Vertically challenged cats want love too! Our feline mates could also be recognized for his or her lengthy legs, agile frames, and skill to leap lengthy distances, however there are many lovely short-legged cat breeds on the market too. For anybody in search of a extra a extra fun-sized pal to have across the house, look no additional. Now we have created the right all-you-need-to-know information on cat breeds with quick legs. Get pleasure from!
Historical past of Cat Breeds With Brief Legs
The primary recognized reference to cats with quick legs dates again to Nineteen Thirties England, together with feral felines, and only one 12 months later specialists found a hereditary illness that was linked to the phenomenon. By the mid-Forties, there have been loads of short-legged cats roaming round England, with some claiming there had been as many as 4 generations by that time.
In 1944, Dr. H. E. Williams-Jones wrote in a veterinary journal about an eight-year-old black cat noticed in England that gave the impression to be fully regular other than the very fact it had quick legs, a trait which was shared by some siblings, the mom, and the grandmother.
German writer, Max Egon Thiel, wrote a few short-legged cat he got here throughout in 1953, Stalingrad and he gave it the nickname ‘Stalingrad Kangaroo Cat’.
Brief-legged felines can are available all sizes and styles, with some having 4 quick legs and a few solely having the quick gene of their entrance two. Some even have normal-length hind legs however shorter, thicker paws.
In 1995, Munchkin cats have been formally acknowledged by TICA (The Worldwide Cat Affiliation), however this created considerably of a stir. Some claimed that quick legs might create well being and mobility issues for cats, making breeding controversial. In consequence, many different associations have determined to not acknowledge short-legged breeds such because the Munchkin.
Regardless of this, the quick leg phenomenon stays in style to this present day.
High Ten Brief-Legged Cat Breeds
Munchkin
The daddy of the short-legged feline world. Loads of short-legged breeds have been created utilizing the Munchkin as a breeding mum or dad. They reside for between 12 and 15 years and are available all kinds of colours. They’re recognized for being relaxed but outgoing whereas additionally being an affectionate presence across the house. In contrast to another breeds on this listing, the Munchkin cat has quick legs however normal-sized our bodies and tails. Luckily, there don’t appear to be any unfavourable well being implications of their quick legs for Munchkins. In case you are in search of a contented short-legged kitty to have operating across the place that enjoys being round people, then look no additional than the Munchkin.
Genetta

Struck, AK., Braun, M., Detering, Okay.A. et al., CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, by way of Wikimedia Commons
The Genetta cat breed lives for between 9 and 12 years and is understood to be a pleasant bundle of power to have across the house. They arrive in a wide range of colours, together with silver, brown, black, and snow noticed. The Genetta is a dwarf breed of cat and is a well-liked pet in America for the time being, with its wild however lovely look. It’s created by breeding the likes of Munchkins, Bengals, and Savannas to mix the wild coat with the quick legs. The Genetta loves playtime and can chase lasers, balls, and toys for so long as you’ll allow them to. Additionally they take pleasure in spending loads of shut time with their favourite people, so count on loads of snuggles and little legs following you round.
Minuet
The Minuet cat lives for between 9 and 15 years and has all kinds of colours. They’re recognized for being a really loving and sort bundle of power to have across the house. The Minuet breed was first created again within the Nineteen Nineties and can be also known as the Napoleon. The Minuet has some nice traits from both mum or dad, inheriting the calmness and kindness of the Persian however the excessive power of the Munchkin mum or dad. They’re recognized to be very affectionate pets and love interacting with their favourite people. Minuets are what we name one-person cats. Which means they’ll possible imprint on their favourite human (most likely the one who feeds them and performs with them most) and can spend the overwhelming majority of their time centered on that one individual. So, if you’re the Minuet’s chosen one, be ready for them to comply with you round the home and climb up onto your lap for as many snuggles as potential.
Dwelf
The Dwelf Cat lives for between 8 and 12 years and is understood for being a really pleasant and social presence to have across the place. They predominantly are available pure or black colours. Not solely is the Dwelf a short-legged breed, however it is usually a hairless breed too. As a result of they lack the pure heat of hair, they prefer to spend their time within the warmest areas of their properties. Typically, that finally ends up being the laps of their favourite people. Some specialists have criticized Dwelf cat breeding as they imagine it’s unethical to create short-legged, hairless cats, however they’re really rising in reputation internationally.
Skookum
The Skookum Cat Breed typically lives for between 10 and 15 years, with a variety of colours and a really interesting persona. This breed is understood for being very relaxed and easy-going, but additionally remarkably intelligent. It’s a comparatively new breed, having solely been created again within the Nineteen Nineties, however it’s rising in reputation. What they lack in peak, this short-legged feline greater than makes up for in playfulness. Very similar to the Genetta, they’ll chase balls, toys, and lasers till their little legs can’t transfer anymore. Additionally they take pleasure in spending time curled up in your lap. Skookums may even be taught tips, due to their large brains!
