Due to their unique posture, this breed is prone to a few skeletal malformations as it ages. Medicine often does not resolve neurological manifestations of spinal and vertebral malformations. Lordosis is a condition that causes the spine to dip down and put pressure on the heart, lungs, and trachea, and it can be fatal as the organs begin to grow. Aside from these serious health issues, the cat may also suffer from lower urinary tract disease or hyperthyroidism. In some cases, management of long term symptoms will be necessary. Owners of Munchkin cats should keep an eye out for overfeeding issues, as do Dachshunds and Corgis. Having only been officially introduced in 1991, the breed is still considered young. It can come with a range of severity, from mild to severe. They are a cute cat that can be a great pet. For each kitten conceived from this mating, there is a 0% chance it will be homozygous for the munchkin gene, a 50% chance it will be normal non-standard (long legged) Munchkin, and a 50% chance it will be a standard (short legged) munchkin. Because of the deformities associated with the form of dwarfism that Munchkins have, it does increase the risk of a variety of issues, especially those related to the musculoskeletal system. Absolutely! Breeds with a high affection level want to give and receive a lot of attention, while less-affectionate breeds are not as interested in petting and snuggles. History and Characteristics of Munchkin Kittens - LoveToKnow In serious cases, it can cause the heart, lungs, and other organs to compress over time, leading to severe discomfort and early death. Michael & Christine, Diva Kits did scam me out of a lot of money. The paws should be round and compact. Critics claimed that these cats can suffer from back and hip problems similar to those experienced by short-legged dog breeds. The back legs may be of the same length as the front legs, although longer back legs and shorter front legs are acceptable. Image Credit: https://www.catster.com/cats-101/about-the-munchkin-cat, Image Credit: There are many different options for treating hyperthyroidism, including oral medication, radioactive iodine therapy, a prescription diet, and surgery. They may have short or long hair, and they come in every color imaginable. [3] 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] including the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF). Simons recommends that all cats, Munchkins included, be brushed weekly. While some say that Munchkin cats arent able to jump as high as other cats simply because their legs are so short, others argue that they avoid jumping because it causes them pain. 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. Not all Munchkin cats are bred into existence by humans. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others. A full physical exam will be performed. Can I be notified when one comes available? A cats length is measured from the base of the tail to the tip of the nose. It was initially registered as a small-leg breed in 1994, but it is now considered a registered breed. Breeders intentionally breed Munchkin cats with regular-sized cats or cats who are just naturally shorter and do not have the Munchkin gene to produce kittens with short legs. Lordosis, a genetic disorder, affects no one, but it is found in the Munchkins. In this article, we will discuss Munchkin cats in more detail, the controversy regarding these cats, and health problems they commonly develop. In most cats, there is no obvious underlying cause for this condition, so Munchkin cats are not necessarily more likely to develop pancreatitis than other cat breeds. The chances of a Munchkin offspring are 50%. How much your Munchkin eats will depend on her weight, lifestyle, health, and other factors. Munchkin Cats: Is Breeding Deformity Animal Abuse? - CatTime She had been abandoned outdoors, and had been chased under a pickup truck by a dog. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? X-rays of the spinal column (including all vertebrae) can often reveal the exact malformation. [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. This congenital defect occurs when the last few ribs and sternum do not grow normally, leading to a hollowed-out chest appearance, says Simons. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. But she isnt going to take your money and not make with a cat. This in turn puts pressure on the trachea, lungs and heart. Because Munchkin cats are often so active, weight maintenance is typically not an issue. Their short legs are caused by a naturally occurring genetic mutation that is caused by an autosomal dominant gene. The result is a fluffy and friendly feline that's perfect for nearly every household. Their offspring formed the foundation for the Munchkin cat breed as we know it today. Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat: What You Need to Know Veterinarians often recommend a mix of wet food (which can help kitties stay hydrated) and dry kibble (to help reduce tartar buildup on their teeth). 