Have you always wanted a Munchkin cat? Is it hard to deny the cuteness of a British Shorthair? If you’re a cat lover who can’t seem to decide between these two amazing breeds, stop trying. Meet the Munchkin British Shorthair Mix cat. Read on below to learn more about this amazing mixed-breed cat and whether or not they will make the perfect addition to your family.
Breed Overview
Height:
6–10 inches
Weight:
6–20 pounds
Lifespan:
12–20 years
Colors:
White, black, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, ginger, fawn, sable, beige, cream, cinnamon, and other various colors and combinations
Suitable for:
Families or singles hoping for an affectionate cat
Temperament:
Playful, affectionate, loyal, easygoing, and good-natured
The Munchkin British Shorthair Mix is loving, bright, and loyal. They can be short-legged like the Munchkin and have the laid-back nature of the British Shorthair, but it’s challenging to predict their personality. Below, we’ll discuss some of the characteristics and traits of this adorable mixed breed so you can decide if this is the right cat for you.
Munchkin British Shorthair Mix Characteristics
Energy
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A high-energy cat needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep healthy and happy, while a low-energy cat needs minimal physical activity, but still needs mental stimulation. When choosing a cat, It’s important to ensure their energy levels match your lifestyle.
Trainability
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Cats that are easy-to-train are more willing and skilled at quickly learning prompts and actions with minimal training. Harder-to-train cats are usually more stubborn or aloof and require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Certain cat breeds are more prone to various genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every cat in those breeds will have these issues, but they do have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Lifespan
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Due to their size or potential genetic health issues of a specific breed, some cats have shorter lifespans than others. Proper nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, and hygiene also play an important role in your cat’s lifespan and quality of life.
Sociability
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Some cat breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other cats and animals. Cats that are more social have a tendency to rub up on strangers for scratches or jump on laps for cuddles, while cats that are less social shy away, hide, are more cautious, and even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed or gender, it’s important to socialize your cat and expose them to many different situations.
While finding a Munchkin British Shorthair Mix cat in a local shelter is always possible, it isn’t highly likely. A Munchkin or British Shorthair breeder is more likely to have the mixed breed. As always, when working with a breeder, you must ensure they are ethical and reputable. Ask to see the cattery where your kitten is being raised and ask questions about the lineage of the litter.
If the breeder you’re speaking with isn’t open to discussing these questions or won’t provide verified health information for your kitten, continue your search. A reputable breeder who has nothing to hide will openly discuss the pedigree of their cats and the health of their litter and will open their doors to show they care for their animals properly.
Before you bring your little kitten home, you should be prepared. You’ll need bowls, high-quality kitten food, a litter box, cat litter, liners, a deodorizer, a cat bed, toys, and a cat tree. Munchkin British Shorthairs are small, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t playful or energetic. You will also need to prepare your home for a new kitty. Block off places you don’t want a small cat roaming to ensure their safety. It’s also a great idea to schedule their first veterinarian appointment to get vaccinations and an examination.
Image Credit By: Left – MDavidova, Shutterstock | Right – Real Moment, Shutterstock
Temperament & Intelligence of the Munchkin British Shorthair Mix
Mixing two cat breeds makes it hard to tell what you’ll get. Luckily, when it comes to the Munchkin British Shorthair Mix, both parent cats have a similar temperament and intelligence. They love showing their owners and families lots of love. That makes the combination of the two likely to be the same. You’ll also find that these cats are quite smart and independent. While they love their families, they don’t mind doing their own thing and being alone occasionally.
Where you’ll find the two parent breeds differing the most is their energy levels. Munchkin cats are known for being very active and playful. British Shorthairs will play from time to time but are considered a more docile and relaxed breed. Considering these differences, you won’t know how active your mixed kitten will be until you get them home and learn a bit about their mannerisms.
