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top 200 commentsshow all 317

[–]Nomakeme 431 points432 points ago

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I see some one was downvoted for telling you the truth, but I'm going to reiterate it. I worked for many years as a vet tech, and this breed IS the product of a genetic mutation and then the product of inbreeding. This is not an unusual way to produce a new breed of cat. (See also Devon Rex.) Munchkins DO have health problems, regardless of what the breeders will tell you. I have personally seen kittens with twisted legs and missing limbs. Kittens born that way are usually destroyed immediately. It won't take much research on your parts to see that this is true.

[–]Japindian 72 points73 points ago

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Figured that much, most breeds of animals that have unusual features usually have health problems.

[–]Krystilen 2 points3 points ago

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What about the sphinx cat? Y'know, the cute hairless ones?

[–]Olafseye 32 points33 points ago

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the horrifying hairless ones?

Ftfy

[–]PissBlasta 6 points7 points ago

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They really are not very cute!

[–]ThisOpenFist 0 points1 point ago

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[–]polarbear_15 12 points13 points ago

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I think he said 'most' and not 'all'.

[–]Pavetheway 3 points4 points ago

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What about mini ponies?

[–]aakaakaak 5 points6 points ago

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I want my mini-giraffe.

[–]danteferno 7 points8 points ago

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like this one?

[–]aakaakaak 0 points1 point ago*

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Yes, like that one. I managed to find the ranch where they got that one from: Link

[–]Prawns 1 point2 points ago

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Shetlands? Pretty sure most of them live long and happy lives

[–]lowtolerance 1 point2 points ago

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Also the result of a genetic mutation and inbreeding. They have all kinds of skin problems and many have a genetic heart disease that can potentially cause them to die instantly at any time without warning.

[–]alexanderwales 0 points1 point ago

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Plus they're greasy when you pet them, and have a tendency to get acne all over their body.

[–]redoctoberz 1 point2 points ago

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I really want one, I just wish they weren't 800-1500 USD

[–]FranzWilhelmIII 0 points1 point ago

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They look like they've been chewed on and spit out by a doberman.

[–][deleted] 48 points49 points ago

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Came here to say the same thing. This is a sporadic genetic mutation that is bred solely for human enjoyment. Cute, but disgusting.

[–]brews 7 points8 points ago

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While all other domesticated animals were bred purely fer the betterment of life and the goodness of the universe?

EDIT: I feel like a snarky, postmodern, biologist dick after typing this... sorry. :-\

[–]riverduck 9 points10 points ago

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Other animals have been bred for attributes -- huskies for hardiness and thick fur, sheepdogs for intelligence, etc -- but usually in a healthier way, using a decent gene pool and many generations. Cats like the sphinx and the munchkin are the result of very intense inbreeding over a short time and it causes a lot of damage, a lot of health problems. In addition to which, unlike other desired traits, like a husky's thick fur or a bloodhound's sense of smell, these short legs are inherently harmful (they mess up the animal's hips 90% of the time), so it's unethical to breed for them.

If there were a program

[–]omgmypony 1 point2 points ago

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I'd like to direct your attention to the English Bulldog.

[–]veggicide 11 points12 points ago

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Yeah its disgusting.

[–]aphasic 0 points1 point ago

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How is that any different from a dachsund or corgi? Because it's a cat and not a dog?

[–]she-pope 0 points1 point ago

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Those dogs did originally serve a purpose (dachshunds were bred specifically for their size, so that they could flush out small burrowing animals).

Though today, yeah, a lot of them have ridiculous health issues thanks to overbreeding/inbreeding for specific (and often ridiculous) traits. :/

[–]aphasic 1 point2 points ago

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But the cats are being bred for a specific purpose too. Is hunting badgers any more important, societally speaking, than making people say "daww, look at your wittle wegs kittykins!" They are both completely arbitrary, from the perspective of the animal being bred. A dachshund can't survive in the wild any more than a stumpy legged cat can.

[–]ZombieKingKong 0 points1 point ago

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Is this how the common Pug dog was created?

[–]LaheyDrinks 21 points22 points ago

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My heart is breaking.

[–]FadedPoster 8 points9 points ago

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Yep, came here to say something similar. I think I saw it in a Nat Geo documentary named "The Secret Life of Cats"; where they mentioned so bluntly and briefly that these stumpy legged cats are disregarded as a breed of cat because of it's history and genetic mutations.

