The
Munchkin
is a new breed of cat. What makes these cats "stand out" as a
unique
breed is the genetic mutation that shortens the long bones in the
legs.
There has been much research -- specifically, gene mapping -- done in
order
to identify the gene responsible for this phenomenon. Thus far,
Hypochondroplasia,
a type of dwarfism also found in humans, is believed to be that gene.
In March
of
1991, the Munchkin made its first public appearance at the Madison
Square
Garden INCATS show. Since this debut, The International Cat
Association
(TICA), one of the largest cat
registering bodies in the world, granted the Munchkin the status of
"New
Breed and Color" (NBC) in May of 1995. More recently, smaller
associations--specifically,
the United Feline Organization (UFO) and the American Association of
Cat
Enthusiasts (AACE)--are accepting this breed in their Championship
Classes.
On
May 1st, 2002, the Munchkin breed was accepted in the Champion Class of
TICA.
