Grey Munchkin Cat | Genetics,Price, Breeders… (With Pictures)

Munchkin lovers probably have their own preference when it comes to which feline color is preferred, but inclinations aside, we all agree that there is something about gray munchkin cats that makes them beautiful and unique .

This feeling is felt everywhere, including in the world of feline breeding, where gray is often preferred. Whether you are a proud owner or an admirer, get to know what makes  cats that glow in all shades of gray so special , also known as hobbyist blues!

The Genetics Behind the Grey Munchkin

The inhibitor gene I ( Inhibitor ) is responsible for the manifestation of Grey colors in cats . Only its dominant form gives a characteristic clarification, therefore, the “Grey” genotype is usually designated by one letter I. The recessive gene “i”, as a rule, is not indicated. The manifestation of only a dominant trait explains why two “non” Grey cats can never give birth to a “Grey”, the “i” gene does not affect the phenotype.

Grey Munchkin cat
Image By @beanbeanhk

The inhibitor gene affects the shape and compactness of melanin granules, does not allow them to stretch, and maintains their dense arrangement. In agouti cats, pigment granules (eumelanin or pheomelanin) are released unevenly depending on the phase of hair growth.

With active growth, granules are round, compact and more often located, with slowing and stopping growth, granules are more rare and have an elongated shape. Outwardly, this is expressed in zonal hair coloring with dark, densely pigmented and light areas.

Under the influence of the inhibitor gene, the light zones become almost white, silvery, due to the limited distribution of pigment in them. Therefore, a classic black tabby, which has a black pattern on a brown background, visually differs from a silver tabby with a gray silver base color.

Grey Munchkin Size & Weight

Contrary to what we might think, the Munchkin does not suffer from back problems like the Dachshund and Basset dogs, known for their small stature. Its spine is like that of other cats, so it is equally flexible. Therefore, it does not tend to suffer from herniated discs.

Grey Munchkin size

  • Female: Between 8 and 9 inches
  • Male: Between 8 and 9 inches
  • It reaches its adult size from 9 to 12 months.

Grey Munchkin Weight

  • Female: Between 5 and 7.5 pounds
  • Male: Between 7 and 10 pounds

Grey Munchkin Temperament & Personality

Grey Munchkin Cat
Image By @beanbeanhk

Black Munchkins are distinguished by their curious, friendly, and playful disposition. The character and habits of Munchkin are more like the behavior of a small dog. Sociable short-legged cats remain alone without problems but prefer to spend time in the company of their owners.

Curious munchkins don’t know what fear is. Short-legged cats explore all corners of the apartment, climbing into the most inaccessible places. And thanks to their high adaptability, munchkins can accompany their owners on trips without damage to the psyche.

Breed and children

Cats with short legs get along well with children of different ages. Representatives of the breed are happy to take part in a variety of fun, from running for a ball to riding on toy cars.

Patient short-legged cats stoically endure all children’s pranks and release their claws only in the most extreme cases.

Breed and other animals

Munchkin is a non-conflict cat, able to live peacefully on the same territory not only with his relatives but also with friendly dogs. Short-footed animals easily make contact with other pets, but if necessary, they can defend their rights.

Grey Munchkin Health & Life Span

Grey Munchkin Cat
Image By @beanbeanhk

This is a very young cat breed with a constantly expanding gene pool. Therefore, its representatives have good heredity, due to which they practically do not have health problems.

The life expectancy of the Grey Munchkin

The life expectancy of the Grey munchkin ranges from 13 to 20 years, with an average longevity of 15 years.

Resistant / Robust

This cat is robust and its peculiar physiognomy does not present any particular challenge for it.

Tendency to gain weight

The metabolism of this little cat does not differ from that of other cats, because it does not need an energy intake greater than the average. This implies, however, the need to calculate (with the help of a veterinarian) the appropriate rations for our liking depending on their weight.

Common diseases

The Munchkin is generally hardy and presents few health problems intrinsic to its breed. However, it can be prone to lordosis, although it is a rare disease and not breed specific. It is a condition that affects the spine, making the muscles that support it too short and causing the spine to sink into the rib cage. This can put pressure on the lungs, trachea, and heart.