[–]Rhesus_Feces 18 points19 points ago

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[–]Nomakeme 0 points1 point ago

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I have never seen that, luckily for me.

[–][deleted] 37 points38 points ago

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I remember seeing a news report on 20/20 or Dateline about these cats. They interviewed either the original breeder or just a breeder, a vet, some owners, and a pet psychologist. The Pet Psychologist suggested that their different shape could make the cats feel bad about their own body image compared to other cats, which could lead to nervous disorders like sleep problems and anorexia nervosa. They showed this clip to the breeder, who responded "Hmm, no anorexia nervosa, but some of the cats have picked up the habit of smoking cigarettes....where did you find this woman??" I LOLd

[–][deleted] 12 points13 points ago*

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So the psychologist was crazy. What did the vet say?

[–]LarrySDonald 10 points11 points ago

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I was at a moral loss on kittens smoking once. I had one that was usually on my lap or on my shoulder that took to smoke. Every time I lit one she would jump up and meow, begging to inhale the smoke and otherwise jump shoulders. If I exhaled (as if sharing a joint) she'd be super exited. But then it's.. a kitten. Do they have rights on these things or is it like kids? Eventually I just let her smoke, sitting on my shoulder taking exhales off me while I worked. I hoped she wouldn't get all messed up somehow. Then the dog got pissed at her (probably because she'd become a permanent fixture on my shoulder, even walking around and her being the size of a small housecat and fully grown she just hung there after I woke up transitioning across my back when I needed my hands) and killed her. So I guess smoking<dogs in terms of cat threats.

[–]monkeytests 9 points10 points ago

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what the fuck.

[–]athirdpath 4 points5 points ago

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See you on the flipside, Smoking Cat.

[–]LarrySDonald 0 points1 point ago

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T'was a nice cat. Here's a pic of her in her usual spot.

[–]theredherring 2 points3 points ago

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Is that a Burroughs quote?

[–]arvanb 0 points1 point ago

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i don't think i'm high enough to understand that story.

[–]grindoc 1 point2 points ago

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This is all I could find - clip from Animal Planet http://animal.discovery.com/videos/cats-101-munchkin.html

[–]ernestisimportant 39 points40 points ago

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Here here. I'm often bothered by the over breeding of dogs to the extent that they cause health problems... Why on earth spread this to cats? I prefer by far my long legged, ridiculously mixed breed rescue cat.

Why do people spend money on a cat that's set for health problems, and due to its disfigurement likely to be set behind for it's life? Adopt one from a shelter because of its poor short legs, ok. encourage breeding to enhance this? No. Not cute anymore.

[–]the_the_ 7 points8 points ago

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Why do people spend money on a cat that's set for health problems, and due to its disfigurement likely to be set behind for it's life?

Adorability. What's especially sad, in my opinion, are the dogs who are taken out of the womb prematurely such that they'll have stunted growth for "teacup" status.

[–]elastic-craptastic 7 points8 points ago

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Holy shit!?! They do this? I feel terribly ignorant right now for not knowing, but i wish i never knew this.

Now that I hear it it, it seems like an obvious way to exploit animals and make money. I just wish I could have that little bit of ignorance back.

[–]cerephic 3 points4 points ago

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upvote for spreading the word on teacup puppies. their lives full of health problems are pretty horrifying, as is the immediate death rate after premature removal.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points ago

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What a horrifying practice.

I for one will get my dogs directly from a trustable source, like we did with our kittens.

[–]zgh5002 0 points1 point ago

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Same reason people go bananas over those designer hybrid dogs. The way they look.

[–]shoziku 0 points1 point ago

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and bonsai cats. people flipped out completely (although negatively) without even thinking about it first.

[–]PhoenixJay 12 points13 points ago

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You just turned this from awesome to heartbreaking for me. :(

[–]Nomakeme 9 points10 points ago

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Anytime.

[–]Hindu_Wardrobe 4 points5 points ago

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They are cute, but yeah, if you're going to get one try to find one at a shelter... don't support the breeding of them.

