The digital landscape has reshaped the way we live our lives. In this day and age, it seems that everything must have unique aesthetics and be Instagram-worthy. That includes pet cats.
Who wouldn’t want a Munchkin as cute as Albert? What about Scottish Folds as cute as Taylor Swift’s Olivia, Benjamin, and Meredith?
If you are in the market for a fancy cat, check if a Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat is for you. They require meticulous care, but it’s all worth it.
What Is a Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat?
The Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat, or Scottish Kilt cat, is a cross between the Munchkin and Scottish Fold. They can easily be distinguished from other felines because of their short legs and folded ears. These unique qualities came from a gene mutation that impacts cartilage and bone development.
Here are some descriptions of Scottish Fold Munchkin’s appearance:
- Head: They have round heads and short snouts. They resemble owls from a distance.
- Eyes: Their big and round eyes are broadly spaced, giving them a remarkable tender expression. The color of their eyes vary. Some white Scottish Fold Munchkins have blue eyes.
- Ears: Scottish Fold Munchkins have unique small, folded ears. These folded ears range in appearance. Those that have tighter, triple-fold ears are considered show cat material. Some have single-fold ears that are bent forward halfway up the ear. There are also double-fold, not-too-tightly-folded ears. Their ears begin to fold at about three weeks of age.
- Neck and Body: These cats have short necks and medium-sized, stocky bodies. Perfect for day-to-day hugs.
- Legs: Their legs may be short, but they still love jumping and running around.
- Coat: Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat’s coats are available in various patterns such as tortoiseshell, calico, bicolor, and tricolor. There are also tabbies and solid-colored ones. The length and color of the coat will always depend on the parents’ genes.
Are you wondering what four to five-week-old Scottish Fold Munchkin kittens look like? This two-minute video of playing Scottish Fold Munchkins can take away a day’s worth of worries. Cuteness overload, indeed.
History and Origin of Scottish Fold Munchkin Cats
There are already tons of adorable cat breeds available, but more and more feline lovers are still looking for newer, cuter options. Hence, the creation of the Scottish Fold Munchkin. Their most distinctive traits are their short legs and folded ears.
Both parent breeds have interesting origins. All Scottish Folds today can be traced back to Susie, a Scottish barn cat. William Ross, the local shepherd who discovered her, was so intrigued by her small, forward-folding ears.
His family started a breeding program and from there, the Scottish Fold was born. In 1966, the breed was registered in The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, a U.K. cat pedigree registry.
The other parent breed, the Munchkin, is well recognized for their very short legs. The Munchkin name was derived from the little inhabitants of Munchkin County, from L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
They are considered the dachshunds of the cat world and were only recognized by TIA in 1994.
The Munchkin’s short legs and the Scottish Fold’s folded ears come from genetic deficiencies. Some Scottish Fold Munchkins inherit these conditions.
For a healthy Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat to be born, a breeder must pair a folded-eared and straight-eared cat. Also, one of the felines should be long-legged, and the other short-legged.
How Big Do Scottish Fold Munchkin Cats Get When Fully Grown?
Male Scottish Fold Munchkins weigh 6 to 9 pounds. Females are a bit lighter, about 4 to 8 pounds. Both genders have very short legs and are only around 7 inches tall.
Do you want to take your Scottish Fold Munchkin somewhere else to socialize? Whether you want to carry her or put her inside a crate, you can easily do so without anyone’s help. This breed is small and lightweight, so you wouldn’t have a hard time traveling with one.
Are Scottish Fold Munchkin Cats Rare?
Yes, Scottish Fold Munchkins are rare cats. If you want one, be prepared to travel to different shelters, and go through many websites. It is one of the most in-demand feline breeds, so owning one is considered a privilege.
Are Scottish Fold Munchkin Cats Recognized by Different Cat Associations?
The International Cat Association (TICA) is the only association that recognizes the Scottish Fold Munchkin breed. It is the largest genetic registry of pedigreed pet cats and kittens in the world. At present, their organization recognizes 71 cat breeds.
Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat Temperament: Do They Make Good Family Pets?
Scottish Fold Munchkin Cats are great family pets. They go along well not just with kids but also with parents, grandparents, and other pets. This cat is so affectionate and can immediately establish a strong bond with its owners.
The parent breeds, the Munchkin and Scottish Fold are easy to care for, sweet and calm animals. The result? Beautiful, loyal Scottish Fold Munchkins.
Unlike other breeds, Scottish Fold Munchkins are not moody and are receptive at all times. These cats will play with you anytime you want. While they don’t jump like cats with long legs, they are quick and still eager to run around.
Scottish Fold Munchkins are active, smart, and trainable. Believe it or not, they can play fetch. They will also enjoy other brain games.
Scottish Fold Munchkins are sweet attention seekers! See to it that you have the patience, time, and energy for them.
