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. While present at birth, this condition is often not noticed until the cat is fully grown, at which time the defect stops progressing. 8. Dwarf cats, according to the Munchkin cat, are all disproportionally short legs, and they are the original and most well-known of all. If you're looking for a pet that's friendly with strangers, you might want to consider a Munchkin cat. Coping with Pet Allergies, Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, Association of American Feed Control Officials-approved cat food. You may have seen videos or pictures on social media of these short-legged felines, often affectionately called sausage cats, and wondered how their legs get so short. Because they are sociable and loving, they are excellent pets for families. [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. Munchkin cats can live between 12 and 15 years, but if they have health problems, their lifespans shorten. How Much Are Munchkin Cats It ranges from $1000 to $2000 USD. The tail should be of medium length about the same length as the cat's body. Osteoarthritis is a condition caused by the gradual breakdown of the cartilage within the joints. In Munchkins, this deformity is due to their front legs being shorter than their back legs. 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. [1] TICA rules for outcrossing allows the use of any domestic cat that does not already belong to a recognized breed. Ultimately, it is up to the individual cat owner to decide whether or not a munchkin cat is right for them. Your vet will examine your cat and consider its symptoms in order to determine the cause of your cats FLUTD and come up with a suitable treatment plan. 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. An average lifespan of these animals is 12 to 14 years. Their offspring formed the foundation for the Munchkin cat breed as we know it today. Responsible Munchkin breeders outcross cats with the short legged gene with cats that do not carry the gene. Spinal malformations are usually evident at birth or in the first few weeks of life. A mogginer is typically a healthy breed with no diseases or conditions. Furthermore, Munchkin cats are estimated to have a lifespan of around 12 . This condition often occurs in Munchkins, and short spinal muscles characterize it due to the short legs and long bodies. Keep your kitty's claws clipped to prevent damage to your belongings, and consider teaching your kitten to allow toothbrushing from a young age. Brooke loves all animals and currently shares a home with three dogs, two cats, five fish, and two snails. Many people deliberately breed cats like this because they believe they are cute and adorable. Munchkins are highly desirable and their popularity has led to lots of people willing to prey on people looking to adopt one. 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. 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. The chances of a Munchkin offspring are 50%. Symptoms include loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and depression. 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. Munchkin cats have limited mobility compared to other breeds. Image Credit: https://www.catster.com/cats-101/about-the-munchkin-cat, Image Credit: Munchkin cats will shed, particularly if they have a longer coat. Also known as lymphoma, lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that occurs in the lymphocytes, which are cells that play an important role in your cats immune system. If youre away from the house a lot, consider getting your kitty a furry friend. The International Cat Association (TICA) agrees with this argument and accepts the Munchkin cat as a registered breed. Miniature examples of the Munchkin breed can cost between $500 and $1500, but exhibition quality examples can cost up to $2000. 2023 This website is owned and operated by Cliverse Media DAO LTD. including osteoarthritis caused by lordosis, or an inward curvature of the spine, and pectus excavatum, or "funnel chest". Munchkin Ragdolls are a relatively new breed of cat, and as such, they may not have any of these health problems. There are numerous examples of munchkins who are friendly, sociable, and playful. A cats length is measured from the base of the tail to the tip of the nose. Because Munchkin cats are often so active, weight maintenance is typically not an issue. The cost of a reputable kitten from a reputable breeder can range from $700 to $1,100, depending on a variety of factors. Merrikins can live for up to 12-15 years on average if properly cared for. Although some cats develop problems as a result of their posture over time, they are more like any other cat, just a little closer to the ground. It also comes in a long-haired variety, which is shown in a separate Munchkin Longhair category. 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. 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. It is especially prevalent in male cats. But she isnt going to take your money and not make with a cat. Is breeding these cats cruel or harmless? It can come with a range of severity, from mild to severe. 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. Not only is their lifespan shortened, but they may also suffer from chronic health problems. [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). Is it cruel to keep a munchkin cat? While some people believe the Munchkins short legs prevent this breed from jumping to elevated surfaces, thats not always the caseso dont assume that enticingly shiny necklace on your vanity is out of reach. Nicole Cosgrove. See also: Munchkin Cat Facts: 8 Amazing Things You Didnt Know, Featured Image Credit: SV_zt, Shutterstock, 4 Homemade Grain-Free Cat Treat Recipes (Vet Approved). Do not free-feed a Munchkin cat, as this can lead to obesity. 