8 Common Munchkin Cat Health Problems | Hepper Ensure they are fed an Association of American Feed Control Officials-approved cat food appropriate for their life stage, she says. [4], The Munchkin has similar characteristics to normal domestic cats, due to their frequent use as outcrosses. These cats can have long or short hair coats that can be any color. Furthermore, Munchkin cats are estimated to have a lifespan of around 12 . Breeds are grouped by their size and coat type. As Munchkin cats get along very well with other pets including well-mannered dogs, they will enjoy playtime together when given the opportunity. Normal mm kittens will not, as they do not have a copy of the munchkin gene. However, the Munchkin breed standards state that these cats can only be recognized if they are bred with a domestic longhair or shorthair with no recognized breeds, so they can be crossed with well-known pedigree cats to create short-legged varieties of those breeds. . The Munchkins series is known for its humor and light-hearted tone, and this game captures that same spirit. Furthermore, they are affectionate, sociable, and great pets in their own right. [1][10], The Munchkin comes in all coat colors and patterns. Brooke spent nine years as a veterinary assistant before becoming a human nurse in 2013. Some registries, such as the Fdration Internationale Fdline, have yet to recognize the breed. However, it is important to be aware of the signs of this condition, as it can be fatal if left untreated. 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! A natural genetic mutation gives the Munchkin cat breed those short legs, but otherwise their build is quite average for a small cat. Since they're so low to the ground, they are able to make tight turns like a low-slung racecar! In spite of their physical limitations, however, you may be surprised to learn that, unlike short dog breeds, Munchkin cats actually have a relatively long life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. To identify a munchkin cat, look for short front legs with slightly taller back legs and a long body. Solid colors, tabbies, harlequins, and pointed varieties are a few examples. This educational content is not veterinary advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. Spaying and neutering is strongly recommended for these animals. Cats with very short legs look like miniature cats in the same way that cats with long legs look like miniature cats in the same way that cats with long legs look like miniature cats in the same way that cats with long legs look These dogs are friendly, affectionate, and easy to train. Not only is their lifespan shortened, but they may also suffer from chronic health problems. This condition is typically easily managed with medication and routine lab work, but in some cases, it will continue to worsen over time, even with appropriate treatment. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. This leads to a flattened, concave, or narrowed chest. Is there an available list to look at? You might think that Munchkin cats can't jump. The appeal of a playful, fluffy Munchkin cat is undeniable. Visible signs of a distorted spinal column are lordosis (curvature of the spine at the lower back) and kyphosis (a posterior curvature of the spine). The Munchkin Cat: A New Breed Of Cat With Short Legs Medications to soften the feces, an easily digestible diet, and occasional treatment with antibiotics is standard for some cats with spinal malformations. Hyperthyroidism is most common in older cats and is characterized by an increased appetite in combination with weight loss. But is that ethical? Muckenkin cats are at risk for spinal deformities, lordosis, and scoliosis. It is a small to medium-sized cat with a moderate body type and medium-plush coat. Their short legs result from an autosomal dominant gene. However, Munchkins do not shed more than your typical cat. Keep your kitty's claws clipped to prevent damage to your belongings, and consider teaching your kitten to allow toothbrushing from a young age. They have an average lifespan of 12-15 years . 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. The International Cat Association (TICA) agrees with this argument and accepts the Munchkin cat as a registered breed. Here are seven facts you might not have known about these adorable, stubby-limbed pets. It's a condition in which the cat's spine does not grow correctly. If the condition is severe and untreatable, euthanasia should be considered. If a person sincerely cared for their animals, he or she would not intentionally deform them in this manner. ExcitedCats is reader-supported. Breeds with higher intelligence ratings are more curious, investigative, and easy to train. The legs of the Munchkin may be slightly bowed, although excessive bowing is a disqualification in the show ring. In cats over the age of six, hyperthyroidism is most common, and this condition is also known as metabolic syndrome. What You Need to Know! Merrikins can live for up to 12-15 years on average if properly cared for. If your cat has an opening in the skin where the spinal malformation is present, it may be surgically repaired. Munchkin cats have limited mobility compared to other breeds. Miniature examples of the Munchkin breed can cost between $500 and $1500, but exhibition quality examples can cost up to $2000. [16] Homozygous embryos for the munchkin gene, with two copies of the gene, are not viable and do not develop in the womb. And because they have short legs and can experience limited mobility due to osteoarthritis or lordosis, these miniature cats can struggle to groom themselves as thoroughly as most kitties. Widening the gene pool can reduce these problem. 