Munchkin Ragdoll Cat: Complete Guide

The Munchkin Ragdoll Cat is a cute hybrid of the Ragdoll and the Munchkin cat breeds. These felines have the gentle personality of Ragdolls with the compact stature of Munchkins. In short, they make great feline companions for cat lovers. 

But that’s not all there is to the Ragdoll Munchkin Cats. If you’re planning on bringing one home, it’s smart to learn all that you can about the breed’s caretaking routine first.  

That’s where we can help. This comprehensive guide will discuss everything you need to know about the Ragdoll Munchkin Cat including their health issues, temperament, personality, grooming and exercise requirements, and dietary needs. Essentially, we’ll focus on all aspects of what caring for Munchkin Ragdolls requires. Keep reading to find out!

RECOMMENDED: Maine Coon Norwegian Forest Cat (Complete Guide)

Munchkin Ragdoll Cat: Breed overview

Munchkin Ragdoll cats are relatively new to the feline community. That is likely one of the reasons why this mixed breed hasn’t earned any other common names yet. Breeders can sometimes refer to this breed as the Munchkin Ragdoll Mix, but that’s about it. Below are some interesting facts about these felines for curious readers. 

Common NamesMunchkin Ragdoll Cat, Ragdoll Munchkin Mix
SizeMedium
Weight10-12 pounds
Height6-9 inches
Lifespan14-16 years
ColorsBrown, Black, Tabby, Calico, White, among others. 
Child FriendlinessHigh
Feline FriendlinessHigh
Training DifficultyMedium
Grooming UpkeepMedium to High
Breed HealthGood
Exercise NeedsMedium
Kitten Costs$600-$3,000
VOCALCATS.COM

What is a Ragdoll Munchkin Cat called?

A Ragdoll Munchkin Cat can be called Munchkin Ragdoll, Ragdoll Munchkin Mix, Munchkin Cat Ragdoll, or Ragdoll Cat Munchkin.

What is a Munchkin Ragdoll Cat?

A Munchkin Ragdoll cat (or a Ragdoll Munchkin Mix) results from crossbreeding a Ragdoll with a Munchkin cat. These felines are relatively new to the cat breeding community and are somewhat controversial. 

That’s because some breeders are are not supportive of mixing other breeds with Munchkins due to the dangers of combining genetic health illnesses. For instance, the short legs of Munchkins are the result of a genetic mutation and there is always a chance a mix-breed cat can be born with genetic conditions from both parents.

When it comes to the Munchkin Ragdoll Mix’s personality, these felines are playful and docile. They also make excellent companion pets.

Ragdoll Munchkin Cats have the hallmark stumpy legs of the Munchkin breed, along with the silky longhair coat of the Ragdolls. These fuzzy companions come in multiple coat colors and are also available in shorthair varieties. 

Ragdoll Munchkin Cat parent breeds

The Ragdoll x Munchkin Cat is a mixture of Munchkin and Ragdoll breeds. Here are some facts about the parent breeds of the Ragdoll Munchkin Cat.

Munchkin cats have been around since the 1980s. This breed got their name from their small size as well as from the ‘munchkins’ in The Wizard of Oz because of their short legs. Munchkin cats are sometimes called ‘sausage cats’ because of their long bodies. These felines are social and high-energy. 

Munchkins are somewhat controversial compared to other cat breeds. Although they have received recognition from The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1994, organizations like the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) have yet to follow suit. 

Conversely, Ragdolls are recognized by both the CFA and TICA. The Ragdoll breed has specific standards and guidelines for cat owners to follow if they want to register their felines with the CFA and TICA.

Ragdoll cats were introduced to the cat community in the 1960s. They are well-recognized for their famous point coloration pattern and sparkling trademark blue eyes

Ragdoll cats are large-sized felines with silky, moderate to longhaired coats. They also have plushy tails and can weigh up to 20 pounds as adults. This breed is known for its gentle personality and low-energy drive. 

Let’s take a look at each of these cat’s history next.

