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The Munchkin is one of those breeds that anyone will notice – these cats are very small, and have extremely short legs, which is caused by a genetic mutation.
The Sphynx is another extraordinary breed, known for its outgoing and entertaining nature, but mostly for being hairless.
What does the hybrid of these two cats look like? What to expect from its temperament and behavior? Is it hard to find a Munchkin Sphynx cat?
The Munchkin Sphynx cat is also known under the name Bambino. Let’s learn a bit more about this mixed cat.
Munchkin Sphynx Cat Overview
| Weight | 6-12 pounds |
| Height | 5-10 inches |
| Coat type | Hairless or short |
| Coat colors | Various colors and patterns |
| Temperament | Friendly, entertaining, active |
| Health problems | Osteoarthritis, spinal problems, skin issues, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
Munchkin Sphynx Cat Appearance
The Sphynx breed typically weighs between 6 to 12 pounds on average and stands at a height of 8 to 10 inches. In contrast, the Munchkin cat is smaller, with an average weight ranging from 6 to 9 pounds and a height between 5 to 7 inches.
So, their hybrid can weigh anywhere from 6 to 12 pounds, and it will be 5 to inches tall.
The Sphynx is a hairless cat breed that can have a solid coat in colors like black, brown, white, or red, for example, or it can have a coat pattern, such as calico, bicolor, tabby, or tortoiseshell.
On the other hand, the Munchkin cat can also be hairless, or have a short or even long coat. A short-haired Munchkin has a plush coat, while a long-haired one has smooth, silky fur.
Will a Bambino cat also be hairless? It might be, or it could have a rather short fur. It can also come in different colors, while many of them will have shades of black or cream.
The video below shows one of these amazing kittens.
A trait that all these kittens inherit from their Munchkin parent is extra short legs. The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare explains that this happens due to a genetic mutation that prevents these cats’ limb bones from growing normally.
Munchkin Sphynx Cat Temperament And Behavior
A Munchkin might be a small feline, but has an outstanding personality, just like her larger counterparts!
This cat is active, outgoing, funny, and intelligent. It loves to play with its humans, and will entertain you all day long. A Munchkin gets along well with other pets, so it's a good idea to provide this cat with some company to help burn off its immense energy!
Munchkin cats are also very intelligent, social, and affectionate. They love to follow their owners around.
The Sphynx breed is known for its entertaining, playful, and friendly personality.
They are also very intelligent and sociable, and tend to get on well with other pets. Although these cats will usually enjoy getting cuddles from their owners, they might not appreciate you picking and carrying them around.
A Spyhnx demands a lot of attention. If this cat doesn’t get all the stimulation it needs, it might become mischievous, and even show destructive behavior.
Just like both of its parents, the Bambino cat will also be friendly, smart, and entertaining.
If you’re looking for a playful kitten that makes a great family pet, you can’t go wrong with this mixed cat!
Munchkin Sphynx Cat Health And Lifespan
Unfortunately, the Bambino cat is prone to various health problems, just like both of its parent breeds.
Due to the genetic mutation causing their legs to be short, Munchkin cats are prone to health conditions, such as Osteoarthritis, spinal problems, and Pectus excavatum.
According to Hun-Young Yoon and his associates [1], Pectus excavatum is an uncommon congenital anomaly of a cat’s chest wall, characterized by the dorsal deviation of the caudal sternum and associated costal cartilages.
Due to their specific coat, Sphynx cats are prone to skin problems and sunburn. This is why it’s best to keep these cats (and their mixes as well!) indoors.
Furthermore, some other recognized health problems in this breed are ear infections, periodontal disease, and Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which the Cornell Feline Health Center describes as a condition causing the muscular walls of a cat’s heart to thicken.
Sphynx usually lives 8 to 14 years, while Munchkins have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
So, a Bambino cat can inherit any of the previously mentioned conditions from its parents. This is why it’s very important you take this kitten for regular check-ups.
This is a relatively new hybrid, making it challenging to predict their lifespan exactly. However, considering its parent breeds' life expectancy, we can estimate that a Munchkin Sphynx cat could live 10 to 15 years.
What Is The Cost For A Munchkin Sphynx Cat?
The Sphynx isn’t a cheap cat – their average price goes from $1,500 to $4,500. If the breeder offers a Sphynx of champion bloodlines, they might price him as much as $10,000!
Munchkin cats are cheaper, with an average price of around $500 to $1,500. What can you expect from a Munchkin Sphynx’ cost?
These designer cats might cost between $1,800 to $3,000.
An important thing to understand here is that these cats are still quite rare. So, you might not so easily find a breeder that has Bambino cats, or you’ll need to apply for a waiting list.
Just make sure you do your research well, since many backyard breeders might want to take advantage of people looking for unusual designer breeds.
A reputable breeder will provide you with the kitten's health records, as well as those of its parents.
Final Words
Is the Munchkin Sphynx cat the right cat for you?
Without any doubt, this is a special hybrid that any cat fancier will certainly notice for their distinctive coats and short legs.
Bambino cats are also intelligent, funny, and friendly, just like both of their parents. They are smart and you might teach them many tricks.
They also tend to get on well with children and other pets, meaning that they really make a wonderful companion.
But, it’s important to understand that these are highly active and energetic cats that require constant attention, and a lot of mental and physical stimulation.
So, this mix probably isn’t the best choice for people who spend a lot of time away from home.
Of course, you should also be aware of all potential health conditions these hybrids might inherit from their parent breeds.
We hope that these described characteristics are enough for you to evaluate whether a Bambino cat is a good choice for you. If it is, we also hope you won't have to wait long to find one!
References:
[1] Yoon HY, Mann FA, Jeong SW. Surgical correction of pectus excavatum in two cats. J Vet Sci. 2008 Sep;9(3):335-7. DOI, Retrieved July 20, 2023.
