Theyre adorable, friendly, andas long as you dont mind the occasional stolen earring or baublea joy to live with. But for any Munchkins that develop the conditions below or experience limited mobility due to chronic pain, its especially important to keep an eye on their weight and body composition. The Munchkin is often a healthy, short-legged cat. [2] The Munchkin is considered to be the original breed of dwarf cat. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Cats.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. A higher rating in this area indicates a breed prone to plenty of meowing and other vocalizations, while less-vocal breeds are happy to stay quiet. Munchkin kittens, however, are vulnerable to lordosis, a rare spinal condition in which the spinal muscles grow short, allowing the spine to sink down into the body. They are a cute cat that can be a great pet. How are mollusks manufactured? Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, well receive a percentage of the proceeds. 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. An average lifespan of these animals is 12 to 14 years. [14] Katie Lisnik, director of cat protection and policy at the Humane Society of the United States, has said "Breeding animals for exaggerated physical characteristics, particularly when it compromises overall health, is irresponsible". The name isnt the only adorable thing about the Munchkin. These kitties don't know that their legs are far shorter than the average cat's; they simply enjoy life a little closer to the ground! Decreased mobility can also lead to difficulties with everyday activities, like jumping to and from surfaces and playing. 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. The Munchkin Cat Breed: Everything You Need To Know - Catinformer.com While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others. Munchkin cats come in three different heights: Standard, supershort, and rug hugger. [4], Many pedigree cat associations around the world have refused to recognize the Munchkin cat due to the welfare of the breed and severity of the health issues.[4]. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. 1. Congenital Heart Defect (Atrial Septal Defect) in Cats. On the other hand, vertebral malformations can be latent until the cat undergoes a growth spurt, sometimes not becoming apparent for several months. Miniature examples of the Munchkin breed can cost between $500 and $1500, but exhibition quality examples can cost up to $2000. A mogginer is typically a healthy breed with no diseases or conditions. The short legs of the Munchkin cat come from a dominant genetic mutation. 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. Since Munchkin cats love to play, it isn't at all difficult to encourage them to get enough exercise. Munchkin cats are also susceptible to pectus excavatum, or a concave chest. 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. Pectus Excavatum The term pectus excavatum literally means "hollow breast" in Latin. Widening the gene pool can reduce these problem. Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat: Everything You Need to Know Those short legs actually come from a genetic mutation, and some cat breeders intentionally breed this trait into their felines. To identify a munchkin cat, look for short front legs with slightly taller back legs and a long body. This breed has gained popularity and has become a buying trend in recent years among cat owners. Medicine often does not resolve neurological manifestations of spinal and vertebral malformations. Though they are purposefully bred due to their popularity, Munchkin cats occur naturally. Below, we will go over some of the most common health problems Munchkin cats develop. The Cat Fanciers Association, which does not recognize the Munchkin, considers the Bambino experimental and discourages the breed. Less commonly, your vet may even recommend surgery. 3 Ways to Identify a Munchkin Cat - wikiHow Pet [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. Muckenkin cats are at risk for spinal deformities, lordosis, and scoliosis. This disorder occurs when the thyroid gland begins to overproduce hormones, which can lead to weight loss, hair loss, greasy and unkempt coat, vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, and an increase in eating and drinking. This disease involves a combination of factors, like inflammation of the urinary tract and crystals in the urine. She had been abandoned outdoors, and had been chased under a pickup truck by a dog. Munchkin cats are not the only breed that suffers from the health conditions listed above, but in some cases, their abnormally short legs and long bodies may increase their risk of developing health problems down the road. [31], Munchkin cats are known to be at a higher risk (than other feline breeds) for severe osteoarthritis because the shorter limbs affect their activity levels and behavior. Others believe that munchkin cats are not cruelly treated because they are not in pain and they appear to be happy and healthy. At Excited Cats, we regularly consult with licensed veterinarians and other industry experts. If your cat is showing neurological signs such as dizziness, seizures or paralysis postoperatively, restricted activity combined with physical therapy may be helpful. This type of cancer can be treated in some instances, but it is not always treatable. Caring For a Munchkin Cat - Breeding a Lordosis Cat The name "munchkin" derives from writer L. Frank Baum's