Scottish Fold Munchkin Health and Lifespan: Do Scottish Fold Munchkin Cats Have Health Problems?
A healthy Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat can live between 10 and 15 years old. With lots of luck and proper care, your feline buddy can even live longer. Now, for your cat to exceed that lifespan, you need to help her manage health issues inherited from her parent breeds.
Munchkin cats are generally healthy. Though, because of their super short hindlimbs and forelimbs, they may develop spinal and joint problems.
The other parent breed Scottish Fold has a genetic mutation that results in folding ears. Due to deformed cartilage, the ears are not supported properly. This cartilage mutation may also lead to other painful, incurable diseases.
Whether you are an owner of a purebred Scottish Fold or Munchkin or a Scottish Fold Munchkin, you need to focus on your cat’s health. Illnesses must also be detected as early as possible.
Here are some of the diseases you should know about:
- Lordosis: Since spinal muscles don’t grow properly, the cat’s spine starts to sink down to its body. This illness is not limited to Munchkins and may also be experienced by other breeds.
- Scottish Fold Osteodystrophy: This disease affects the legs and may result in lameness, severe pain, low mobility, and stiff bones.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): Cysts show up and multiply in the kidneys. This gradually impairs the kidney’s function until it can no longer keep up with the demands of the body. PKD is inherited from parent to kitten.
- Arthritis: Arthritis causes inflammation and pain to the joints. Its symptoms are overall stiffness, lethargy, and discomfort when being handled.
How to Care for Your Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat’s Basic Needs?
For many people, a Scottish Fold Munchkin is a dream pet. But, owning one is not pure comfort, display, and good looks. Caring for this breed comes with huge responsibilities.
Here is a simple care guide that you can follow to make your cat happy and healthy.
Food and Diet
Focusing on your Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat’s daily food intake is one of the best ways to avoid diseases at a young age. Don’t just feed her random food products from the pet store. Her diet must depend on her weight, health condition, and age.
Remember that the feeding routine and diet you choose for your feline friend is subject to change throughout her entire lifespan. To make sure that she gets the nutrition she needs, talk to your veterinarian for serving recommendations and nutritional requirements.
We all love to feed our pets with delicious, quality food, but we wouldn’t want them to be obese. Obesity can shorten their lifespan.
Here are some guidelines that you can follow to ensure that your Scottish Fold Munchkin is eating the right food:
- Protein over carbohydrates. Fish, turkey, chicken, and beef are great choices since your Scottish Fold Munchkin needs tons of fat and protein to remain healthy. Her digestive system is not made to handle carbohydrates very well.
- Feed her boiled carrots, green beans, legumes, and other vegetables. These are perfect as supplemental nutrition and can help your cat’s physical growth and development.
- Don’t give her too many treats. Most of the cat treats in the market contain high amounts of salt. It’s best to buy all-natural ones or just make homemade cat treats.
If you’re a busy working pet parent, you are probably thinking of giving your Scottish Fold Munchkin dry food or canned wet food. Consider these as convenience food products that shouldn’t be fed 100% of the time.
If you need to feed her these convenience food items, choose high-quality brands to prevent stomach pain. Moreover, always mix wet and dry food. You can also soften dry food with water before giving it to your Scottish Fold Munchkin.
Don’t buy dry cat food with a lot of filler ingredients like potatoes and grains. Its protein content should be more than 30% and must name organs and meat as primary ingredients.
Are you planning to cook food for your Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat? It’s not as complex as it seems. Many people are already preparing home-cooked food for their cats. You may also want to try a BARF diet or raw diet for cats.
Whatever type of diet you choose for her, make sure that it is balanced and clean. Scottish Fold Munchkins and other breeds that consume an imbalanced diet are at risk of various illnesses.
Cleaning and Grooming
Here are some helpful guidelines in grooming Scottish Fold Munchkins:
- Coat Maintenance: Short-haired Scottish Fold Munchkins require minimal brushing. Once a week is enough. However, if you own a long-haired variety, grooming 2 to 3 times a week is recommended.
- Ear Care: Pay special attention to your cat’s ears. Check them every week for any signs of infection, foul odor, and mites.
- Nail Care: Trim her nails every two weeks. If she doesn’t have a scratching post, get her one as soon as possible. A scratching post is beneficial to your cat’s health. It is a brilliant exercise and stress-reducing activity and it can keep her claws in great shape.
- Dental Routine: Brush your cat’s teeth once a week. This is an important routine to maintain proper oral hygiene.
Medical Care
First, you need to see to it that your cat is inside your home at all times, perfectly safe. Don’t let her wander around the neighborhood.
Indoor pet cats are typically the happiest ones. They are safe from vehicle accidents, predator attacks, infection, and fights with other felines.