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. [9] She kept one of the cats and named her Blackberry and half of her kittens were born short-legged. What You Need to Know! Some registries, such as the Fdration Internationale Fdline, have yet to recognize the breed. . In fact, breeding cats, whether munchkins or other types, can have a negative impact on pet overpopulation. A Munchkin cat's legs should be short, and should be set evenly apart, with the upper and lower forelegs being of equal length. This abnormality can cause pain as a result of osteoarthritis [1]. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? If you are not feeding your cat fresh food, be sure to choose a high-quality brand that includes real meat or fish as the first ingredient. Congenital Heart Defect (Atrial Septal Defect) in Cats. Pectus excavatum is a deformity of the cartilage of the sternum and ribs. There is a condition, for example, that is characterized as the curving of a cat's spine in its lower back called lordosis. Critics claimed that these cats can suffer from back and hip problems similar to those experienced by short-legged dog breeds. This breed has gained popularity and has become a buying trend in recent years among cat owners. The reason: controversy over whether the mutation causing the breeds short legs poses health risks. One veteran show judge Katherine Crawford resigned in protest, calling the breed an affront to breeders with ethics. "Lordosis" is a deformity of a cat's lower spine, and "Pectus Excavatum" occurs when the ribs and sternum don't grow properly. X-rays will be retaken with each follow-up visit as well. 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. Fecal and urinary incontinence are common, as well as constipation and urinary tract infections. This can also increase the likelihood of other conditionslike osteoarthritisdeveloping. Munchkins love to play with just about anything, Lott says. The munchkin gene is autosomal dominant. Munchkin kittens are susceptible to this condition, . Keep an eye out for anything unusual. [30] The condition has sometimes been referred to as hypochondroplasia or pseudoachondroplasia. Much controversy erupted over the breed when it was recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1997 with critics voicing concerns over potential health and mobility issues. Pancreatitis is characterized by inflammation of your cats pancreas. If youre considering adding a Munchkin kitten to your home, talk to your breeder about the health of their cats. However, it certainly doesnt make them healthier and provides them with no specific advantages. You may be familiar with osteoarthritis, as it is a condition that plagues people and animals alike. Feed your Munchkin a measured meal two to three times a day, using a life stage-appropriate food (kitten, adult, or senior). Check on Facebook there are also good reputable breeders on line. Chemotherapy can be administered orally, intravenously, or subcutaneously. It's a condition in which the cat's spine does not grow correctly. Learn more. While all Munchkins have limb deformities to some degree, some experience significant difficulties with mobility because of it. In mild cases, IVDD is often successfully managed with pain medications, physical therapy, and steroids, although it can continue to worsen over time. Kittens bearing two copies of the munchkin gene (MM) will not develop in the womb. Munchkin cats are most commonly identified by their short legs and long bodies. Some individuals also suffer from a condition called pectus excavatum, which causes a hollow chest. In this article, we will discuss Munchkin cats in more detail, the controversy regarding these cats, and health problems they commonly develop. This is uncommon in Munchkins and is not confined to short-legged cats. This trait is so prevalent that the breed has been nicknamed "The magpie of the cat world!". Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Over time, unmanaged or poorly managed hyperthyroidism can lead to hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, and blindness. 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. [11] For many years, the Munchkin breed was not accepted in feline competitions due to the controversial breeding. . The Munchkin cat has been the source of some controversy since being officially recognized by the International Cat Association in the 1990s. 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. If they experience whisker fatigue with a bowl, a flat plate or mat may be preferable for some cats. Females are usually smaller than males. Hepper is reader-supported. But beware of scammers. There are numerous colors and patterns available, and the coat can be short, long, or medium-long, or it can be silky and short. 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. Due to this genetic defect, any Munchkin cat can only be bred with regular cats, so they cannot inherit it from both parents. In cats over the age of six, hyperthyroidism is most common, and this condition is also known as metabolic syndrome. Munchkin Cats: Just As Active As Their Larger Counterparts It may appear surprising that Munchkin cats are just as active and lively as their larger counterparts given their diminutive size. Munchkins are prone to a congenital (present from birth) malformation called lordosis, an inward curvature of the spine in the lower back, says Simons. If your cat is showing neurological signs such as dizziness, seizures or paralysis postoperatively, restricted activity combined with physical therapy may be helpful. The symptoms listed can have many different causes, such as urinary stones, a urinary infection, or a urethral obstruction.
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