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. Sprinkle your kitty's scratcher with catnip to encourage them to sink their claws into appropriate materials only and to bring out even more playfulness. Fecal and urinary incontinence are common, as well as constipation and urinary tract infections. What You Need to Know! Hope that helps. A British veterinary report in 1944 noted four generations of short-legged cats which were similar to normal cats except for the length of the legs. Lordosis, a genetic disorder, affects no one, but it is found in the Munchkins. Their short legs are a result of an inherited trait. Two short-legged Munchkins are unlikely to produce a litter of kittens. Male Munchkins typically weigh between 6 and 9 pounds (2.7 and 4.1kg) and are usually larger than female Munchkins, which typically weigh between 4 and 8 pounds (1.8 and 3.6kg). In the earliest stages of this disease, your Munchkin may begin to experience difficulty with visual acuity at night and in low light situations. Congenital spinal and vertebral malformations are most often genetically inherited (as opposed to adverse conditions during fetal development). We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. A post shared by (@shiroro41). The hind legs can be slightly longer than the front which creates a slight rise from the shoulder to the rump. Lordosis is a disease caused by the spines dip in and pressure on the heart, lungs, and trachea, and it can be fatal as the organs expand. These cute cats are instantly lovable because of their short legs, long bodies, and loving personalities. This condition is rare in cats, but cats with elongated and malformed spines, like Munchkins, can be at a higher risk. Lordosis is a dip in the portion of the spinal column located in front of the shoulder blades. Secondary damage due to spinal compression may be avoided if surgical intervention takes place early on. With extra short legs that contribute to the breed's nickname "Dachshund of the cat world," these kitties tend to be on the small side. Munchkin cats are a relatively new cat breed that are loving, playful companions but can also present health issues. Feet should be pointed straightforward, not pronated inward or outward. So, are munchkin cats that bad? Females are usually smaller than males. This then allows the spine to 'collapse slightly' and curve into the body. The Osbornes bred sphynx cats, carrying the recessive hairless gene, with munchkin cats that carried the dominant short-legged gene. Shes the proud mom of Baby, a Burmese, and works every day so he can relax in the sunshine or by the fire. Similarity to other breeds is grounds for disqualification. The little cat craves company from children, dogs, other animals, and strangers. The first cases of short-legged cats were documented in Russia and the United States during the 1950s and 1970s. You may have seen some videos of the short-legged Munchkin cat, or sausage cat, on the Internet. While each individual has a unique personality, breed-specific genetics affect qualities like sociability, playfulness, and intelligence. Brooke loves all animals and currently shares a home with three dogs, two cats, five fish, and two snails. "Vets warn trend for sausage cats is cruel", "Genetic Welfare Problems of Companion Animals, Munchkin - Limb Deformity", "Encyclopedia of Cat Breeds: Munchkin Cat", "Breed Comparisons - Munchkin | World Cat Congress", "People Are Breeding Cats To Have Too-Short Legs", "Fokken met katten met schadelijke kenmerken of erfelijke ziektes - Nieuwsbericht - NVWA", "Code of Practice for the Breeding of Animals with Heritable Defects that Cause Disease - Agriculture", Code of Practice for the Welfare of Cats in the ACT, "Tiny Napa cat stands tall in new Guinness record book", "New cat breed, Munchkin, stands on its stubby legs", "Munchkin: Fur is flying over this rare cat breed", "All You Need to Know About Munchkin Cats", "Skookum Cat Breed Information and Pictures", "Minskin Cat Breed Information and Pictures", "Bambino Cat Breed Information and Pictures", "Lambkin Cat Breed Information and Pictures", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Munchkin_cat&oldid=1151202217, Cat breeds originating in the United States, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 22 April 2023, at 15:05. 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. Surgery is often recommended in moderate to severe cases.. 