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Breed Overview
Height:
7 – 10 inches
Weight:
4 – 9 pounds
Lifespan:
11 – 15 years
Colors:
Black, White, Gray, Red, Brown
Suitable for:
Families with young children, Seniors, Apartment dwellers
Temperament:
Sweet, Loving, Friendly, Charming, Playful
With stout legs, a chubby body, big, soulful eyes, and folded ears, the Scottish Fold Munchkin cat is probably one of, if not the, cutest designer cat breeds in the world. First hitting the market in 1991, Scottish Fold Munchkin cats were developed by crossbreeding a Scottish Fold and a munchkin cat. The result is a fluffy, friendly feline perfect for nearly every household.
If you’re considering adding this fur-ball to your family, here’s everything you need to know about the Scottish Fold Munchkin.
Scottish Fold Munchkin Characteristics
Scottish Fold Munchkin Kittens
While it may seem tempting to scoop up the first Scottish Fold Munchkin kitten you see, there are some unique factors to consider before bringing this breed home. First, the Scottish Fold Munchkin is highly intelligent and thrives on mental stimulation and interaction. If you work long hours or are gone for most of the day, a Scottish Fold Munchkin may not be the perfect pet for you.
Secondly, you should consider purchasing pet insurance for your Scottish Fold Munchkin kitty. They’re known to have several health issues, and the vet bills can quickly add up.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Scottish Fold Munchkin
1. They Have Folded Ears
As the name implies, the Scottish Fold Munchkin kitty has folded ears. When she is born, her ears are straight and fold over in about a month. This distinctive characteristic is caused by a gene that affects the ear cartilage, causing it to fold down and forward.
2. The Wizard of Oz
Your Scottish Fold Munchkin’s parent breed was named after the ‘Munchkins’ from the Wizard of Oz. This is because of their short, stout legs.
3. They Love Sleeping on Their Backs
That’s right! The Scottish Fold Munchkin adores snoozing on her back with her paws resting on her belly. This position is referred to as the “Buddha Position.”
Temperament & Intelligence of the Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat
You get the best of both worlds with a Scottish Fold Munchkin. Both of her parent breeds are sweet, intelligent felines. Despite the unique physical traits, including the squat legs and folded ears, the Scottish Fold Munchkin is a remarkably athletic and personable breed.
This breed loves her human family and does not do well being left alone. The affectionate Scottish Fold Munchkin loves to lounge on your lap for hours. She can also develop a deep bond with one person in the household.
Despite their friendly nature, Scottish Fold Munchkin cats can be somewhat stubborn.
Are These Cats Good for Families?
The Scottish Fold Munchkin makes an excellent family pet due to her patient and easygoing personality. However, playtime with your tots should always be closely monitored to keep everybody safe.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Yes, the Scottish Fold Munchkin loves the company of other pets, including cats and dogs. However, it’s best to keep the cat with other animals of a similar size. A large canine with a high prey drive may not be the best companion for a Scottish Fold Munchkin.
Things to Know When Owning a Scottish Fold Munchkin
The Scottish Fold Munchkin is a unique designer cat breed requiring specialized care. Here is everything you need to know about caring for this kitty.
Food & Diet Requirements
The Scottish Fold Munchkin is prone to a health condition known as Feline Polycystic Kidney Disease. Feeding them only dry cat food can increase the likelihood of developing the disease later in life. It is recommended that you only feed your Scottish Fold Munchkin wet or vet-recommended cat food.
Avoid feeding your cat dairy products, raw meat, and fat trimmings. These items could make her very ill. You should also keep grapes, onions, and garlic off the menu. Always ensure your cat has a bowl of fresh, clean water available.
Exercise
Despite her squat stature, the Scottish Fold Munchkin is a playful, active kitty. You should provide her with mental stimuli to keep her mind sharp and occupied. Cats left alone too often are prone to boredom and even depression.
Engage your Scottish Fold Munchkin with feline-friendly toys such as an interactive laser, electronic motion toy, and catnip-filled mice to keep her entertained throughout the day.
Training
The Scottish Fold Munchkin is a very smart little kitty and can easily be taught to fetch. Positive reinforcement training works wonders for this designer breed. Keep training sessions short to keep boredom at bay.
Grooming ✂️
Scottish Fold Munchkin cats shed minimally due to their short coats. However, you should brush your cat a few times per week to bond with her. Clean her ears and eyes as needed and clip her claws monthly.
Health and Conditions
While a healthy Scottish Fold Munchkin can live up to 13 years, they are prone to genetic health issues. One condition is called Osteodystrophy. It’s related to the genetic abnormality that makes her ears fold and can cause painful arthritis later in life. This problem can worsen if two folded-eared cats are bred together.
Scottish Fold Munchkins are also prone to Polycystic Kidney Disease and Lordosis, which is a spinal condition caused by their short hind legs. To decrease the chances of your Scottish Fold Munchkin having health problems, it is critical that you buy her from a reliable and high-quality cat breeder. Routine vet visits and annual vaccines are equally important.
- Vomiting
- Osteodystrophy
- Arthritis
- Feline Polycystic Kidney Disease
- Lordosis
Male vs. Female
The male Scottish Fold Munchkin will be a little larger than his female counterpart. Both genders have pretty much the same sweet disposition. Of course, non-spayed and non-neutered cats can exhibit unwanted behaviors because of sexual maturity phases.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering bringing a Scottish Fold Munchkin into your home, you should research the unique breed. To ensure your kitty doesn’t develop painful health conditions down the road, you must buy her from a responsible dwarf cat breeder.
Your Scottish Fold Munchkin must be on a wet food-only diet to keep her healthy. She also needs daily exercise and social interaction to help her feel loved. This hybrid kitty isn’t for you if you are gone for long periods.
The Scottish Fold Munchkin is a comical, caring feline that will provide you with endless affection and devotion for years to come.
Featured Image Credit: Left – Munchkin (Phannasit, Shutterstock); Right – Scottish fold(LightField Studios, Shutterstock)