grooming
We all know long-haired kitties can be quite troublesome when it comes to grooming. Maine Coons, for example, require a bit more effort to groom due to their long hair. If your Munchkin Maine Coon kitten inherits this type of coat, prepare to spend a lot of time on daily grooming.
Not grooming your long-haired fluff regularly can result in matting, knots, and even some skin conditions. Brushing your kitty’s hair should become your new routine, and it will be a great way for both of you to bond. Keep it nice, clean, and soft, and you’ll reduce shedding to the minimum, too!
Give your diva a real spa treatment from time to time. Brush her teeth, clip her nails, and give her a nice bath. She’s a queen of your household and that’s exactly what she deserves!
4. Training and exercise
As I’ve already mentioned, both Maine Coons and Munchkins are quite intelligent breeds, so their mix should be the same way. If you plan on training your adorable furbaby, you shouldn’t have many issues with it. Be repetitive, give her treats as rewards, and associate positive things with training.
In no time, she’ll know what to do and might even learn a few cool tricks that will be fun to show your friends and family. Being the queen that she is, she’ll definitely love the attention she’ll receive from them, and might even do tricks on her own!