Munchkin Cat history

Munchkin Ragdoll
Munchkin history

As stated earlier, Munchkins made their appearance on the world cat stage in the 1980s. A music teacher in Louisiana by the name of Sandra Hochenedel found a stray female cat and found out the cat was pregnant. She named her Blackberry.

When Blackberry gave birth to a litter of kittens, Sandra found out that there were three to four kittens with unusually short or dwarf legs. One of the kittens in the litter was later adopted by Kay LaFrance, a friend of Sandra Hochenedel.

This particular kitten was named Toulouse. Both Blackberry (the mother of Toulouse) and Toulouse are founding cats of the Munchkin breed.

A decade later in 1991, two residents of Massachusetts, Robert and Laurie Bobskill suggested using Munchkin as a new experimental cat breed. They proposed this cat breed to TICA.

It wasn’t until 2003 when the TICA registry fully recognized this breed. After that, Munchkins became quite popular among feline enthusiasts.

Ragdoll history

Ragdoll Munchkin
Ragdoll Cat history

California resident Ann Baker bred the very first Ragdoll cat during the 1960s. Ann Baker crossbred a white-colored Angora with Burmese and Birman felines. The resulting litter had sturdy cats with soft fur and blue eyes. 

The cats were called Ragdolls because they would flop and leave their bodies loose when picked up.

Much like Munchkins, Ragdolls were only recognized by cat registries after a period of time. It took the breed at least a decade to be recognized by TICA. In 1993, the CFA recognized the Ragdoll breed but placed them in the miscellaneous class.

It’s important to note that Ragdolls have earned their championship status with all cat associations except for the CFA. That’s because mitted patterns and color points can not be shown.

READ ALSO: Persian Ragdoll Cat (Complete Guide)

Are Munchkin Ragdoll Cat recognized by cat registries?

Currently, Munchkin Ragdoll Cats are not recognized by any cat registries. The Ragdoll Munchkin is a pretty new crossbreed compared to others. However, this shouldn’t dishearten fans of the Munchkin Ragdoll mixed breed.

These cats are only just starting to gain popularity worldwide amongst cat lovers. 

Are Munchkin Ragdoll Cat rare?

Yes, Munchkin Ragdoll Cats are rare. These felines are the result of crossbreeding Ragdolls and Munchkins and since Munchkins are somewhat controversial, they are not easily available. 

Additionally, since the Ragdoll Munchkin Mix is a slightly recent addition, the breed’s popularity is only just picking up. That means there’s just not enough demand yet for the Munchkin Ragdoll breed for breeders to take notice. 

Munchkin Ragdoll physical appearance

Ragdoll Munchkin Cats inherit their physical appearance and temperament from both the Munchkin and Ragdoll breeds. These cats have slightly large heads with short limbs (thanks to the Munchkin mutation). Their faces take after the Ragdoll breed with oval-shaped eyes and medium-sized ears. 

Munchkin Ragdolls have a luxuriant coat of medium to long-length hair. They are available in multiple patterns and colors. These include white, calico, tabby, brown, and black.

READ NEXT: White Ragdoll Cat (Complete Guide)

Many Ragdoll Munchkin Cat will inherit the signature blue eyes from their Ragdoll parent. Nonetheless, a Munchkin Ragdoll can also have amber or green eyes. 

If you’re curious about the size of the Ragdoll Munchkin Mix, you’ll be happy to learn that Munchkin Ragdolls qualify as medium-sized cats. Due to their mixed genes, they aren’t as large as the Ragdoll breed or as small as the Munchkin breed. They fall squarely in the mid-sized category.

Since Ragdoll Munchkin Cats have short legs and long bodies, it’s best that they avoid being overweight or obese. That’s because being overweight can put extra and unnecessary pressure on their joints, which can lead to arthritis.

Ragdoll Munchkin size, height, and weight

It’s important to understand and know how big you can expect your Munchkin Ragdoll Cat to be before you bring him home. Prospective feline owners often overlook space considerations. 

If you want your kitty to be happy in your home, it is essential to ensure enough room for him to roam around freely.