[–]Lanty 8 points9 points ago

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It's a serious problem. Same goes for certain dog breeds. It's extremely cruel. Relevant link

[–][deleted] 10 points11 points ago

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You don't even have to know anything about cats to realise that having legs like that is A Bad Thing. Animal morphology is not a cut and paste thing - each part of it leads into all the others, and any drastic change to one part will almost inevitably lead to pain.

[–]deanquartz 4 points5 points ago

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what about ragdolls? i wanted to get one and google showed they aren't prone to illness, but i'm not so sure now.

[–]Nomakeme 6 points7 points ago

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Ragdolls used to be prone to heart conditions. I'm not sure if this is still true. I had a Devon Rex myself, and he was the joy of my crazy cat ladiness. He died of lymphoma at 14, so not too bad. It's hit or miss, but the chances of illness are generally going to be higher in purebreds. If you decide to get one, make damn sure you find a good breeder. It won't protect you 100%, but it helps.

[–]spawnofgeek 8 points9 points ago

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Absoultely agreed. Do NOT buy from a petshop. Do NOT buy from some guy on Craigslist expecting a healthy, wellbred animal. Good breeders have waiting lists. They are very selective about what animals they breed, and often work with other reputable breeders to find the best match, best bloodlines, etc. If an animal or its offspring does turn up with a genetic defect, they are often spayed or neutered to prevent that trait from continuing as much as possible. And they care about the homes their kittens or puppies are going to :)

My family raised purebred cats when I was growing up - Maine Coons, and I was involved with LaPerms.

On a side note, if you like Munchkins, there's also Skookums - a curly haired version.

[–]catlady420 1 point2 points ago

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Just googled Skookums,so cute!Looks like someones been running around giving poor kitties perms lol

[–]downvotesmakemehard 0 points1 point ago

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Oh god no. Poodle cats. Kill them with fire.

[–]llDemonll 2 points3 points ago

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I just want to say that my roommate has a purebred ragdoll and it is the most awesome cat. So lazy and cuddly, but yet playful and energetic when she wants to be. I have a few pictures in my submissions of her being weird/funny/lazy

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points ago

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Ragdolls are really a grab bag of different breeds of cat. Even one of the founding breeds was a stray street cat. I have a ragdoll and he's an incredibly well-tempered animal. I highly recommend the breed to anyone who's new to cats and/or used to having only dogs. He's big and healthy! The only thing I would really kind of watch out for in a ragdoll is weight. They tend to put on a little more. Some ragdoll owners and breeders think it's okay for their cats to have a "fat pad", I don't. No creature is healthier with a "fat pad" on their tummy. Keep kitty active and feed him sensibly and he should be a great companion for 15 years.

[–]celluloidwings 1 point2 points ago

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Ragdolls, like Persians, are susceptible to FIV which is the equivalent of kitty AIDS. I had a scare a few months back when my cat became ill but he's fine now, as far as I know.

[–]Olafseye 0 points1 point ago

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Unlike humans, cats have not managed to dodge natural selection and so most FIV-positive cats nowadays live normal lives until they get old and frail anyway, since the animals with less natural resistance to the virus tend to die without breeding. I have a cat that has been positive since I got it from the shelter when it was 3, 12 years later still happy and healthy.

[–]Nuclear_Turnip 2 points3 points ago

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I've had several ragdolls and they're great. No health problems at all. I currently have a ragamuffin (part ragdoll) and hes fucking adorable.

[–]RiotGrrL319 2 points3 points ago

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Post a pic of this adorable ragamuffin!!

[–]ficklepickle 2 points3 points ago

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There were a couple cat genetic mutations written about in my genetics textbook. The Manx cat is one that comes to mind. I think it was half or 1/4 of offspring of two Manx cats will die immediately after birth and the rest will carry the mutation.

[–]OHMEGA 2 points3 points ago

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Thanks for the support.

[–]liberalwhackjob 3 points4 points ago

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i kind of got the impression some biased parties were dicking with the wikipedia article.

[–]Nomakeme 2 points3 points ago

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Honestly, I didn't read it. I was speaking from my own experience.

[–]liberalwhackjob 5 points6 points ago

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well it probably would have pissed you off.

[–]Imposter1 1 point2 points ago

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I read your comment, agreed, and then went onto the wikipedia article for more information. I didn't find any information about birth defects such as twisted/deformed legs. They included 2 health conditions, but they were hinted at in only 1 sentence (both conditions having obscure names).