Kinkalow
The Kinkalow Cat lives for between 10 and 15 years and is named a sort and playful buddy. Though their coats are available bi-color and tri-color, the predominant shades are black and white. The Kinkalow is a very cute breed, coming from the Munchkin and the American Curl and making a short-legged feline with lovely, curled ears. The Kinkalow will get its playful and loving qualities from each Mother and Dad, they usually love nothing greater than receiving consideration from their favourite people. This is likely one of the extra unique-looking breeds on our listing and is definite to soften your coronary heart.
Minskin
The Minskin Cat lives for between 12 and 15 years and is available in all kinds of various colours. The breed is understood for being very loving and playful, but additionally for having an outgoing persona. Though they’re virtually fully devoid of hair, they nonetheless include completely different patterns. They’re very distinctive of their look, however extraordinarily cute with their giant kitty eyes and tiny frames. In truth, the Minskin manages to maintain that kitten cute look all through its 12–15-year lifespan. This breed is understood to be very loving and affectionate with its favourite people. The one draw back is that the Minskin is difficult to pay money for for the reason that breed is so uncommon.
Bambino
The Bambino Cat lives for between 12 and 15 years and is available in a number of colours, together with brown, black, cream, and white. They’re recognized to be very intelligent little felines who love spending time with individuals and showcasing their near-limitless affection. The Bambino is one more hairless kitty with unusually quick legs, however their pores and skin nonetheless retains the colour of a standard cat’s fur. Certainly one of their most eye-catching options is, satirically, their eyes, that are normally a piercing and delightful shade of blue. In case you are in search of an affectionate four-legged buddy, then look no additional. Nonetheless, be ready to tackle a intelligent little kitty, as a result of their large brains might cause them to some cheeky habits in the event that they don’t get their very own approach.
American Curl
The American Curl Cat lives for between 9 and 13 years and is available in all kinds of colours. They’re recognized for being outgoing, energetic, energetic little cats to have round. Because the title suggests, the American Curl Cat is known for its cute, curly ears. They’re at the moment extremely popular in America, with rising reputation across the globe. Each the quick legs and curled ears are a results of a mutation, however not one which has any unfavourable affect on common well being. The American Curl Cat is commonly in comparison with an owl as a result of its look.
Lambkin
The Lambkin Cat lives for between 12 and 14 years and is available in a wide range of colours. They’re recognized for being very laid-back, light, and relaxed kitties. As such, they’ll typically discover their nearest beloved one and curl up for an excellent snuggle. In truth, they typically scan the room and seek for somebody who’s sitting down simply to allow them to discover a prime spot on their lap. Should you’re in search of a cat that loves human contact, at all times permits pets, and enjoys being carried, then look no additional. The lengthy fur additionally makes it the right cuddle buddy.
Doable health-related points
Though there are some considerations about whether or not short-legged cats ought to be bred as a result of their genetic mutation, there may be much less proof to counsel that it really impacts their common well being in any respect. Brief-legged cats might behave a little bit in a different way from their long-legged cousins, just because they’re a little bit extra restricted in the case of operating, leaping, and climbing. Nonetheless, their legs shouldn’t hamper their well being. It’s best to solely ever hunt down a good breeder, as points with joints and spines shouldn’t be carried into the breeding pool.
That being mentioned, short-legged cats do undergo from lots of the similar widespread well being considerations as normal-sized cats, so you must take them on common visits to the vet. You too can ask your vet about your short-legged cat breed for any breed-specific recommendation.
Folks Additionally Ask
What breed of cats have shorter legs?
There are many short-legged breeds on the market to select from. A few of our favorites embody the Munchkin Cat, Genetta Cat, Minuet Cat, Dwelf Cat, Skookum Cat, Kinkalow Cat, Minskin Cat, Bambino Cat, American Curl Cat, and the Lambkin Cat.
Why are my cat’s legs short?
Most short-legged cats possible undergo from some type of dwarfism, additionally known as achondroplasia. This genetic mutation stunts the expansion of some or all of their legs by impacting sure hormones. It’s thought that Munchkins have one other situation referred to as pseudoachondroplasia, which is why quick legs are a characteristic of the breed.
How rare is a Munchkin cat?
The Munchkin cat is fairly uncommon, as most breeds that characteristic a genetic mutation are. That’s the reason they normally value between $500 and $1,200 from breeders. Simply be sure to select a dependable and respected breeder.