diminutive inhabitants of Munchkin Country, originating in the 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. This deformity can range from moderate to severe in severity and can lead to problems like decreased exercise tolerance, coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, frequent upper respiratory infections, poor appetite, weight loss or failure to thrive, and tachycardia. Simons recommends that all cats, Munchkins included, be brushed weekly. Because they are frequently discarded or abandoned, the munchkin cat population has grown steadily. Not all Munchkin cats are bred into existence by humans. The Munchkin cats short legs are the subject of some controversy, as the mutation that leads to their shortened limbs causes a defect in cartilage formation, says Paula Simons, DVM, an emergency and critical care resident at Cornell University Veterinary Specialists. They have an average lifespan of 12-15 years . These kitties absolutely love their toys and they love it even more when their human companions take time out for interactive play. [22], TICA Standards describe the Munchkin as "outgoing, intelligent, and responds well to being handled". In fact, the opposite is true: Munchkin cats are capable of running at high speeds. Munchkin Cat Health Problems: 10 Common Issues - Excited Cats There are many different options for treating hyperthyroidism, including oral medication, radioactive iodine therapy, a prescription diet, and surgery. While some cats dont seem to be affected by this downward curve, it can cause spinal pain, leaning to one side, and lead to reduced movement. Based on the name, you may be able to guess that this condition has to do with your cats chest. Breeds with high activity levels will engage more in active play and demand more space and attention. Osteoarthritis is a condition caused by the gradual breakdown of the cartilage within the joints. If the vet tells you that the cat has Lordosis towards the neck region, he or she will be talking about Cervical Lordosis. Therefore, the fact that some breeders selected for the munchkin gene was controversial. Some people believe that munchkin cats are cruelly treated because they are bred to have a genetic defect that causes their legs to be abnormally short. [5] The breed is also not recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association. Anytime a cat is seen straining in the litter box without passing urine, producing bloody urine, yowling, or experiencing abdominal hardness or swelling, they should immediately be seen by a veterinarian. If they do not physically express the Munchkin gene, they do not carry it. Many of these animals are forced to undergo surgeries that can cause significant health problems, and they are frequently housed in inhumane conditions. [31][32], However, there appear to be two conditions with increased incidence in the Munchkin breed: lordosis (excessive curvature of the spine)[33] and pectus excavatum (hollowed chest). In serious cases, it can cause the heart, lungs, and other organs to compress over time, leading to severe discomfort and early death. Lordosis is a dip in the portion of the spinal column located in front of the shoulder blades. Cats with this condition, known as mollusks, show signs of disorganization and behavior as if they were other cats. Its worth noting that while some official cat breed organizations, including The International Cat Association (TICA), recognize the Munchkin as an official breed, others such as the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) dont. [9] Dr. Solveig Pflueger, a show judge, geneticist, and Chairperson of TICA's Genetics Committee was a strong advocate for the official recognition of the breed. Munchkin cats can and do appear naturally sometimes. . Breeds with higher intelligence ratings are more curious, investigative, and easy to train. 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. In this game, players take on the role of one of the kitten characters from the books and must use their wits and agility to navigate their way through a series of challenges. A munchkin kitten that reach the age of ten months old will weigh about four pounds and their coats will start to become silvery white with black specks. They are described as having ferret-like movements due to their fast speed and location low to the ground. Munchkin Cat: Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts | Hepper Are Munchkin cats cute? [9] She kept one of the cats and named her Blackberry and half of her kittens were born short-legged. He has a long, skinny body, walnut-shaped eyes, and triangular ears. She stands 5.25 inches (133mm) tall. Munchkin cats have limited mobility compared to other breeds. As you might have guessed, this breed is named after the Munchkins from The Wizard of Oz. It is especially prevalent in male cats. [9] It is from Blackberry and Toulouse's litter that today's Munchkin breed is descended. If left untreated, lymphoma will inevitably lead to death. [21] The Australian Capital Territory (a territory of Australia) government consider the munchkin breed to be "malformed animals" and the deliberate breeding of them "unacceptable" because of the "genetic health problems associated with such breeding". First hitting the market in 1991, Scottish Fold Munchkin cats were developed by crossbreeding a Scottish Fold and a munchkin cat. But do Munchkin cats have more health issues than other cat breeds?
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