Yes, it was biased. Yes, I was pissed off.

[–]reverendcat 1 point2 points ago

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[–]soneat 1 point2 points ago

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While I agree with everything you are saying, it's still a cute animal. I adopted both of my cats from a shelter and refuse to ever buy from a pet store, but aesthetically the short legs do give it a cute appearance. Should we encourage this cruel inbreeding? No. But if I were going to adopt a cat I wouldn't turn it away simply because it was obviously bred that way.

[–]Nomakeme 1 point2 points ago

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For sure! I almost adopted a twisty legged munchkin from a shelter and always regret that I didn't argue more forcefully for it. I really hope that sweet little guy got a home.

[–]soneat 0 points1 point ago

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Aw, he probably did. I'm sure someone couldn't resist his cuteness.

[–]xlevix 1 point2 points ago

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Pretty disgusting, seems irresponsible.

[–]plasticspatula 1 point2 points ago

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Is it different from Corgis? (genuinely curious)

That was my first reaction when I saw this cat - "oh! Corgi Cat!" - but I don't know anything about breeding and breed inherited problems other than that Dalmations are super stupid and Golden Retrievers get cancer.

[–]Nomakeme 0 points1 point ago

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I'm afraid I really can't speak to the problems of dogs. All but the first two years of my vet tech work was with cats only, so I've gotten very, very rusty on dogs.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

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the spine dips down between the shoulder and neck, which can cause breathing problems and heart problems. Is a +1 to cuteness worth a -1000000 to heartache if it dies from the mutation?

[–]PancakeGenocide 0 points1 point ago

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This mutation also effects dachshunds, and is EXTREMELY rare in Munchkin cats. When it does happen, it happens early in the kitten's life, and does not necessarily kill the cat. No reputable breeder will place a kitten until they are past the age where this is a risk.

[–]edgarallanpwnz 1 point2 points ago

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These cats are kind of cute but they are so helpless. They have no agility whatsoever. A cat just isn't a cat without its reflexes and leaping abilities. It needs to be able to catch mice. That is an integral part of being a cat. These munchkin cats are completely dependent on the owner.

[–]PancakeGenocide 0 points1 point ago

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You are wrong. I rescued one, and she is 100% capable of jumping on anything my regular-sized cat can. She catches mice, chases laser pointers, and hunts moths. She does not depend on me any more than the other cat does.

[–]mrs_fingerbottom 0 points1 point ago

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My roommate owned three munchkins at the same time. They were not helpless, they could jump on fences, windows, climb trees, and even found their way to the top of the neighbor's garage. They are actually quite independent and behave just like regular cats.

[–]oldbloodbath 6 points7 points ago

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I used to own two Munchkins, named Boris and Natasha. Natasha lived to be 13 years old before dying of a heart embolism, and Boris died silently in his sleep at like 17. Besides sensitivity to certain cat foods, they never had any health problems, and Boris was alert and energetic until his dying day.

EDIT: They were siblings from the same litter. My mom paid a big chunk of change for each.

[–]shoziku 1 point2 points ago

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Excellent names!

"but what about moose and squirrel?"

[–]bluetoyoutoo 2 points3 points ago

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I'm going to go cry now.

[–]acornface 2 points3 points ago

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Obviously you've worked as a vet tech, so you know a lot more than I do about cats. But before I adopted my Munchkin, I called three vets. ALL of them said that the chances of having health problems with a Munchkin were minimal. Have I seen unhealthy Munchies? Yep. The majority, however, have been happy and healthy little critters — mine included.

[–]fluffyanimals09 0 points1 point ago

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This makes me sad.

[–]FranzWilhelmIII 0 points1 point ago

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My first thought: Survival of the fittest failed.

[–]OHMEGA 114 points115 points ago

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They are actually mutants and the product of inbreeding. The first ones were found at a truck stop. True Story.

[–]QueenDopplepopolis 23 points24 points ago

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But genetic deformities and mutations are ADORABLE!!!