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. While it is true that their leaps are not as impressive as those of average sized cats, many individuals can make it from the floor to the seat of the couch or the top of your bed with ease. [23], In 2014, Lilieput, a Munchkin cat from Napa, California, was named the shortest statured living cat in the world by Guinness World Records. Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of your cats thyroid hormone, which results in a metabolic rate thats higher than average. [15] Several cat registries do not recognize the Munchkin: Fdration Internationale Fline, which refuses to recognize what they consider a breed based on a "genetic disease", achondroplasia. However, while lymphosarcoma can be treated, like other cancers, it cannot be cured. Learn more. Malformation of the occipital bones atlas and axis (the first and second cervical vertebrae at the base of the skull): Causes compression of the upper spinal cord, which can lead to paralysis, sudden death, Wedge shaped vertebrae, causes angle in the spine, Most likely to affect the neurological system, Rear limb weakness (paraparesis), paralysis, Has characteristics of two types of vertebrae, May result in cord compression, disc changes, Fused vertebrae due to improper segmentation of vertebrae, Vertebra with a cleft through the body and a funnel shape at the ends (giving appearance of butterfly on X-ray examination), Causes instability of the vertebral canal, and rarely, compression of the spinal cord with paralysis, Lack of vertebral arches in the spinal column, Accompanies sacrococcygeal dysgenesis a defective formation of the lowest vertebrae in the spine, resulting in a stumped tail, Variable spinal dysplasia (abnormal development); dysraphism (defective spinal fusion); syringomyelia (cyst in the spinal cord); hydromyelia (enlarged central canal in the spinal cord where excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up); and myelodysplasia (defective development of the bone marrow), Weakness in rear limbs (paraparesis), hopping gait, Inherited as an autosomal dominant trait in the Manx breed, Congenital spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal - malformation from birth, hereditary). The breed's story begins in 1983, when a female cat was rescued in Louisiana. Spinal malformations are usually evident at birth or in the first few weeks of life. Longhair Munchkin cats may display lynx tips. Keep an eye out for anything unusual. Dwarf cats, like regular cats, are susceptible to health problems, but they can live long and happy lives if properly cared for. It is important to comb them on a regular basis to remove loose hair and prevent mats and tangles. Munchkin cats are the product of a genetic mutation that causes a form of dwarfism, called achondroplasia or chondrodysplasia. This doesnt just apply to their shortened legs, either. The munchkin gene is an autosomal dominant one. The Munchkin is a highly social cat that enjoys being around people. Critics predicted that the breed would develop back, hip and leg problems similar to those that plague some Dachshunds. [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. The Munchkin Cat Breed: Everything You Need To Know - Catinformer.com Controversial Munchkin Cat Health Problems and - Kittentoob Nicole Cosgrove. Serious Conditions: Lordosis: Lordosis is the curvature of the spine in the lower back. This disorder can not only decrease joint mobility, but it also causes pain and increases the likelihood of injuries to unaffected joints since the cat may offload from the painful limb, increasing wear and tear on other body parts. Because they are frequently discarded or abandoned, the munchkin cat population has grown steadily. Andrew Prentis, of Hyde Park Veterinary Centre in Central London, had a word of advice for those wanting a to buy a Munchkin cat or breed them. Breeds with a higher rating in this area tend to be gentle and patient, while lower-rated breeds may feel uncomfortable with children. Breeds that score higher in this area have strong hunting instincts that make them great playtime companions. However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. The goal of the game is to be the first to reach the finish line, and along the way, players will need to collect items and battle enemies. The Munchkin Cat: A New Breed Of Cat - Munchkin Kitten Store Lordosis is a spinal condition in which the spinal muscles grow too thin, giving a kitten the appearance of being short. Lordosis may be mild or severe, and if it's bad enough, the kitten won't live past three months of age. Caring For a Munchkin Cat - Breeding a Lordosis Cat Over time, unmanaged or poorly managed hyperthyroidism can lead to hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, and blindness. This cat features short legs, straight ears, and a long body. Theyre not overly vocal, and while they arent anxious, they do enjoy company. This can also increase the likelihood of other conditionslike osteoarthritisdeveloping. This type of behavior is not acceptable in any way from anyone who has the best interests of animals at heart. This trait is so prevalent that the breed has been nicknamed "The magpie of the cat world!".