Munchkin Cats and JT Catsby

Munchkin Cats

by Robert Hudson

Munchkin cats are characterized by having a normal cat body on very short legs. The breed was established from a genetic deformity that is the basis for the controversy of the breed. Regardless of this, there is no denying how cute and playful they are. Aside from potential health risks as the cat ages, it acts and functions as any normal cat. Munchkins love to play, have energy to burn, and can still climb. These pint size cats can even still jump, although not as high as normal cats.

JT Catsby, a Munchkin under the care of Hannah, is a perfect example. Hannah explains, “JT can run, jump, and play just like other cats. He loves to race down the hallway and climb to the very top of his cat tree – which is taller than I am!”

” I like to say that JT Catsby is a ‘big cat in a little body.’ He has a huge personality and always makes his needs and wants known. JT likes to have all eyes on him, and he loves to pose for the camera. He gets excited when the photography equipment comes out because he knows that it’s all for him.

In addition to his ‘Meowdeling,’ JT loves spending time outside in the backyard with human supervision. He also enjoys drinking straight from the faucet and making biscuits on his favorite blankets,” Hannah continued.

JT Catsby is eight years old. He will be nine on April 30th.

Rescued

“When he came into my life, I was only eighteen and fresh out of high school. JT was around seven weeks old. He was very small and sick. In that environment, I’m not sure that he would have survived. I picked JT up to get him away from the filth and mess and I held him close to me knowing that we belonged together. I loved him instantly.”

Breed History of Munchkin Cats

Music teacher Sandra Hochenedel of Rayville, Louisiana In 1983 discovered two cats hiding under a pickup truck where they had been cornered by a dog. Hochenedel rescued the cats and took them home, later noticing three things—both were female, both were pregnant, and both had short, stubby legs on normal-sized bodies. She kept Blackberry, the black-haired kitty, and gave away Blueberry, the gray-haired cat. What happened to Blueberry is unknown. All of today’s registered Munchkins can be traced back to Blackberry and one of her sons.

Lessons Learned

“I learned from JT that sometimes the best things in life are unexpected. I never planned to adopt him., or to make my cat “famous” on Instagram.

“Because of JT’s rough start, I wanted to give him a big, rags-to-riches name to go with the life we would have together. I named him after two literary characters – Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby and JT Wells from The Kentucky Cycle by Robert Schenkkan. Like his namesake from The Kentucky Cycle, “The JT stands for Just Terrific.””

Are you thinking of getting a Munchkin cat?

“Please remember there are many munchkins in rescues who are looking for their forever homes. Adoption is always an option!” We agree with Hannah. Munchkins do appear in rescues and deserve a chance at a better life.

Visit JT Catsby