Munchkins are prone to a congenital (present from birth) malformation called lordosis, an inward curvature of the spine in the lower back, says Simons. These kitties like just about everyone they meet and will happily hop into a newcomer's lap. The Munchkin cat is a fun-loving cat who enjoys interacting with kids, other cats, and even dogs. The munchkin breed arose from a genetic mutation. Stay on top of dog food recalls here >, Have a question? Comb short-haired Munchkins once a week. Cats with this condition, known as mollusks, show signs of disorganization and behavior as if they were other cats. The Cat World Designer Cat ("Anti-munchkin") Debate There are cats who live for up to 15 years, but some older ones have health issues that shorten their life span. But do Munchkin cats have more health issues than other cat breeds? The Munchkin Cat: A New Breed Of Cat With Short Legs If you want to see a short-legged cat, go and watch a cartoon. It is important to comb them on a regular basis to remove loose hair and prevent mats and tangles. Munchkins love to play with just about anything, Lott says. When paired with their average-size bodies (they generally weigh 69 pounds), this gives this dwarf cat a unique look, and their affectionate personalities are the cherry on top. Pectus excavatum is a deformity of the cartilage of the sternum and ribs. This then allows the spine to 'collapse slightly' and curve into the body. They have an average lifespan of 12-15 years . Shes always had a cat in her home and has spent countless days with others, observing behaviors and softening up even the grouchiest of the lot. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Let us know in the comments below! Munchkin cats are a medium-sized breed of cat known for their characteristically short legs and long body. [26][27][28], The genetic mutation causing the short-legged trait in Munchkins is referred to as achondroplasia,[16][29] the genetic disorder that results in dwarfism and is typically associated with an enlarged head as well as short legs but can also involve symptoms that include undersized jaw, thick-looking joints, curved spine, and a bow-legged or knock knee posture. If you think your cat may be experiencing uremia, contact your vet right away. They may have short or long hair, and they come in every color imaginable. The typical adult body length among individuals of this breed. Breeds with higher grooming scores require more maintenance like brushing and bathing, while lower-scored breeds are virtually maintenance-free. Breeds with a higher rating in this area tend to be gentle and patient, while lower-rated breeds may feel uncomfortable with children. Because they are sociable and loving, they are excellent pets for families. Less commonly, your vet may even recommend surgery. There is no definitive answer to this question. In experiencing a decrease in spinal mobility, many of these cats lack the ability to properly groom themselves, leading to poor coat and skin health. Over time, the cat will experience a progressive loss of visual acuity until blindness sets in. You may notice your cat struggling to get around in low light or becoming less active at night. If your Munchkin has a short coat, then you'll want to brush them just once or twice per week to remove any loose hair. The short legs of the Munchkin cat come from a dominant genetic mutation. They are also expensive, and both breeders and scammers have taken advantage of that fact. But is that ethical? Since only one parent has the mutation, the kittens can survive and be sold for a high price. Some people believe that the short legs of munchkin cats may cause them to have health problems later on in life, while others believe that the breed is perfectly healthy. They generally enjoy a snuggle session, but only if theyve had the opportunity to get some energy out first. Munchkin Cat Breed Profile | Purina Less-intelligent breeds are less trainable but often laid-back and easygoing. X-rays will be retaken with each follow-up visit as well. [16] The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy likewise refuses to recognize the breed, considering this breed and others like it to be "unacceptable" because they are based on an "abnormal structure or development". If you have a long-haired Munchkin cat, daily grooming is essential. If neurological signs (paralysis) are present, a myelography can be used to indicate with precision at which level the spinal cord is compressed. If it's very bad, then a kitten may well not survive. [5] The breed is also not recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association. While all Munchkins have limb deformities to some degree, some experience significant difficulties with mobility because of it. Your Munchkin cat might not need a super tall cat tree, but they need a few scratchers, particularly those that are close to the ground and within easy reach. How are mollusks manufactured? The symptoms listed can have many different causes, such as urinary stones, a urinary infection, or a urethral obstruction. [5] Breeding of Munchkin cats is prohibited by law in several countries due to these genetic health concerns. Furthermore, Munchkin cats are estimated to have a lifespan of around 12 . [2] The Munchkin is considered to be the original breed of dwarf cat. Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat: Everything You Need to Know Controversial Munchkin Cat Health Problems and - Kittentoob Allowing, Self-awareness in animals is often seen as a sign of intelligence, and it is something that scientists have looked at, https://www.ufaw.org.uk/cats/munchkin-limb-deformity, https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-are-the-health-and-welfare-issues-associated-with-exaggerated-physical-features-in-cats/, https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/ivdd-in-cats/#:~:text=IVDD%20happens%20when%20discs%20become,out%20of%20a%20high%20window, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_spinal_malformations, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1098612X13514975?journalCode=jfma. The Munchkin Cat Breed: Everything You Need To Know - Catinformer.com Munchkin - Animal Corner 3 Ways to Identify a Munchkin Cat - wikiHow Pet Punnett squares, in which the M represents the dominant munchkin gene and the m represents the recessive normal gene, may be used to illustrate the chances of a particular mating resulting in a short-legged cat. Because they are frequently discarded or abandoned, the munchkin cat population has grown steadily. This cat, later named Blackberry, was pregnant and gave birth to a litter that included some kittens with short legs. Merrikins can live for up to 12-15 years on average if properly cared for. She describes the friendly breed as attention-seeking and dog-like, adding, They may follow you around the house a lot. She recommends that pet parents with Munchkins have other animals at home that can keep their cat company 24/7. Mild causes of pectus excavatum may show no clinical signs, whereas severe cases lead to cardiac and respiratory issues. In severe cases of lordosis, a highly specialized and risky surgery can be performed to correct the spinal deformity or to increase space within the chest. These cats can have long or short hair coats that can be any color. This causes the breastbone to sink in. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? In mild cases, IVDD is often successfully managed with pain medications, physical therapy, and steroids, although it can continue to worsen over time. Breeders are quick to point out thatthese conditions can also occur in normal-sized cats, but vets have found a correlation between the genetic mutation and these health problems. Read more here. To compensate for a genetic mutation, the Munchkin breed was born with abnormally short legs. How much your Munchkin eats will depend on her weight, lifestyle, health, and other factors. The Munchkin is a highly social cat that enjoys being around people. These short and thick legs are caused by a genetic mutation that reduces their height and width. Persian Munchkin Cat Mix (Napoleon or Minuet): Info, Pictures - Hepper Is breeding these cats cruel or harmless? Some worry that short legs limit Munchkin cats mobility, which is especially important for felines. The term pectus excavatum literally means hollow breast in Latin. The cost of a reputable kitten from a reputable breeder can range from $700 to $1,100, depending on a variety of factors. There is no treatment for osteoarthritis, but it can typically be managed to a degree with treatment modalities like pain medications, physical therapy, and low-impact exercise. These adorable cats can live for up to 15 years so make sure you research the cat breed that best fits your lifestyle because it will not be a short-term commitment. To identify a munchkin cat, look for short front legs with slightly taller back legs and a long body. Others believe that munchkin cats are not cruelly treated because they are not in pain and they appear to be happy and healthy. Kittens bearing two copies of the munchkin gene (MM) will not develop in the womb. Munchkin cats are known for their short legs and playful personalities. History and Characteristics of Munchkin Kittens - LoveToKnow Michael & Christine, Diva Kits did scam me out of a lot of money. They are also still prone to developing the same health issues as other cat breeds, so its important to keep a close eye on your Munchkins health to ensure they stay happy and healthy for years to come. Lordosis may be mild or severe, and if it's bad enough, the kitten won't live past three months of age. Over time, the breakdown of the joint cartilage can also lead to abnormal bone growth around the joint and a thickening of the joint capsule. The truth is, they are 100% feline, with magnetic personalities, a strong play drive, and an intense love of cuddling. If they do not physically express the Munchkin gene, they do not carry it. [9], The Munchkin cat was first introduced to the general public in 1991 via a national network televised cat show held by The International Cat Association (TICA) in Davis Oklahoma. The munchkin gene is an autosomal dominant one. The Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat is a unique and charming breed of cat that combines the features of two beloved breeds of catsthe Scottish Fold and the Munchkin. They make ideal family pets and are all-around good natured. These are energetic cats that tend to get along with all members of the family, both humans and other pets. Solid colors, tabbies, harlequins, and pointed varieties are a few examples. Some breeders believe Lordosis in Munchkin cats results from the defective gene causing the short legs. Breeders also like to point out thatbreeding cats with a genetic mutation that causes short legs is no different than breeding short-legged dogs like Corgis or Dachshunds. If the condition is severe and untreatable, euthanasia should be considered. Can I be notified when one comes available? Because a Munchkin is a short-legd cat, it can be bred with other cat breeds to create a new variety of munchkin. What do you think? [25], It is not fully known how the mutation impacts the health of the breed. If youre looking for a munchkin cat for sale, you may have some luck finding one at a local pet store or through a breeder. Critics claimed that these cats can suffer from back and hip problems similar to those experienced by short-legged dog breeds. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Munchkin cats are also susceptible to pectus excavatum, or a concave chest. Scottish Fold Munchkin Mix Cat Breed Info: Pictures, Temperament In addition to their official names, most breeds earn a few nicknames. Lordosis is a spinal condition in which the spinal muscles grow too thin, giving a kitten the appearance of being short. She stands 5.25 inches (133mm) tall. 8 Common Munchkin Cat Health Problems | Hepper

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