Progressive retinal atrophy is an eye condition that progresses throughout a cats life, eventually leading to blindness. Kittens bearing two copies of the munchkin gene (MM) will not develop in the womb. These cats can have long or short hair coats that can be any color. Congenital spinal and vertebral malformations are most often genetically inherited (as opposed to adverse conditions during fetal development). Pflueger was also a breeder of Munchkin cats herself, having been initially sent two cats from Hochenedel. The Munchkins' short legs make them unable to leap and snatch at things. Decreased mobility can also lead to difficulties with everyday activities, like jumping to and from surfaces and playing. Coping with Pet Allergies, Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, Association of American Feed Control Officials-approved cat food. Lordosis Pectus Excavatum Hypochondroplasia Osteoarthritis Minor Conditions: Gingivitis: A common gum disease in cats that causes redness and swelling of the gums. This congenital defect occurs when the last few ribs and sternum do not grow normally, leading to a hollowed-out chest appearance, says Simons. Munchkin cats' grooming routines vary depending on their coat length. In general, a whisker cat can live between 12 and 15 years, though a cat with health issues may only live for a few years. You might also observe your cat jumping up and down from furniture less frequently. It depends on who you ask. Those short legs actually come from a genetic mutation, and some cat breeders intentionally breed this trait into their felines. Because Munchkins can have long or short coats, keep an eye on your Munchkins fur and brush her regularly to prevent mats or tangles. In mild cases, IVDD is often successfully managed with pain medications, physical therapy, and steroids, although it can continue to worsen over time. With their short legs, any additional ounces can put more strain on their spines. This cat features short legs, straight ears, and a long body. While breeders might point out that other cats can have some of the same health problems that Munchkin cats tend to inherit, its important to know exactly which health conditions they are susceptible to before bringing one home. Only kittens that are heterozygous for the munchkin gene, with only one copy, develop into viable short legged munchkin kittens. However, some cats will experience recurrence of symptoms regardless of treatment. People breeding cats for their looks and charm are common reasons for doing so. In severe cases, pectus excavatum can be repaired via surgical intervention. Munchkin cats tend to be small in size. Some breeders believe Lordosis in Munchkin cats results from the defective gene causing the short legs. In addition to their official names, most breeds earn a few nicknames. [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". . This can lead to damage and pain from the nerves of the spinal cord being pressed on. Hi Michael, 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 Lordosis is an exaggerated inward spine curve that's sometimes referred to as the 'Swayback.' It normally targets two back points: There's the neck region, and the area closest to the tailbone. The dominant gene of the Munchkin cat is referred to as a lethal gene, which means that if two of the cats mate and pass on the dominant gene, the kittens will not survive. The appeal of a playful, fluffy Munchkin cat is undeniable. Spaying and neutering is strongly recommended for these animals. [32] Because only heterozygous munchkin cats are able to pass on the gene, all litters with at least one standard (short legged) Munchkin parent have the possibility of containing kittens with the phenotypes: short-legged or normal-legged (referred to as non-standard munchkin), with the genotypes of Mm or mm, where M is the trait for short legs and m is the trait for long legs. 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. In some cases, management of long term symptoms will be necessary. Breeds are grouped by their size and coat type. There is a condition, for example, that is characterized as the curving of a cat's spine in its lower back called lordosis. Feed your Munchkin a measured meal two to three times a day, using a life stage-appropriate food (kitten, adult, or senior). Homozygous embryos for the munchkin gene are not viable due . Leg length affects the height only; the rest of the cat's body is proportioned like that of an average domestic cat. Saying they can jump or run like a normal cat would be false, she says. If you want one with rare coat colors and a champion bloodline, they will charge between $2,000 and $3,000. Lordosis, a genetic disorder, affects no one, but it is found in the Munchkins. Specifically, sacrococcygeal dysgenesis (defective development) is a dominant trait, while thoracic hemivertebra (chest half-vertebra) is a recessive trait. 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. 