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
Yes, Munchkin British Shorthair Mix cats are great for families. This designer breed loves showing affection and spending time with their families. You’ll also find they do well with children. However, small children should be taught early in the relationship how to treat the small cats or any pet in the family to avoid injuries.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
The Munchkin British Shorthair usually gets along well with other pets, but socialization is always the key. No pet is ready to be thrown into a new relationship with another animal on a whim. Instead, slowly introduce your new kitten to pets in the home. The same can be said if you bring another pet home after your Munchkin British Shorthair Mix has grown up. Like with people, pets need time to warm up to new family members and situations.
Things to Know When Owning a Munchkin British Shorthair Mix
Food & Diet Requirements
Cats are obligate carnivores and require high-quality cat food high in protein. However, to stay healthy, your cat also needs a mix of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and even carbohydrates. If you have any questions concerning the best foods for your new kitty, reach out to your veterinarian who will gladly provide recommendations and feeding suggestions.
Exercise 🐈
The Munchkin British Shorthair needs daily exercise to be happy and healthy. Not only will this prevent weight gain, but it will also fight boredom. Make sure your kitty has lots of toys. Interactive toys are ideal for solo play. These cats also love to climb. You can place cat trees around the house to provide exercise and entertainment when you can’t be there playing with them.
Training 🧶
The Munchkin British Shorthair Mix is an intelligent cat and is relatively easy to train. You can teach them a few cute tricks along with the standard training your kitten should learn. Litter box training, word association, and other essential aspects of their daily life should be taught first.
Luckily, Munchkin British Shorthairs have short coats that don’t require too much grooming. Weekly brushing with a soft brush should keep their coats smooth and gorgeous. You’ll also want to help your kitty by keeping their nails trimmed to prevent them from using your couch or walls to file them down. Cleaning your cat’s ears and brushing their teeth with cat-safe toothpaste can also help fight unwanted infections or dental issues.
Health and Conditions 🏥
The Munchkin British Shorthair Mix is prone to specific health issues thanks to the parent breeds. The best way to stay on top of your kitty’s health is to begin healthcare early. When you bring your new kitten home, they should visit the veterinarian to get vaccinations and a checkup. Follow your veterinarian’s suggestions to ensure better health for your cat.
Minor Conditions
Stomach upset and discomfort
Serious Conditions
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Pancreatitis
Hyperthyroidism
Uremia
Urinary tract disease
Lymphosarcoma
Kidney issues
Obesity
Male vs Female
Most owners of Munchkin British Shorthair Mix cats claim that the males are more affectionate and clingy. They also claim that females have a bit of an independent streak but are still loving. This generalization won’t be reflected in every male and female, but you can keep it in mind when deciding on the right kitten for you.
3 Little-Known Facts About The Munchkin British Shorthair Mix
1. Colors and Patterns Galore
We mentioned the possible colors for a Munchkin British Shorthair Mix cat. But did you know they can also have several coat patterns, including solid, bi-color, calico, tabby, color-point, tortoiseshell, smoke, and shaded?
2. Munchkins Are Quick
You may expect the Munchkin British Shorthair to be a bit slow if they have the short legs of the Munchkin, but that isn’t the case. Short-legged Munchkin British Shorthairs are just as agile and quick as other cats. They enjoy running, climbing, and playing. They may not do great at jumping, but they’ll make up for it in other areas.
3. The Sit
One of the most unique things about any Munchkin mix is their love of sitting on their hind legs. Many people compare this to a prairie dog or meerkat. When you see this cute move, you can’t help but love it.
If you’re curious about the Munchkin British Shorthair Mix, you aren’t alone. These gorgeous cats are playful, engaging, and loving. They do great in a family setting and enjoy playing with children. While this mixed breed is considered rare, it’s still possible to find one of these amazing kitties to make part of your family.
Melissa was born and raised in the mountains of East Tennessee where she spent her time writing in an old notebook and playing outside with her pets. As an avid animal lover, she has brought many into her home over the years. Currently, she is the mom of 5 fur babies. Her 2 cats, Princess and Pepper are total opposites who demand attention. Her dogs Jazzy, Whitey, and Demon are full of spunk and keep the entire family on their toes.
Beyond life as an animal mom, Melissa is a dedicated wife and mother to 2 children. Writing in her old notebook led her down the path of becoming not only a freelance writer but a published Indie author under the pen name, Rena Marin.