We’ve compiled a Ragdoll Munchkin breed size chart below for your convenience.

Height Weight Length
Male7-9 inches10-12 pounds12-14 inches
Female6-9 inches9-11 pounds11-13 inches
VOCALCATS.COM

Ragdoll teacup Munchkin Cat

Teacup cats are bred to be very small in size. According to experts, most adult cats weigh between 9 and 11 pounds. But teacup cats are about two-thirds the size of regular cats, meaning they can weigh about 5 to 6 pounds as adults.

It is possible that some breeders may advertise the Ragdoll Munchkins as a Ragdoll teacup Munchkin Cat, but we have yet to see any reports of such a mixture by actual owners. 

That’s likely because Munchkins are controversial due to their short limbs, and breeding them to become smaller would raise several health concerns, such as genetic disorders and other sensitivities. It’s not something reputable breeders would like to promote. 

Ragdoll Munchkin Cats temperament and personality

The temperament and personality of Ragdoll Munchkin Cats matches both their parent breeds. These felines are playful without being destructive. They are also gentle, but not entirely low-energy.

If you’re living in an apartment, condo, or a home and are looking for a feline companion, then the Ragdoll Munchkin Cats may be the perfect fuzzy friend for you.

Do Ragdoll Munchkin Mix make great family pets?  

Yes, the Ragdoll Munchkin Mix is ideal for families with children and pets. These felines are not aggressive so your young kids or babies should be safe with them without being scratched or bitten. However, we still recommend that you keep a close eye on your Ragdoll Munchkin Mix when he is interacting with your young kids.

READ ALSO: Do Ragdoll Cats Scratch Furniture?

Besides that, Munchkin Ragdoll cats aren’t very territorial or temperamental. They do well with other pets and don’t get into fights

Munchkin Ragdoll Mix training

All felines can be trained to some extent. For instance, cats have a natural instinct to cover their feces, which is why most are easily housetrained.

The Munchkin Ragdoll Mix isn’t any different in this regard. Once you bring your Munchkin Ragdoll kitten home, you can train him to use the litter by taking him to the litter box after every meal. 

After the basic training, your Munchkin Ragdoll Mix can start advanced training including leash training so they can start walking outside on a leash.

It’s important to note that Ragdoll Munchkin Cats should be trained with patience, love, consistency, and perseverance. Feline owners will need to invest in clickers and high-quality cat treats to successfully train their fluffy companions.

It’s also imperative to only use positive reinforcement to train your fuzzy family members. Never raise your voice or use any physical violence. This will only make your kitties afraid of you and associate the act with negative memories and experience.

Munchkin Cat Ragdoll exercise requirement

If you’re wondering what the Munchkin Cat Ragdoll exercise regimen requires, you’ll be happy to know these they only require about 15 minutes of daily exercise.

Ragdoll Munchkin Cats are medium-sized cats and they are also known to be medium-energy pets. 

As a cat parent, you’ll need to spend 15 minutes every day playing with your feline to keep him fit, trim, and energetic. Experts recommend breaking up the exercise routine into small segments (5 minutes) to help keep your kitties interested and engaged.

It’s also an excellent way to ensure you don’t overwork your cat’s delicate joints, which is a major health concern for felines with short limbs. 

Ragdoll Cat Munchkin grooming and cleaning 

Fortunately, the Ragdoll Cat Munchkin grooming and cleaning routine isn’t too taxing for cat parents. These felines are available in both short and long-haired varieties, which means the amount of time spent brushing their coat can vary. 

Generally, it’s best to brush long-haired cats for up to 15 minutes twice a week. Short-haired varieties don’t require as much brushing and can get by with 5 minutes of grooming twice a week.

Here are other pertinent details you’ll want to know with regards to the Ragdoll Munchkin’s grooming requirements. 

Grooming TechniqueFrequency
Hair Brushing 2x a week.
BathingOnce every 4-6 weeks.
Nail TrimmingEvery 2 weeks or as required. 
Teeth BrushingDental chews daily or brushing 3x a week.
Eye CareGently wipe once a day to remove crust or as required. 
Ear CareWipe outer ears as needed.
VOCALCATS.COM

Is Ragdoll Munchkin Cat hypoallergenic?

