"Munchkin cats are gaining in popularity, but is breeding these cats cruel?" "The cat debate in our household goes something like this: Me: We should definitely get a cat. Spouse: There will never be another Johnny (our last cat). Also, cats jump on the counter. Where we cook food. With litter box paws. No. It's a circular argument that doesn't really go anywhere, which was fine until we accidentally had the discussion at dinner with friends one night. "You know," said a friend with a glint of mischief in his eye, "you could always get a munchkin cat. They can't jump on counters because their legs are too short." " So, can they really jump up on things? Frank http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/1123793/munchkin-cats
The local shelter has a lot of kittens at the moment. I keep debating on wether to get one. But, like your wife, i think of kitty litter and jumping on the counters. I may have to pass on getting a kitten.
@Patsy Faye You reminded me of an amazing thing I saw once, a few years ago. A woman walking towards us, in a crowded place, probably a casino, was carrying her cat in her arms........loving cats, I approached a bit closer, to just have a look. The cat was not alive, but had been evidently preserved by a taxidermist to look natural and alive! Strange things, folks do! Frank
Frank there again, if it looked life like, why not ............ I may consider this .................
That is strange. One day at work I was crossing the parking lot at lunch time going to my car. I spotted this well maintained sixties vintage car and the windows were all down. Though being well kept it looked kind of creepy and I thought the person that owned it was taking a chance leaving the windows down like that. Then I spotted a dog in the car so I thought, well that's why the windows are down, the dog needs air and will protect it. As I got closer I realized it was a taxidermied (spelling) boxer dog. That really creeped me out.
I've also had cats that didn't jump on counters, some have tried but some never even bothered. I would never let a cat up where I'm cooking or eating. I did sleep with some of my cats though. I don't sleep with my dog, he's in my room but has never been allowed in bed with me. I'd have to change sheets every day and I'm not a going to do that, plus he'd keep me awake...does it enough by just being in the same room as I am.
My daughter's step mother in law has 2 rag dolls and I've seen pics of them on Facebook on counters. She loves those cats too, my daughter was tempted to get one. They aren't cheap though, I think about $1,000 for one if I remember correctly.
Our last two cats were easily trained not to jump up on furniture, or countertops and such. Strangely, during her final days, experiencing kidney failure, our little cat Honey made her way up onto the antiques cabinet, pretty high up, maybe five feet, with glassware atop of it; she did not move or disturb a single piece!
My cats were better trained than Pickles about jumping. They say Dachshunds shouldn't even jump up on a sofa Because of having back problems later since their back is so long. But he always has, thankfully the sofa or recliner is the highest he can jump. He wouldn't be able to jump on my bed ...it's so high. I can barely get on.
My tabby is terrible about going on the counters. She is over five and still gets into everything. I'm just careful about putting something clean down when I prepare food. Some cats are better behaved than others.
My uncle had a munchkin or midget cat that never got past the size of a kitten. He didn't buy it that way, it ws just some kind of genetic anonamoly. My cat is not particularly well behaved, but I like anyway! He is a normal sized cat by the way. He is affectionate and sweet like a baby.