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Munchkin cats may be known for their unique appearance, but there’s much more to discover about these charming feline companions. Find out more about them, their common health conditions and how much pet insurance might cost with Savvy today!

Written by , updated on September 11th, 2023

Price range

$700 – $2,000

Height

18–20cm

Weight

2–4kg

Coat length

Short, medium-to-long

Life expectancy

12–15 years

Personality

Playful, sociable, outgoing

Kid-friendly?

Yes – but younger children should be supervised

Suitable for

Families, individuals, seniors, multi-pet households

Overview

The Munchkin cat, also known as the Sausage Cat or feline Dachshund, is characterised by its short legs resulting from a genetic mutation. This breed, established in the 1940s and officially recognised in 1991, takes its name from L. Frank Baum's Munchkin inhabitants from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Munchkin cats are small but outgoing and adapt well to affection and handling. Despite their unique physique, they are active and playful pets that enjoy the company of others.

While concerns about potential health issues and controversies surround this breed, Munchkin cats are still cherished for their distinct appearance and friendly disposition, making them an intriguing choice for cat enthusiasts.

Common Munchkin cat diseases and conditions

Osteoarthritis: Munchkin cats face an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis due to their shorter limbs, which can affect their mobility.
Lordosis: this condition involves excessive curvature of the spine, which Munchkin cats are prone to due to their unique physique.
Pectus excavatum: this condition is characterised by a hollowed chest, where the sternum and ribs do not grow properly; however, if diagnosed young, it can be corrected with surgery.
Mobility issues: Munchkins' unique leg structure may limit their ability to jump and move like other cats.
Bow-legged posture: some Munchkin cats may develop a bow-legged or knock-knee posture due to their genetics.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Munchkin cat?

There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Munchkin cat, including the following:

Age: older cats generally have higher premiums due to increased health risks, while younger cats can generally get lower premiums as they have fewer health issues.
Coverage type: the type of coverage you choose directly affects the premium. Comprehensive plans offer broader protection but come with higher premiums. Accident-only plans are cheaper but cover only accidental injuries.
Annual limits, benefit percentage and excess: lower annual limits or benefit percentages and choosing a higher excess can lead to slightly lower premiums. However, you may face higher costs in the event of a claim.
Discounts and offers: some insurers provide discounts for multiple pets, bundling policies, or enrolling your pet at a young age.
Veterinary history: your cat's medical history, including pre-existing conditions or past illnesses, can impact coverage options and policy terms.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Accident-only

This is the most basic type of pet insurance, covering costs for accidental injuries such as car accidents, poisoning, burns, fractures, snake and spider bites, but not illnesses and other conditions.

Accident and illness

This type of insurance provides cover for accidental injuries as well as illnesses like cancer, gastrointestinal problems and eye, ear and skin conditions, but not routine care for your pet.

Comprehensive

This offers the highest level of protection, covering accident and illness and potentially routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, worm and flea treatments and microchipping.

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Common questions about Munchkin cats

Are Munchkin cats suitable indoor cats?

Yes – Munchkin cats are best suited to indoor living. Their shorter legs can make them vulnerable outdoors, and they lack the agility of other cats for climbing and defending themselves. Keeping them indoors provides a safer and more comfortable environment where they can thrive.

Do Munchkin cats get along with other pets?

Yes – Munchkin cats are generally sociable and can get along well with other pets, including dogs and other cats. Proper introductions and socialisation are key to ensuring harmonious relationships among your pets.

How often should I groom my Munchkin cat?

The grooming frequency for Munchkin cats depends on their coat length. Short-haired Munchkins require minimal grooming, usually a weekly brush to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Long-haired Munchkins, on the other hand, benefit from more frequent grooming, possibly several times a week, to maintain their luxurious coats.

Are there any ethical concerns associated with Munchkin cats?

Yes – there are ethical concerns about Munchkins due to their unique physical characteristics caused by breeding for short legs. Some argue that these traits can lead to health issues. If you are looking to buy a Munchkin, it is important to choose a responsible breeder who follows ethical breeding practices and prioritises the health and well-being of the cats.

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Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.