There is something magical and life-affirming about Orange Munchkins. In ancient civilizations, ginger cats were the personification of otherworldly forces, and their owners attributed superpowers to their pets: the ability to heal, anticipate danger, and attract wealth.
Cats with orange hair were seriously considered a talisman against any blows of fate.
Orange Munchkins literally exude energy and vitality, for which they are often called “sunny”. The unusual color of pedigree cats is the result of many years of selection work.
In addition to their unique appearance, these cats received strong immunity, excellent physical characteristics, and a stable psyche.
The Genetics Behind The Orange Munchkin
Melanins, pigments with a molecular structure and complex chemistry, are responsible for the color of the coat. Pheomelanin plays an important role in the formation of the color of orange cats. But without attaching a certain allele (gene form) to the desired chromosome, nothing will happen.
The color of the coat depends on the cat’s X chromosome. It is he who affects the production of pheomelanin and gives the cat’s fur coat an orange color. The O gene joins the chromosome, which increases the likelihood of giving birth to ginger kittens.
Orange Munchkin Eye Colors
The eyes of an Orange Munchkin cat can be any – green, orange, yellow, or blue. A separate gene responsible for the formation of a certain shade has not yet been identified, and their color, apparently, depends on the length of the coat and its color.
Orange 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.
Orange Munchkin size
- Female: Between 8 and 9 inches
- Male: Between 8 and 9 inches
- It reaches its adult size from 9 to 12 months.
Orange Munchkin Weight
- Female: Between 5 and 7.5 pounds
- Male: Between 7 and 10 pounds
Orange Munchkin Temperament & Personality
Orange 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.
Orange Munchkin Health & Life Span
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 Orange Munchkin
The life expectancy of the orange munchkin ranges from 13 to 20 years, with an average longevity of 15 years.
Resistant / Robust
This cat is robust and his 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
Orange Munchkin Grooming & Maintenance
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 an Orange Munchkin Cat?
An Orange Munchkin Kitten has an average tag price of $1600-$2800. Some Breeders could even offer Orange 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 Orange Munchkin Cats Rare?
No, But! The genes responsible for the color of cats are carried on the X chromosome. As in humans, female felines have two X chromosomes. On the contrary, male cats only have one X chromosome, accompanied by a Y chromosome, less size, which marks your male gender but without information about colors.
“Consequently, for a female to be completely orange she must have inherited the orange gene on both X chromosomes, something rare,”
Names For Orange Munchkin Cats
If you’re looking for names for your new Orange Munchkin cat, this roundup is a great place to start.
- Cheeto
- Marmalade
- Clementine
- Dorito
- Fanta
- Sweet potato
- Honey
- Frito
- Creamsicle
- Orangina
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon
- Saffron
- Paprika
- Pepper
- Chili
- Clove
- Ginger
- Mustard
- Tabasco
Where Can You Find an Orange Munchkin Cat?
Below is a list of the top and leading Munchkin Breeders in America with all of their information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Munchkin Cats Jump?
Munchkins have the ability to jump, however, not as high as other breeds. But the size of their legs does not limit their mobility at all. Its speed is remarkable. Also, Munchkin love to climb, so having a scraper is a must.
Are Munchkin Cats Good Cats?
Munchkin kittens tend to get along very well with children, with other cats and pets. They love to receive love and positive attention from their owners and to participate actively in different aspects of their life. This cat is very interested in family life and, due to its curious nature, takes part in whatever it can.
Are munchkin cats hypoallergenic?
Munchkins are not considered hypoallergenic cats. However, their coat, short or long hair, does produce less dander, which is what most people who are allergic to animals are allergic to. Munchkin cats do shed a little bit to classify them as moderate shedders.
