Unusual Cat Breeds

Unusual Cat Breeds

Are you looking to get a new cat soon? Great! You may want to consider a
purebred cat. There are many breeds that can be found in this country, each with its own
characteristic appearance and temperament and history. Think carefully about what you
would characteristics you would like to see in your new companion. Perhaps you would
care to consider something a little bit different:

The Munchkin

When you think of the Munchkin, think of a cat that is built like a dachshund. A
cat built with a long body and short legs. Munchkins are a very recently developed breed.
They have only been established since 1983. The foundation cat was a female named
Blackberry who was rescued from dogs by school teacher Sandra Hochenedel.
Blackberry was a black cat with very short legs. Found pregnant, she passed on her
unusual body type to her kittens. Blackberry's son, Toulouse, was left unaltered and it
wasn't long before there were a good number of short legged cats living around his
owner's home. Strangely enough, Toulouse and his short legged sons had no trouble
competing with standard toms for females.



      In 1990 a study of the genetics of these short legged cats was conducted. The
study found that only one copy of the short legged gene to create more cats with the same
characteristic. The spines of these cats were also examined because there were fears that
they would have issues just like the low long bodies dog (e.g. dachshund) have. Though
nothing wrong was found at that time, judgment was reserved due to the extremely small
population that existed at that time.

      Munchkins were named for the little people in Wizard of Oz that Dorothy met
when she first arrived in Oz. Breeders became interested in the quirky little Munchkin
and began controlled breeding programs. The Munchkin was first introduced to the
public at the Madison Square Garden Cat Show. The breed has faced some opposition.
There are people who believe that deliberately breeding for a mutation, even one that
occurred naturally, is ethically wrong. The cats themselves seem unaware that they are in
any way different from there long legged cousins. They self-assured, outgoing and
curious in nature. Munchkins tend to be people-oriented and bond easily with their
people. Munchkins leap and play just like other cats. The only difference is they can't
jump as high due to their short back legs.
     
      The Sphynx
     
       If you ever wondered what a cat would look like naked, look no further. The
Sphynx is virtually hairless. Sebaceous oils secreted by the skin are normally transferred
to the fur in other breeds. The Sphynx requires regular wiping down to remove these oils
to prevent skin infections.
     
      This breed originated in 1975 as spontaneous mutation in a shorthaired litter. One
hairless kitten was born in that litter. She was named Epidermis. The following year a
hairless male was born. He was called Dermis. When bred to normal shorthaired cats,
Epidermis produced normal kittens. When Epidermis was bred to one of her sons, three
hairless kittens resulted. The hairless gene was a recessive. Both parents must carry it in
order for hairlessness to be expressed.
     
      The breed was named after the great Sphynx monument of Egypt. The
Sphynx cats are devoted, loyal companions, who love attention and will purr happily if
their favorite person is near them. They are very athletic and like to jump to high places
or hang upside down from their climbing trees. Sphynx have strong personalities and
don't like being left alone. A feline companion will help to keep a Sphynx happy and
occupied while you are gone.
     
These very unusual cats are not everyone's' cup of tea. Give these very different
cats a closer look. Their unique appearances and lively personalities might just make a
great pet.  These cats may be exactly what you are looking for in a new companion.