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. Much controversy surrounds the breed, as not all breeders take responsibility for preventing painful issues that adversely affect the welfare of the individuals they produce. There are certain health conditions associated with Munchkin cats including arthritis and lordosis but breeders argue that these are not breed-specific. [34][35] Both conditions are commonly seen in humans with pseudoachondroplasia. She has a soft spot for special needs animals and has a three-legged senior dog and an internet-famous cat with acromegaly and cerebellar hypoplasia. Your pets quality of life with chemotherapy depends on how aggressive the cancer is; if your cats lymphosarcoma is low-grade, your cat can have a relatively normal quality of life. The History Of Munchkin Cats: From Fictional Characters To Scottish Folds, If A Cat Meets These Criteria Then It Can Be Considered A Munchkin, Is Friskees Extra Gravy Pate Cat Food Any Good, What Is The Ash Content In Blue Wilderness Cat Food. Most Munchkins dont require any intervention for this deformity, though. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that results in the breakdown of the tissues in your cats joints, such as the bone and cartilage. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Munchkins dont require special eye care, but contact your veterinarian if you notice signs of a potential eye problem, including discharge, swelling, or cloudy eyes. In addition to their need for companionship, Munchkins are intelligent, and enjoy toys and games. The first cases of short-legged cats were documented in Russia and the United States during the 1950s and 1970s. 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. Can I be notified when one comes available? 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. Keep your munchkin cats litter box clean to avoid additional health issues, and make sure to feed them a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. Lordosis is a genetic disorder that affects other organisms, but it has no specific symptoms to the Munchkins. The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Southern Africa Cat Council are the only registries that currently accept Munchkin cats. [23], In 2014, Lilieput, a Munchkin cat from Napa, California, was named the shortest statured living cat in the world by Guinness World Records. Learn more. Furthermore, they are affectionate, sociable, and great pets in their own right. Because Munchkin cats are often so active, weight maintenance is typically not an issue. Lordosis and pectus excavatum are two of the most common forms of chest pain. The Munchkins series is known for its humor and light-hearted tone, and this game captures that same spirit. Mm munchkin kittens will be able to pass on the munchkin gene to their own offspring. Cow-hocked legs are also penalized. But beware of scammers. Dwarf cats, according to the Munchkin cat, are all disproportionally short legs, and they are the original and most well-known of all. 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. They called the new breed bambino (the Italian word for "baby"). 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. Theyre not overly vocal, and while they arent anxious, they do enjoy company. How Should I Introduce My Puppy to a Dominant Dog? The Munchkin cat is a hardy breed that has few specific health issues. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. When this occurs, it leads to compression of the internal organs. Learn more. The Munchkin, also known as Sausage Cat, is a breed of cat characterized by its very short legs, which are caused by genetic mutation. These cats must be bred in a cruel and irresponsible manner. They have an average lifespan of 12-15 years . This gene is referred to as a lethal gene because if two Munchkin cats mate and both pass on the dominant gene, the kittens will not survive. Their short legs are caused by a naturally occurring genetic mutation that is caused by an autosomal dominant gene. It is a small to medium-sized cat with a moderate body type and medium-plush coat. 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. [22], TICA Standards describe the Munchkin as "outgoing, intelligent, and responds well to being handled". It was initially registered as a small-leg breed in 1994, but it is now considered a registered breed. Lott says Munchkins are a smart, trainable breed. If a person sincerely cared for their animals, he or she would not intentionally deform them in this manner. Munchkin cats actually have a relatively long life expectancy. talk to a vet online for advice >. Ultimately, it is up to the individual cat owner to decide whether or not a munchkin cat is right for them. In the mildest cases, lordosis can cause shortness of breath. By 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. While all Munchkins have limb deformities to some degree, some experience significant difficulties with mobility because of it. While some cats don't seem to be affected by this downward curve, it can cause spinal pain, leaning to one side, and lead to reduced movement. Pectus Excavatum Does it hurt the cats? Over time, hyperthyroidism can contribute to other complications such as high blood pressure, or hypertension, and a type of heart disease known as thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy. Longhair Munchkin cats may display lynx tips. When it comes down to it, breeding a cat with short legs is done only to please humans, not for the benefit of cats. The spinal vertebrae form a depression downwards towards the body in the affected Munchkin cats. Less commonly, your vet may even recommend surgery. They are affectionate animals that can be kept with