[–]Hindu_Wardrobe 6 points7 points ago

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Yes they are. See Corgis. :3

[–]zgh5002 2 points3 points ago

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False. Corgis are not genetically deformed. They are a true achondroplastic breed, and are thus properly proportioned and prone to far less genetic problems compared to a lot of other breeds. The two big problems with Corgis? Hip Dysplasia and Glaucoma. The Corgi breed, was bred slowly over many, many generations, whereas things like these kittens were done rapidly.

[–]Hindu_Wardrobe 1 point2 points ago

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TIL, thank you! I have a corgi and love her more than any dog, ever, so this makes me happy.

[–]zgh5002 0 points1 point ago

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One of my best friends shows them and breeds a litter every other year or so. He will talk your ear off about them if given the chance, and thus I know entirely way too much about corgis.

[–]picsandnsfwonly 0 points1 point ago

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nice try, corgi breeder

[–]geak78 1 point2 points ago

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My earth science teacher had a 8 year old cat with a brain tumor on its pituitary preventing the production of growth hormone. It was a perpetual kitten!

[–]docta_pepper 1 point2 points ago

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Yes they are. See the British royal family. :3

[–]cords55 15 points16 points ago

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Just going to throw this out there: All features of everything that ever lived is a product of mutants and inbreeding.

Not saying that unskilled artificial selection is a good thing. I just wanna clear that up.

[–][deleted] 5 points6 points ago

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Inbreeding between mutants that survived and thrived - important difference.

[–]cords55 1 point2 points ago

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True enough. I was trying break the idea that mutations are an unnatural thing that only occurs in River Folk and from nuclear waste.

But since I am here and feeling pedantic... As I understand it, population genetics is mostly probability. The genes most fit for the environment will most likely become fixated, but there are exceptions. Random chance from mating is a major factor. Other things include things like gene linkage on the micro level or population wide events like the founder effect and cataclysmic events (forest fire or the like). Shit Happens.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

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You'll note I didn't strictly attribute survival to the benefits of the mutations :)

[–]white_wee_wee 21 points22 points ago

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Yep! They're just normal moggies with fucked up legs. I think it's quite cruel really how they've been "bred".

[–]samhasacatandhands 2 points3 points ago

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Source for the bit about the truck stop?

[–]OHMEGA 1 point2 points ago

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I don't have it on me, this was pre-internet info. I came across a pet store that sold these kittens and a newspaper article was made about them.

[–]Leadboy 0 points1 point ago

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pr pr pre-internet? I don't even know what that is.

[–]Indon_Dasani 24 points25 points ago

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This seems like a horrible thing to do to a cat.

Considering that cats are sprinting-hunters, prone to run when shocked, and expressive with their paws, this seems like a handicap.

[–]ittehbittehladeh 13 points14 points ago

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Theyre cute, but think of how much the poor things suffer from the inbreeding and genetic issues :( I would love to rescue one if I found one somehow, but I will never support someone who creates them deliberately.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

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Anyone who has lived with cats for any significant length of time knows that they manage to be retarded perfectly fine without inbreeding and deformation.

God my cats are idiots.

[–]ittehbittehladeh 1 point2 points ago

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Oh definitely! Cats are weird.

[–]deathbyvitamins 35 points36 points ago

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My gf bought one of these beasts for $300. It lived for 6 years, and we spent around $3500 on surgeries. It was always sick, and it was mean as fuck.

[–]robbor 108 points109 points ago

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While they look cute, you'll notice this one is on a leash. This is because they are extremely ferocious and have been known to kill small bears and fat people.

[–][deleted] 12 points13 points ago

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Not sure if serious.

[–]robbor 42 points43 points ago

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Not sure if you're serious about not being sure if serious. Seriously.

[–]geak78 1 point2 points ago

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With their smaller stature bears can swallow them whole. The short legs provide more leverage to press against the esophagus while being swallowed and can choke the bear to death. Unfortunately the cat usually succumbs as well.

Don't worry if you're a bit overweight. These cats only feel threatened by truly obese people that when on all fours the fat covers most of their arms and legs making them appear to be a giant version of the cat. They then become very territorial and have been known to kill in a variety of ways.

[–]the2belo 17 points18 points ago

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Yeah, I'm going to pass on this one. I'll take a stray with a natural mutation (I have a bobtail cat) over something purposefully bred for profit.

[–]ILoveTrance 7 points8 points ago

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It's sad what domesticating animals has come to.

