Small cat breeds are taking over the internet — with munchkin cats and teacup cats leading the way — but that’s not to say it doesn’t come without controversy. Some owners are enamored by their adorable looks and unique appearance, while others question the ethics associated with small cat breeds.
No matter what end of that spectrum you’re on, it’s important to do your own research and educate yourself on these rare breeds.
So, let’s see what all the hype is about, and find out the difference between teacup cats and munchkin cats!
What is a Munchkin Cat?
Munchkin cats are a type of dwarf cat known for their short legs, yet otherwise normal-sized build.
This genetic mutation — known as disproportionate dwarfism (chondrodysplasia) — prevents normal bone growth in the limbs, while the body and head are unaffected.
Since the trait comes from a dominant gene, only one copy is needed for the short-legged phenotype to be expressed. Embryos with two copies of the gene will die before birth.
Munchkin cats are often considered the dachshunds and corgis of the feline universe.
Their legs are around three inches shorter than a normal-sized cat, but they still weigh 6-9 pounds and live anywhere from 12 to 15 human years — which falls in line with most cat breeds today.
What Are Munchkin Cats Like?
Munchkin cats might have shorter legs, but they come with no shortage of personality.
Just ask Dawn Lott, who not only serves as a board member for The International Cat Association (TICA) but has also spent the past two decades breeding and showing Munchkin cats.
“Munchkins are playful and kitten-like the majority of their lives,” Lott says, per PetMD. They love attention – much like their canine companions — and are known to follow their parents around the house.
“[They] love to play with just about anything,” she continues, “[and] are also known as thieves, as they will steal things off counters or dressers, and play with it until it disappears.”
While some munchkin cats do struggle to run and jump, this isn’t always the case, and many munchkin cats can still live an active, playful lifestyle — despite their short legs.
Common Health Issues for Munchkin Cats
Limited mobility and chronic pain are two of the most common health issues linked to munchkin cats, but it’s only the beginning of what some munchkin cats experience in their life.
According to Paula Simons, DVM, an emergency and critical care resident at Cornell University Veterinary Specialists (CUVS), many munchkin cats are also predisposed to osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis, according to the FDA, is a chronic, progressive and degenerative joint disease characterized by inflammation, pain and the breakdown of cartilage and bone within the joints.
Munchkin cats are prone to congenital malformations, such as lordosis — which is characterized by an inward curvature of the spine in the lower back.
Pectus excavatum is also a concern, occurring when the last few ribs and sternum do not grow normally. This often causes compression of the heart and can lead to cardiac and/or respiratory issues.
What is a Teacup Cat?
Teacup cats are any type of cat that has been bred to be as small as possible.
Unlike munchkin cats, their legs are proportionate to the rest of their body and head. What makes teacup cats different is that they’re quite literally a miniature version of what the average cat looks like.
Where most cats weigh 8-12 pounds, teacup cats can weigh as little as three to seven pounds.
Their diminutive size usually results from one of two methods: 1) breeding the smallest cats of a litter together (runts) or 2) introducing dwarfism genes during the breeding process.
Not only that, but some premature kittens are marketed as “teacups” before they’ve reached their full growth potential.
Common Health Concerns for Teacup Cats
Like munchkin cats, many feline experts share concern for the health and well-being of teacup cats.
According to Katie Lisnik, director of cat protection and policy at The Humane Society of the United States, “something is not quite working in the body” of teacup cats.
“That’s one of our major concerns with breeding for purely physical attributes. It could lead to genetic disorders and health concerns,” she says, per PetMD
The appeal of these tiny companions is understandable — after all, they maintain kitten-like appearances throughout their lives. But their unique looks often come at a price.
With smaller bones, teacup cats are often prone to arthritis and injury. They’re also predisposed to respiratory issues, oral and dental diseases, and difficulty regulating body temperature.
It can also affect the cat’s behavior, leaving them unable to run, jump and explore as well as other cats.
Is Breeding Small Cats Considered Unethical?
Small cat breeds might be adorable, but many people question the ethics behind their existence.
For the most part, these concerns are centered on the potential suffering — such as pain, limited mobility and other issues — caused when breeders prioritize appearance over health and functionality.
On one hand, critics argue that normalizing genetic mutations that would otherwise be eliminated through natural selection sets a troubling precedent in the veterinary world.
On the other hand, supporters counter that munchkins and teacup cats adapt well to their limitations and show little-to-no signs of pain or distress when properly cared for.
This ongoing debate puts cat owners at odds over what to do with small cat breeds.
While purchasing these cats supports and encourages breeding practices that may compromise animal welfare, not giving these cats a loving home — regardless of how they are bred — can also be unethical.
Singapura Cat: The World’s Smallest Cat Breed
For those who want a small cat without the added guilt that often comes with munchkin and teacup cats, look no further than the Singapura cat — the world’s smallest cat breed.
According to The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Singapura cats were founded by American cat lovers Hal and Tommy Meadow, who brought several such cats from Singapore to the United States in the 1970s.
They typically weigh between 4-7 pounds at full maturity and are known for their large eyes and short, fine and ticked hair that’s shown in one color — sepia agouti (ivory with brown ticking).
Unlike many munchkin and teacup cats, Singapura cats are generally considered a healthy breed.
So, while it’s up to you to decide how you feel about small cat breeds, there are alternatives out there that still give you the benefit of having a small cat with a unique appearance.