Although Ragdoll Munchkin Cats are more hypoallergenic than other feline species like Persian cats, they are not considered entirely hypoallergenic.

These felines are moderate shedders, meaning you’ll need to keep up with their grooming routine to reduce the amount of shedding. 

Long-haired Munchkin Ragdolls may shed slightly more than their shorthaired counterparts, but it is still not in the excessive category.

To manage the moderate shedding and ensure your home remains a comfortable haven for you and your feline friend, consider using an air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter.

These filters excel at capturing airborne particles like pet dander, fur, and other allergens as small as 0.3 microns, providing a marked improvement in air quality.

With a HEPA-filtered air purifier diligently working in your living space, you’ll find that allergies and cleaning concerns can be effectively addressed.

This allows you to enjoy the unique personality and charm of your long-haired Munchkin Ragdoll to the fullest.

RELATED: Are Ragdoll Cats Hypoallergenic?

Do Munchkin Ragdoll Cat shed?

Yes, Munchkin Ragdoll Cats shed, although their shedding is generally moderate.

Managing this shedding is vital for maintaining a clean home and a healthy living environment.

A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter is an excellent tool for tackling this challenge.

The HEPA filter captures minute particles like pet dander and fur, reducing allergens and keeping your home looking its best.

Regularly using a HEPA-filtered vacuum allows you to enjoy all the delightful quirks and affection that a Munchkin Ragdoll Cat brings into your life without mess or allergy concerns.

RELATED: Do Ragdoll Cats Shed? 7 Ways To Shed Less!

Munchkin Ragdoll food and diet

Munchkin Ragdolls do well on a protein-heavy diet. That means their food needs to have more meat-based ingredients. These cats can reach up to 9 to 12 pounds in adulthood and should not exceed this weight range. 

Remember, Munchkin Ragdolls have a mutation that results in short limbs. Overfeeding them can cause excess weight and puts pressure on their joints. This can lead to joint pain and arthritis which can affect your feline’s mobility. 

As always, we recommend that you consult with your veterinarian for the best diet that suits your feline family member. Doing so will allow your vet to recommend a diet (or cat food brands) that is ideal for your fuzzy friend’s health. 

For instance, if your feline is a little underweight, your veterinarian may prescribe wet food to adjust your cat’s weight accordingly. What matters is how healthy your cat is and his individual nutritional needs. 

Munchkin Ragdoll Cat common health issues

All animals are susceptible to illnesses as it’s a natural part of life. Munchkin Ragdoll cats are no different. Here are some of the common health issues the Munchkin Ragdoll Cat can face. 

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that results from cartilage deterioration. It can develop over time through normal wear and tear of the cartilage or can be related to a problem with a specific joint. 

Generally, cats with osteoarthritis may develop problems in the ankles, elbows, knees, or hips. This condition is more common in older cats, but younger Munchkins can get it due to their stumpy limbs.

Some signs and symptoms of the osteoarthritis in cats include changes in gait, lameness, and inactivity. 

Spinal Deformity

Ragdoll Munchkin Cats can be susceptible to lordosis (extreme inward curvature of the spine) due to their connection with the Munchkin breed. The condition involves the curving of the spine, resulting in pain or discomfort.

Advanced cases can also cause mobility issues in cats. Spinal deformities, like lordosis, are congenital and can generally be observed at birth.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease or FLUTD can cover a variety of diseases affecting a cat’s urinary system. These disorders include infections, inflammation, and urinary obstruction.

Symptoms of FLUTD can include difficulty urinating, excessive urination, crying while urinating, and blood in the urine. 

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy or HCM causes the muscle walls of a feline’s heart to thicken. Over time, this thickening can negatively affect the heart’s function and efficiency in pumping blood.

Signs and symptoms of HCM include rapid breathing, lethargy, loss of appetite, and fluid in the lungs. 

