The long list of cat breeds with short legs

These are a surprising number of cat breeds with short legs. Really! They’re pretty new to this world but what they lack in height they make up for in paw-sonality and looks. Miniature cats are more than just a teacup toy, these little-legged loveable purr-babies are active, playful, and excellent pet pals.

Let’s find out a bit more about cats with short legs, the different types of cat breeds with short legs, and whether they could become the of your pet family.

Cat breeds with short legs

The Munchkin

Munchkin Cats are sometimes used to describe all short-legged cat breeds, it just depends on who you talk to. The International Cat Association (TICA), for example, does. But the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) doesn’t. Why? Well, these kitties are seen as a controversial breed by some people due to their stunted leg growth. 

The exact origins of the Munchkin are thought to be from Louisiana, USA, in the 1980s. But, as is often the case, this isn’t completely confirmed. Most Munchkins have the same appearance as a short or long-haired domesticated companion, but just a little bit closer to the floor. 

They’re sometimes found with the small folded ears and round face of the Scottish Fold cat, a sign they share some close ancestry with the same breed.

Bambino

Bambino in Italian means ‘baby’ or ‘child’, which is understandable when you see these little hairless wonders pottering around like tiny toddlers. Despite their short legs, they pack a lot of the energy and curiosity of their bald brethren, the Sphynx, as well as the daily cleaning duties needed to care for their skin. If you’re happy to look after a slightly more high-maintenance miniature cat, these could be a kitty for you.

The Dwelf Cat

These little potatoes have the all too familiar ears of the American Curl which makes sense seeing as they’re bred from this line of curly cats. Along with the Munchkin and Sphynx cat, this collection of kitties produced this unique miniature marvel. Calm, quiet, and gentle, the Dwelf Cat is a loveable companion for those who love a lap cat.

Skookum

Mimicking the curly fur of the Devon Rex, these kooky kitties are a great family companion. Like the Munchkin, the Skookum can come in both long and short fur coats and a variety of patterns - anything from tabby to calico. Friendly and easygoing, these cats are lovely company and will fit in with most families.

Minuet AKA The Napoleaon Cat

These beauties are the result of breeding a Persian (or purr-sian) with a Munchkin. With gorgeously luxurious long fur, these cats have the matching personality of their relaxed and docile Persian parents. While an easy cat to care for mood-wise, they do require daily brushing to avoid any matting from occurring.

Kinkalow

Another relative of the American Curl and Munchkin the Kinkalow is the most rare of the short-legged cat breeds. With curled-back ears, these cats often have strikingly large and beautiful eyes that are hard to look away from. But, as pets, they’re very playful and affectionate with their humans. Coming in a variety of coat colors, these adorably active smallies could fit in with most cat carers.

Do cats with short legs have many health problems?

Sadly, our smaller short-legged cats are likely to experience problems with their little legs at some point in their lives. Because the size of their body and head is the same as an average-sized cat, it puts a lot of extra pressure on much shorter legs. 

Issues include curvature of the spine and spinal problems which stop them from being able to run and jump around like other cat breeds. Other joint issues like pectus excavatum and osteoarthritis can also cause mobility issues and sometimes pain in short-legged cat breeds. This is always important to bear in mind if you think you’d like a miniature cat. It’s because of this that the International Cat Association (TICA) doesn’t recognize any of the other miniature cat breeds except for the Munchkin Cat.

Life expectancy of munchkin cats and short-legged breeds

Although cats with short legs are more likely to have more health issues with their legs and joints, they do have a pretty average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. As many miniature cats are quite active and enjoy playing, they’re general vitals and bodies don’t have any noticeable issues for this particular breed.

If you’re ever worried about your cat or pet’s health, our Standard and Premium members have unlimited access to our free 24/7 vet advice line to answer your concerns. Not a member yet? Head over to our Community Forum to join the cat chat with other global pet-loving explorers.