This condition is classified from mild to moderate, being the most severe cases suffered by puppies, which will not survive beyond 12 weeks. Kittens that suffer from this disease in a “mild” way will be able to lead a normal life, except for the shortness of breath that they will suffer when making physical efforts.
The Munchkin can also present the same ailments as other cats, such as oral pathologies.

Reproduction

Pairings with common cats or with the European Shorthair are allowed.
It is important to correctly select the specimens involved in the reproductive process and vary the genetic pool (that is, the pool) since this breed has a series of genetic peculiarities.

The gene (M), responsible for the short legs of the Munchkin, is dominant, while that of the legs of a standard length is recessive (m). The possible combinations are as follows:

  • Mm = short legs
  • mm = standard length legs
  • MM = unviable kitten

Grey Munchkin Grooming & Maintenance 

Grey Munchkin Cat
Image By @beanbeanhk

Due to their small size, cats with short legs feel equally comfortable both in small apartments and in spacious mansions. Caring for munchkins comes down to trimming the nails, keeping the coat clean, hygiene of the eyes, ears, and mouth:

  • Every 2-3 weeks, you need to check the condition of the cat’s claws. Usually, they are ground naturally, but if necessary, they are shortened with a nail clipper. This is done very carefully so as not to touch living tissue.
  • Munchkin’s eyes and ears are regularly examined for uncharacteristic discharge and gently wiped with a cotton pad moistened with boiled water.
  • The pet’s teeth are brushed weekly with a silicone brush with a small amount of a special paste that does not foam.
  • Short-footed cats do not need frequent washing, they are bathed 3-4 times a year. Bath procedures are carried out in a warm room, away from drafts. The moistened Munchkin coat is lathered with a special shampoo without a pungent odor and after a few minutes, it is thoroughly washed off with clean water. In the end, the short-legged cat is carefully wiped off with a towel and dried with a silent hairdryer.
  • Several times a week, the munchkin is combed out with a special brush. Fluffy short-legged cats undergo this procedure more often than smooth cats.

How Much is Grey Munchkin Cat?

A Grey Munchkin Kitten has an average tag price of $1500-$2600. Some Breeders could even offer Grey Munchkin Kittens for $3500 or even higher.

The price would depend on many factors, such as the kitten’s lineage, parents, health, and the breeder’s reputation.

Aside from the kitten’s price, it would be best to consider the expenses that would come with it. For instance, you may want to get the essential things for your kittens like grooming tools, food, and shelter.

Are Grey Munchkin Cats Rare?

No,  the Grey Munchkin color is not a rare color among other Munchkins and in fact it’s a dilute version of black.

Names For Grey Munchkin Cats

If you’re looking for names for your new Grey Munchkin cat, this roundup is a great place to start.

  • Silver
  • Misty
  • Ash
  • Smoky
  • Granite
  • London
  • Phantom
  • Poe
  • Blue
  • Dawn
  • Echo
  • Elsa
  • Heather
  • London
  • Sage
  • Sasha
  • Willow

Where Can You Find a Grey Munchkin Cat?

Frequently Asked Questions

 

A gray cat or a blue cat?

Each universe has its vocabulary. With regard to cats, specialists use the term “blue” to designate a gray coat. Depending on the lighting, cats’ hair can actually appear blue.

Do Munchkins Shed?

They shed little hair and require regular grooming .If you suffer from allergies, Munchkin is perfect cat for you due to the lack of fur, they are hypoallergenic.

Author

  • Amanda Wheatley

    Passionate about animals, Amanda draws her expertise from her training as an educator, pet behaviorist as well as her extensive experience with animal owners. A specialist in dog and cat behavior, Amanda continues to learn about our four-legged companions by studying veterinary reference books but also university research sites (UCD, Utrecht, Cambridge, Cornell, etc..) Why Trust ShelterAPet? At ShelterAPet, our collective is composed of writers, veterinarians, and seasoned animal trainers with a deep passion for pets. Our team of esteemed professionals delves into extensive research to deliver trustworthy insights on a broad spectrum of pet-related subjects. We anchor our evaluations on direct customer experiences, meticulous testing, and comprehensive scrutiny. Our commitment is to uphold transparency and integrity for our cherished community of pet aficionados and prospective pet parents.