Feline Obesity

Obesity is a health concern for most felines, including the Ragdoll Munchkin breed. Becoming overweight is typically linked to overeating and not getting enough exercise throughout the day.

Overweight cats can also develop secondary health problems like diabetes and arthritis. 

Munchkin Ragdoll Cat lifespan

Both Munchkins and Ragdolls have similar lifespans. Munchkins have an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, whereas Ragdolls have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. Therefore, the lifespan of a Munchkin Ragdoll can be 14 to 16 years.

Nonetheless, cat owners should note that the average lifespan stats are generalized and don’t consider individual details such as quality of health or care.

If your kitties receive optimal care and a good-quality diet, then they may be able to live up to or beyond their stated life expectancy range. 

Ragdoll Munchkin Cat breeders

Acquiring a Munchkin Ragdoll from an ethical and reputable Ragdoll Munchkin Cat breeder is better than going to a pet shop.

That’s because responsible breeders are more meticulous about the genetic testing of kings and queens to ensure there are no genetic disorders passed down to kittens. 

Reputable breeders will also generally ensure that the kitten you receive has his initial vaccinations completed and is neutered or spayed. This makes the process of bringing home a new feline friend easier and gives owners more time to get used to looking after their feline. 

All ethical breeders will also have health guarantees and are not afraid to answer any question that you may have.

Munchkin Ragdoll kittens

If you’re thinking about bringing home your very first Munchkin Ragdoll kitten, it’s best to ensure the kitty is at least three months of age. Ragdoll Munchkin kittens younger than the three-month mark should not be separated from their mother or litter. Younger kittens need to drink their mother’s milk to build immunity and strength.

They also learn important skills such as grooming and socialization from their mother and littermates.

If you notice an unscrupulous breeder offering to sell a kitten that is younger than 12 weeks of age, it’s best to look for another Ragdoll Munchkin kitten breeder. 

Ragdoll Munchkin Cat price

Munchkin Ragdoll Cat price can vary based on the reputation of the breeder, the breeder’s location, the cat’s pedigree, as well as your location. Both Munchkins and Ragdolls can cost anywhere between $600 and $3,000 or more, depending on the breed’s popularity.

Therefore, you can also a Munchkin Ragdoll Mix to be around $600 to $3,000.

If you’re a little tight on the budget, a great option would be to either adopt or rescue one. Doing so will generally cost less than buying a kitten (or cat) directly from a breeder. 

Places to find Ragdoll Munchkin kittens for sale 

If you’re looking for Ragdoll Munchkin kittens for sale, we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled a list of Munchkin and Ragdoll breeders in the US.

As we’ve said earlier, Ragdoll Munchkin Cats are not easy to find. Therefore, it is best to contact a breeder of the parent breeds and ask them to point you in the right direction. 

Ragdoll Munchkin kittens for sale in Michigan

Mittenstar Ragdolls (mittenstarragdolls.com) is based in Lansing, Michigan. The cattery deals with purebred Ragdolls from heritage lines. They also genetically test all kings and queens to ensure the resulting litter is free of congenital concerns. 

Ragdoll Munchkin kittens for sale in Texas

Munchkin Land Cattery (munchkinlandkittens.com) located in downtown Houston, Texas specializes in breeding Munchkins as their name suggests. They only breed their queens twice a year to ensure their cats and kittens are well cared for and raised in a safe home environment to prepare them for their new homes. 

Finding a healthy Ragdoll Munchkin Cat for sale 

If your heart is set on acquiring an adult Munchkin Ragdoll Cat for sale, here are a few starting points to help you. The following breeders specialize in breeding Ragdolls and Munchkins and are likely a good source to help you find a Munchkin Ragdoll adult cat for you and your family. 

Littlebeans Munchkins

Founded in 2004 by Sara Mcconnell, Littlebeans Munchkins (Facebook: LittlebeansMunchkins) cattery is based in Beccaria, Pennsylvania. The cattery aims to provide its clientele with purebred Munchkin cats with optimal health. Their cats have even appeared on television programs and channels like Animal Planet. 

