About Us...


M & Em Cattery was established in 2007 with a focus on breeding and promoting the beautiful and unique Napoleon and Munchkin breeds. Although it is a joint effort between two friends, the breeding program is headed by Mary Carmen. She has over a decade of extensive experience in breeding Persians and has since retired her Persian breeding stock. Mary has also operated a small, family-owned pet grooming shop in the Evansville area for over five years.

The Munchkin

The Munchkin is not necessarily a "new" breed, in the sense. Individuals with short legs have occurred as a spontaneous mutation in the general cat population and have been in common existence for many years. Only since the 1980's did breeders start programs to specifically achieve the short legs. Don't let those little legs fool you either — they do not hinder the cat in any fashion; these cats can run, jump, and play with the best of them!

In the U.K. in the 1940s, a veterinarian described several generations of short-legged cats. Although this line disappeared during World War II, in 1953 a short-legged cat was seen in Stalingrad. However it wasn't until 1983, when a short-legged cat (later named Blackberry) was discovered by Sandra Hochenedel in Louisiana that today's Munchkin breed was born. Blackberry's first and subsequent litters consisted of about half short-legged and half long-legged kittens. A son from one of Blackberry's litters, Toulouse, was given to Kay LaFrance, a friend of Hochenedel. It is from Blackberry and Toulouse that today's Munchkin breed is descended.

Munchkins are sometimes described as "ferret-like" in their playfulness, as they run, chase, and play with toys. They also have an endearing way of sitting up, rabbit-like, on their hind legs, a trait which gave the Stalingrad cat the name of "Stalingrad Kangaroo Cat." Because Munchkins may be bred to a wide number of breeds, an individual cat's personality will depend on its inheritance. All-in-all, however, they have been described as loving, sociable, and playful by enthusiasts of the breed.

 

The Persian

The Persian is one of the oldest and most beautiful breeds of cat. Persians, with their long flowing coats and open pansy-like faces are the number one breed in popularity. Their sweet, gentle personalities blend into most households once they feel secure in their new environment. Creatures of habit, they are most at home in an atmosphere of security and serenity, but with love and reassurance, can easily adapt to the most boisterous of households. Their quiet, melodious voices are pleasant and non-abrasive. They communicate delightfully with their large expressive eyes and make charming pets for all ages.

Persians have heavily-boned legs to support their broad, cobby bodies. They like to have their feet firmly planted and are not given to high jumping and climbing. Playful but never demanding, they love to pose and will drape themselves in a favorite window or chair, enhancing the decor in much the same way as a treasured painting. Persians are tremendously responsive and become a constant source of joy and delight to their owners. Pleasurable as an unexpected sunbeam, their companionship is close and enduring.

Their long flowing coats require an indoor, protected environment. Proper maintenance requires a daily run-through with a metal comb to eliminate the potential drawbacks of tangles and matting. An occasional bath, attempted only after a complete comb-through and clipping of the nail tips, will keep the coat clean, healthy and beautiful. It is wise to establish the routine of the bath when they are young. While the white Persian has long been the darling of photographers and advertisers, Persians come in an astonishing number of colors, which are divided into seven color divisions for purposes of competition.

 

The Napoleon

Other than the original breeds of cats, there are also the hybrid cats that are quite new in the domain of this species. Among these newly hybrid cats, Napoleon cats have become interestingly famous. These are mainly short-legged cats that have come into existence very recently. The breed was originally "created" and founded by Joseph Smith in 1996. It is a new and exciting hybrid that is currently being registered with The International Cat Association (TICA), the second largest registry of cats in North America. The Napoleon cat is a combination of Munchkin and Exotic Persian cats especially of the Himalayan breeds. As per the mutation of two cross breeds, Napoleons bear features of both its contributing parents. The cat, in fact, looks interesting, having certain unique features of its own.

Napoleons are robust and comparatively strong cats. They have heavy bones and short legs, which are caused by a spontaneous autosomal dominant mutation which occurs in the Munchkin breed. Contrary to belief, their diminutive legs do not hamper their mobility or survival. Also, it is important to remember that a gene causes their most distinctive feature and it may not occur in every kitten. Napoleons with long legs are referred to as "Nonstandard", where as those with short legs are referred to as "Standard". The only difference between the two is the length of their legs and they both still make wonderful companions.

Although they are a hybrid between Persians and Munchkins, the ideal Napoleon should not resemble a short Persian nor a heavily coated Munchkin. The Napoleon maintains it's own uniqueness with the combined traits of boning, shortness of leg, density of coat and expression comprised of a round head, eyes and muzzle blending without break into a broad, rounded dome. The Napoleon should be balanced physically and temperamentally.

What pleases Napoleon owners most about their cats is their pleasant and friendly character. Not only do they resemble their parents in their physical traits, they take a lot from them in terms of temperament and demeanor. They have a fine combination of both the Persian and Munchkins. They are highly affectionate and remain in a sort of permanent "kittenhood". Most of them, like their fellow cats, are playful and fun-loving. In fact, they are one of the loveliest breeds of cats due to their jovial nature. If trained properly, they can learn many things quickly and can perform great service to their owners. With their soft and sweet look, they can easily win the hearts of even those who are not natural cat lovers.

 

MARY CARMEN & EMILY BRIAN | EVANSVILLE, INDIANA 47711 | 812.499.8251