both children and other pets. [5] The breed is also not recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association. The serious problem of pet overpopulation can be avoided if the population of cats is not artificially raised through the breeding process of cats, not just munchkins. While most Munchkin cats are generally healthy, genetic problems do occur - even when breeders are cautious. Lordosis is a rare spinal condition whereby the muscles in the spine do not grow to full length. Munchkin cats have limited mobility compared to other breeds. They may have short or long hair, and they come in every color imaginable. Fluffy Munchkins might need more frequent grooming than short-haired kitties, but in general, this breed has a low-maintenance coat. Thanks to the bouncy, short strides they take when running, Munchkin cats are often compared to rabbits and ferrets. Abnormally shaped limbs can result in excessive weight load on the joints that cats with normal limbs dont experience. Are munchkin cats bred differently than other types of cats? They thrive in households with children as well as other pets. This then allows the spine to 'collapse slightly' and curve into the body. Munchkin cats are considered highly sociable, playful, and intelligent, Simons says. Answered by Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, BVM BVS (Vet), My Dog Ate a Chicken Bone! For each kitten conceived from this mating, there is a 25% chance it will fail to gestate, a 25% chance it will be normal, and a 50% chance it will be short-legged. 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. Although not a disorder within itself, decreased mobility impacts a large number of Munchkin cats. Munchkin cats cannot survive if they inherit this gene from both parents, so they are only bred with regular cats. This can also increase the likelihood of other conditionslike osteoarthritisdeveloping. First hitting the market in 1991, Scottish Fold Munchkin cats were developed by crossbreeding a Scottish Fold and a munchkin cat. 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. [16] Homozygous embryos for the munchkin gene, with two copies of the gene, are not viable and do not develop in the womb. If youre considering adding a Munchkin kitten to your home, talk to your breeder about the health of their cats. [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. 8. Pectus excavatum is a deformity of the cartilage of the sternum and ribs. Breeds with a higher sociability rating will want to spend time with you all day, while less-sociable breeds seldom seek out human interaction. A post shared by KangHaelee (@haeleebeme). Its recommended that this surgery is performed when a kitten is between 812 weeks of age, so its important to recognize the symptoms early and seek veterinary evaluation as soon as possible. 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. A cats length is measured from the base of the tail to the tip of the nose. The Munchkin is a small to medium-sized cat (males are slightly larger than females), typically weighing between 5-10 pounds. Below, we will go over some of the most common health problems Munchkin cats develop. Breeds that score higher in this area are able to spend hours alone, while less-independent breeds require plenty of attention. These short and thick legs are caused by a genetic mutation that reduces their height and width. 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. Your vet is likely to recommend multiple different approaches to treat your cats osteoarthritis, such as weight management, medication, dietary supplements, physical therapy, and environmental modifications. Even if your cat goes into remission, the cancer is likely to return at some point down the road. The average lifespan of the breed. This condition is rare in cats, but cats with elongated and malformed spines, like Munchkins, can be at a higher risk. Lott says the average price for a Munchkin cat is typically $1,000$1,500. How are mollusks manufactured? Some people have argued that the Munchkin M gene mutation can cause health problems. The little cat craves company from children, dogs, other animals, and strangers. The hind legs can be slightly longer than the front which creates a slight rise from the shoulder to the rump. How well the breed tends to get along with cats, dogs, and other pets. Many people deliberately breed cats like this because they believe they are cute and adorable. 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). Munchkin cats are not a new breed, but they have only recently been accepted by some cat registries. Symptoms include loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and depression. This causes the breastbone to sink in. There is no definitive answer to this question. Munchkin cats are the product of a genetic mutation that causes a form of dwarfism, called achondroplasia or chondrodysplasia. However, there is always a chance that one or more of these health problems could develop over time: Lordosis Uremia Hyperthyroidism Polycystic Kidney Disease Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) 1. Do Munchkin Cats Have More Health Problems Than Other Cats? This condition often occurs in Munchkins, and short spinal muscles characterize it due to the short legs and long bodies.
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