[–]Calmiche 9 points10 points ago

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I was researching this a couple years back. I thought it would be cool to get a miniature cat. After looking into it, I was horrified. My understanding is that the gene that controlled dwarfism in cats is linked to the gene that causes spinal problems. In dogs, they are unlinked genes. You can breed small dogs with minimal problems, but cats can have serious problems.

If you breed munchkin cats, about 25% will not survive birth. In addition, the compressed body structure causes serious problems with internal organs, the spine and the hips.

You can breed a regular cat with a munchkin, which is what reputable breeders do. However, you only have a 25% chance of getting another munchkin. If you mate two munchkins, you are about 50% likely to get a munchkin, but about twice as much a chance of getting deformed or dead kittens. That's what a lot of the other breeders do, leading to serious health problems and the reason why munchkins are not recognized as a breed.

[–]chrisp2006 1 point2 points ago

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Wrong. If you breed a munchkin and a regular you get a 50% chance of "regular" cat and 50% chance of munchkin, since it's the dominant gene. Punnet squares FTW.

[–]madmanmunt 6 points7 points ago

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That's a bred-into-cat physical defect, dude. Breeders play with genetic traits like they're fooling around with legos. It's borderline unconscionable.

[–]ojolejano 5 points6 points ago

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damn, poor fella, he wouldnt last a day out in the wild

[–]techn0scho0lbus 29 points30 points ago*

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This is not a breed, it is cruel. DO NOT BUY MUNCHKIN CATS. This is dwarfism mutation, same that is possible to occur in humans. When the cats are bred part of the litter is not munchkin and becomes "waste". These cat breeders are contributing to the already enormous problem of cat overpopulation.

[–][deleted] 3 points4 points ago

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[–]josh024 3 points4 points ago

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Yeah let's breed animals to disable them because we think it's cute.

[–]IdontReadArticles 0 points1 point ago

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Like bulldogs.

[–]evenlesstolose 9 points10 points ago

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They're not really a breed, unless you consider humans with congenital dwarfism a different breed of human. Many different classic breeds of cats can be "made" munchkins by way of a specific mutation (to make a long genetics story short). It's a mutation that also causes a similar sort of dwarfism in humans, and in dogs (eg: dachshunds).

Regardless, I fuckin love munchin cats. So adorable.

[–]Anosognosia 0 points1 point ago

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I guess you would breed Peter Dinklage if you could?

[–]pletion 21 points22 points ago

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Aw, the corgi of cats.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points ago

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I was thinking weiner dog of cats : )

[–]SolarBears 1 point2 points ago

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I was thinking it was the Swedish Vallhund of cats :)

[–]Im_poster 2 points3 points ago

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I was thinking the Cankled librarian of cats

[–]Devils_Advocado 21 points22 points ago

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They look absolutely delicious. Can you suggest a wine that would go well with them?

[–]Conchobair 5 points6 points ago

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I would suggest a Gewurztraminer from California, or if that is hard to find a Sauvignon Blanc, both of which typically are paired with asian cuisine.

[–]punchingsharks 3 points4 points ago

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Fetzer Gewurztraminer is delicious. (Sorry, had to throw that out there)

[–]iriegypsy 1 point2 points ago

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Im not sure if Gewürztraminer would pair well with the cat unless you glazed it with a sweet chili sauce.

[–]Devils_Advocado 2 points3 points ago

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Perfect. Going to fire up the grill.

[–]imnotelvis 1 point2 points ago

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I can't say for sure what cat tastes like, but Gewürztraminer is one hell of a good wine.

[–]spartancaviesgf 6 points7 points ago

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shave it and you have a Bambino!

[–][deleted] 15 points16 points ago

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FUCK THAT

[–]Nohomobutimgay 5 points6 points ago

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shave it and this finally makes sense! ftfy

[–]gfense 2 points3 points ago

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Wow. Their bodies look like dachshunds.

[–]boomfarmer 2 points3 points ago

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Is that a longtail chihuahua?

[–]ipodaholicdan 2 points3 points ago

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WEINER CAAAAAT :D

[–]ThatDaDaDaSong 2 points3 points ago

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The kitty-cat equivalent of the weiner dog! :D

[–]SeanNoxious 2 points3 points ago

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Dead kittens or not that pussy will get you some pussy. I'm going to buy one and set it's picture as my phone wallpaper. Any girl i meet will want to immediately come home so she can play with my pussy as i play with hers.