Floppy Floofs Ragdolls (floppyfloofsragdolls.com)

Another good source for finding a Ragdoll Munchkin Cat for sale is Floppy Floofs Ragdolls cattery in Minnesota. The cattery was founded in 2017 and is TICA-certified. They also provide older kittens (for potential sires or dams) between the price range of $800 to $1,200. 

Munchkin Ragdoll Cat Mix 

A Munchkin Ragdoll Cat Mix is a hybrid breed. As we’ve mentioned above, this mixed cat breed result from the cross-breeding of Ragdolls and Munchkins. They are available in various patterns and colors, like brown, black, and white.

ALSO READ: Chocolate Pointed Ragdoll (Complete Guide)

Here are some other crossbreeds that stem from the Munchkin Ragdoll Cat mix. 

Ragamuffin Ragdoll Munchkin Cat

A Ragamuffin Ragdoll Munchkin Cat is unique in the sense that one of his parents is generally a Ragamuffin Ragdoll or Ragdoll Munchkin crossbreed. However, this particular breed is tricky to encounter because both Munchkins and Ragdoll Munchkins aren’t readily available among breeders. 

Ragdoll Ragamuffin kittens for sale 

We’ve compiled a list of Ragamuffin, Ragdoll, and Munchkin breeders to help give you a head start on finding your very own Ragamuffin Ragdoll Munchkin Cat. 

Ragdoll And Ragamuffin Kittens (ragdollandragamuffinkittens.com)

The Ragdoll and Ragamuffin Kittens cattery is based in Scottsdale, Arizona. The cattery has been in business for over 13 years and specializes in luxury Ragamuffin and Ragdolls cats and kittens. 

Darose Cattery (darosecattery.com)

Darose Cattery operates out of Oregon and specializes in Persians, Ragamuffins, Munchkins, Himalayan, and Minuet breeds. They are CFA and TICA-certified and provide only purebred and well-socialized kittens. 

Munchkin Ragdoll Cat: Pros and Cons 

Bringing home a fuzzy friend can be a little nerve-wracking for some pet parents. If you’re still not too sure about getting a Munchkin Ragdoll, here is a list of pros and cons to help you make that final decision.

Pros Cons 
Docile.Moderate shedder.
Playful.Difficult to acquire (rare).
Good with other pets in the house.High initial costs.
Good with kids.Must be kept indoors.
Loving.Must be kept from high surfaces.
Likes cuddling with humans.Prone to certain illnesses.
VOCALCATS.COM

Is the Munchkin Ragdoll Cat right for me?

Munchkin Ragdolls are a lot like Ragdolls when it comes to their temperament. These felines are low maintenance and do not require much looking after. However, Ragdoll Munchkin Cats do have their own specific needs. They can’t be allowed outside of the house or on high surfaces, meaning owners have to be vigilant.

Finally, this hybrid breed isn’t easy to locate. Not many breeders are involved in breeding the Munchkin Ragdoll Cat Mix. But, if you’re prepared to wait and look after a Ragdoll Munchkin the way he needs to be cared for, you should definitely go for it. 

Related Questions

Is it Possible to get a Ragdoll Munchkin Cat?

Ragdoll Munchkin Cats are rare in the cat community. The crossbreed has only recently started garnering popularity. Without prior demand, not many breeders have the unique hybrid breed. Nonetheless, it’s possible to contact the breeders dealing with Ragdolls or Munchkin breeds and ask if they’re willing to help with the endeavor. You can also ask breeders specializing in the parent breeds about the best place to find a Ragdoll Munchkin Cat.

Can Munchkin Ragdoll Cats jump high?

Munchkin Ragdoll Cats have stumpy legs and generally reach only 6 to 9 inches in height. That means the Munchkin Ragdoll Cats can not jump very high. Also, Munchkin Ragdoll owners should be careful about letting these cats climb high surfaces as they can injure themselves when jumping down.

DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Resources:

https://cfa.org/ragdoll/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munchkin_cat