The Munchkin cat is so much more than an adorable little pet: These cats are sweet natured, personable, and playful. With extra short legs that contribute to the breed’s nickname “Dachshund of the cat world,” these kitties tend to be on the small side. They may have short or long hair, and they come in every color imaginable. Thanks to the bouncy, short strides they take when running, Munchkin cats are often compared to rabbits and ferrets. The truth is, they are 100% feline, with magnetic personalities, a strong play drive, and an intense love of cuddling. As you might have guessed, this breed is named after the Munchkins from The Wizard of Oz. Their short legs are caused by a naturally occurring genetic mutation that is caused by an autosomal dominant gene. Munchkin cat breeders select for this gene, which affects leg bone length. These kitties don’t know that their legs are far shorter than the average cat’s; they simply enjoy life a little closer to the ground! To get a better view, they’ll often stand on their hind legs. Munchkin cats come in three different heights: Standard, supershort, and rug hugger. Leg length affects the height only; the rest of the cat’s body is proportioned like that of an average domestic cat. You might think that Munchkin cats can’t jump. While it is true that their leaps are not as impressive as those of average sized cats, many individuals can make it from the floor to the seat of the couch or the top of your bed with ease. Since they aren’t likely to leap onto tall tabletops and high display shelves, members of the Munchkin cat breed might be ideal for people who love cats but worry about the impact they might have on collectibles. One thing is certain: Bring a Munchkin into your home, and you’ll instantly fall in love with their adorable looks and charming personalities.