[–]sethescope 2 points3 points ago

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They prefer to be called "little people."

[–]baconisgoodforme 2 points3 points ago

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Corgi-Cat

[–]gbimmer 6 points7 points ago

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I showed the pic to my dachshund. She does not approve. In fact she promptly shit on my floor I'm response.

[–]WoollyMittens 9 points10 points ago

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Inbred to the point of growth defects. How cute.

[–]Ambix 3 points4 points ago

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What the fuck is this shit? This deformity is cute to you?

ಠ_ಠ

[–]Dubliminal 1 point2 points ago

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looks like the owner in that pic has a similar anatomy

[–]xeonrage 1 point2 points ago

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came for this, leaving happy. (I never get to it first, but I do at least check)

[–]slab_serif 4 points5 points ago

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They are prone to heart problems.

[–]timothygruich 8 points9 points ago

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This is entirely disgusting...

[–][deleted] 3 points4 points ago

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and not adorable

[–]OptionalRequirement 1 point2 points ago

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Awfully long legs, for a tribble.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

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There's also a breed like this called the Napoleon! Named after Napoleon Bonaparte of course :)

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

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Ooooh the rare Danny Devito cat! I've never seen one so close up.

[–]Snatchateer 1 point2 points ago

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they're the midgets of cats!

[–]Fluzztas 1 point2 points ago

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So fat people eat them? They get Munched on>?

[–]RationalArgumentMan 1 point2 points ago

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No thanks, I'll keep my Bengal :)

[–]aphovasse 1 point2 points ago

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cats are adorable because of their character and not because of their looks. Some cute cats are a pain in the ass, and some ugly ones are fiercely wonderful. This kind of genetic manipulation just for looks is contemptible.

[–]Morticof 1 point2 points ago

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Haha he's got little midget legs!

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

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omgawd wiener cats

[–]gametavern 1 point2 points ago

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Wiener cat?

[–]Arkki 1 point2 points ago

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That is just wrong. Cats are lovely mouse-killing-machines. This unhealthy mutation looks incapable for its function.

[–]thegreatmisdirect 1 point2 points ago

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If I had one of those cats, I'd name it Cankles.

[–]TheRealPariah 1 point2 points ago

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Humans: committing animal abuse through selective breeding since forever.

[–]CrazyEddie041 0 points1 point ago

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since 100,000-250,000 years ago.

We've only just showed up to the party as far as the planet is concerned. :P

[–]twitchski 1 point2 points ago

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I have a smart little Munchkin / Siberian mix. Best little turd on the planet. He knows his name, understands inflection and loves a good nuggy. He reminds me of a Hot Rod, big legs in the back, stubby legs up front. walks kinda like a bulldog.

[–]MouseWithBlueTeeth 2 points3 points ago*

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My older brother had one of these cats. Her name was Asia. She was grey with long fur. It was hilarious to watch her run around; She looked like a dust mop flying from place to place. She died due to having seizures from being inbred. My brother was very sad that day. = (

[–]Athie 1 point2 points ago

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They remind me of the bassets of cats!

[–]BuggSuperstar33 1 point2 points ago

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I was thinking the Corgi of cats!

[–]Malkavian_Jester 1 point2 points ago

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so was i!!

[–]zoolander951 2 points3 points ago

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Why the fuck is that cat on a leash

[–]CrazyEddie041 0 points1 point ago

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Looks like it's in a public area (pet show?) and the owner doesn't want it roaming around too far.

[–]electricdynamite 1 point2 points ago

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it's cat+corgi

i just cutegasmd.

[–]therealndb 2 points3 points ago

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That is not an attractive cat.

[–]28_06_42_12 4 points5 points ago

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You are not an attractive cat. >:[

[–]modembutterfly 1 point2 points ago

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Saw the photo. DIS. TUR. BING. As are those weirdly tiny horses. Totally creepy mutants.

Cannot unsee!

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

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Actually, miniature horses were bred without any genetic mutations, just careful selection of the smallest ponies with some arabian horse blood for refinement.

[–]omgmypony 0 points1 point ago

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Not true, dwarfism is rampant in the mini horse gene pool.