Lots of fatal accidents happen outdoors, usually resulting in expensive medical emergencies. For instance, a car accident involving a small cat may require intensive surgery and other procedures. You would not want that to happen to your beloved pet.
Catfights are preventable, but it’s almost impossible to escape from genetic illnesses. Scottish Fold Munchkins are prone to spinal issues, degenerative joint diseases, and cartilage abnormalities.
However, even with these health concerns, these little cats can live a long, healthy life. The key to their long and happy life are timely, quality preventative veterinary treatments, checkups, and all the usual vaccinations.
Moreover, be an observant pet parent at home. Always watch out for signs of joint pains. Don’t forget to check her tail for pain once in a while, too.
How Much Does a Scottish Fold Munchkin Cost? Kitten Prices and Other Expenses
When it comes to caring for an adorable Scottish Fold Munchkin, money matters a lot. Since this is a rare, high-maintenance breed, their selling price is higher than other cats in the market.
Expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 for a healthy kitten from a trustworthy breeder. This price is only for the cat itself.
Before your new best friend arrives home, you also need to purchase food for her, a litter box, a scratching post, and other essentials. The total cost of the initial supplies usually amounts to around $276.
Type of Expense | Average Cost |
High-Quality Cat Food | $100 |
Litter Box | $15 |
Collar and ID Tag | $10 |
Carrier | $40 |
Scratching Post | $20 |
Shampoo | $10 |
Treats | $10 |
Toys | $12 |
Food and Water Bowls | $10 |
Bed | $15 |
Toothbrush | $5 |
Brush | $15 |
Nail Clippers | $14 |
Total | $276 |
The prices of these cat supplies can vary, depending on the brands. In some instances, there is no need to buy expensive beds or houses. Take advantage of cats’ never-ending obsession for cardboard boxes.
Take the time to create a comfortable cardboard cat house using that Amazon delivery box in your storage room. You can also make a DIY cat scratcher using the most basic materials in your garage. To save money, all you need is a bit of creativity and patience.
To prepare for unexpected vet expenses, many owners enroll their cats in a pet insurance plan. Insurance coverages for pets usually incur low monthly costs yet can pay thousands worth of expenses that can save your pet.
Pet insurance is a brilliant option for Scottish Fold Munchkin owners since this breed is associated with many genetic health conditions. It can help you save money in the long run and prolong your pet’s life.
The average yearly cost of owning a Scottish Fold Munchkin is around $800. Meanwhile, the lifetime cost of owning one may amount to over $12,000. Approximately $1,174 is enough to cover your first year together.
Places to Find Scottish Fold Munchkin Kittens for Sale and Adoption
Scottish Fold Munchkins are teddy-bear-like cats that are not easy to find in rescue centers. It’s not even common to find Munchkins and Scottish Folds in many adoptable cat lists.
If you’re willing to pay a larger amount, you can contact a reputable cattery around your area that focuses on breeding Scottish Fold Munchkins.
Do you want to give a loving, forever home to a homeless Scottish Fold Munchkin? Check out these platforms:
- Petfinder – This platform is one of the biggest pet adoption sites in the U.S. They also help new owners manage the adjustment period after they welcome their new cat home.
- Kitten Rescue – A cat rescue center located in Los Angeles, CA. They are open to those who want to adopt in the greater Los Angeles area.
- Animal House Shelter – Animal House Shelter is a non-profit located in Huntley, Illinois. All of their cats are neutered/spayed, microchipped, and vaccinated.
- The Animal Foundation – The Animal Foundation is the biggest animal shelter in the Las Vegas area. Check their database for a list of adoptable animals, including those with special needs.
Scottish Fold Munchkins are not always available but check their pages once in a while for an updated list of adoptable felines.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do Scottish Fold Munchkin Cats Like to Cuddle?
Scottish Fold Munchkins love cuddles and hugs. They are considered lap cats but wouldn’t sit on any human’s lap. They establish strong bonds with their caregivers and at times, favor a single individual.
Are Scottish Fold Munchkin Cats High Maintenance?
These cats are high maintenance pets that require thorough care beyond grooming and feeding. As a Scottish Fold Munchkin owner, you must be alert to the early signs of many health issues, specifically ear infection and arthritis.
Do Scottish Fold Munchkin Cats Meow a Lot?
Scottish Fold Munchkins don’t meow a lot. They meow when they are hungry, but in general, they are quiet animals who sleep several hours a day.
Do Scottish Fold Munchkin Cats Shed?
Scottish Fold Munchkins shed all-year-round just like any other breeds.
Final Thoughts: Is the Scottish Fold Munchkin Cats the Right Pet for You?
Scottish Fold Munchkins deserve owners who are willing to go the extra mile for them. If you think this cat perfectly suits your lifestyle and budget, there is no reason not to get one!
Coordinate with a trustworthy breeding facility that is well recommended by experienced cat owners.