[–]ngill728 2 points3 points ago

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Awww like the cat version of corgis?

[–]boxen 1 point2 points ago

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Take that, natural selection!

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

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My friend has one. It has normal back legs and short front legs. It runs like a rabbit. Hilarious.

[–]Sunless_Sea 1 point2 points ago

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Sorry, but that's just pretty blatant stupidity imo.

[–]vikungfu 1 point2 points ago

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My mom and sister have been getting these guys for the last 10 years, here's a pic from 2005 I'm so used to their little legs that normal cats looks weird to me now.

[–]celluloidwings 1 point2 points ago

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D'aw. :3

[–]klippekort -1 points0 points ago

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Wow, and apparently they are not prone to spine problems, unlike dog breeds with unusually short legs.

[–]spacemermaid 2 points3 points ago

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Thanks a lot of killing any chance I had of being productive today. Now I have to watch hours of videos of short-legged kittens in motion.

[–]BuzzedLikeAldrin 1 point2 points ago

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Where can i purchase one, and on an unrelated note, a small saddle and tiny hurdles. Maybe a tiny monkey also...

[–]jsmayne 1 point2 points ago

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[–]qdmanx 0 points1 point ago

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You won't need tiny hurdles, they can jump as well as cats with normal legs. I know that before we got our munchkin, I didn't think that he would be able to jump very well, but he has no problems with that.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

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IMO it looks a lot like Garfield.

[–]d4rkstryder 0 points1 point ago

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[–]big4M20 0 points1 point ago

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Maybe it's a reddit faux pas to point out the humor in this pic when there are so many serious posts but ... I find it interesting that the owner of a kitten with short legs had obviously stunted limbs themselves. The ironing is delicious.

[–]CndConnection 0 points1 point ago

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My dad has a munchkin cat.

It's cute as hell but it sure is a little fucker.

It waddles around all day and avoids people most of the time. He has 3 cats and this is the one that hates being picked up the most, I figure its because it must not like heights and doesn't feel it's as agile as the other cats.

One thing that surprises me however is even though its a munchkin, it still jumps pretty high.

[–]Sminman86 0 points1 point ago

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The cat has the same legs as it's owner...

[–]deconix 0 points1 point ago

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I own two munchkins. Both were victims of a hoarder (over 130 animals in the house and property, including over 40 cats), and I found them at a no-kill shelter. Both cats are perfectly healthy, and they're too short to jump up on my kitchen counters, which is a bonus.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

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This is indeed cruel.

[–]ezzbeedee 0 points1 point ago

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Looks like a weiner cart!

[–]scottpie 0 points1 point ago

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A low... ri... der...

is a little fly-er.

[–]MurasakiYugata 0 points1 point ago

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My responce was AWWWWdible.

[–]meappleby 0 points1 point ago

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Do your research please! So many people are hard on Munchkins- yes, it is a result of a random genetic mutation, BUT they are constantly outcrossed in order to have genetic diversity. Most Munchkin breeders WILL NOT cross their munchkin with another- if they do there's a 25% chance the kitten won't be born/born alive, 50% chance of munchkin legs, and 50% chance of normal legs. If bred to any normal cat, you have 0% non-survival (unless the mom was sick, kitten got stuck on way out, normal cat issues) 50% chance of munchkin and 50% chance of normal. THE ONLY recorded health problem has been the dent in the ribcage, which is also present in regular cats, so quite likely could have come from their grand-sire ect. And there are, I believe 3 cases. Out of all the Munchkins. In 1995, the oldest Munchkin breeders did a study, and had all their elderly munchkins xrayed. There was no difference found between the spine of them and any other cat of equal age. Cats have a much more flexible spine than dogs, which is why it is theorized they don't have the problems of daschunds and corgis. TWISTY CATS ARE NOT MUNCHKINS!! The twisted legs and missing limbs is a part of the disease that twisty cats have. They genetically DO NOT have munchkin genes. They are polydactyl cats with a genetic abnormality. And at age 13, the oldest is still alive and happy. She may look weird or scary, but just walks on two legs, and seems to not mind. Read "The Truth about the Twisty Cats" by the breeder (of polydactyls ie. cats with an extra toe/mitten hand, the twistys were accidents) http://www.karmafarms.com/twisty.htm