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These kitties absolutely love their toys and they love it even more when their human companions take time out for interactive play. Munchkin cats may not be able to jump high, but they are surprisingly nimble and agile on ground level. Mild causes of pectus excavatum may show no clinical signs, whereas severe cases lead to cardiac and respiratory issues. This trait is so prevalent that the breed has been nicknamed "The magpie of the cat world!". Pancreatitis is characterized by inflammation of your cats pancreas. Comb short-haired Munchkins once a week. Munchkin cat breeders select for this gene, which affects leg bone length. Cats with this condition, known as mollusks, show signs of disorganization and behavior as if they were other cats. These cute cats are instantly lovable because of their short legs, long bodies, and loving personalities. 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. While Munchkin cats have not been shown to have the same spine problems that short-legged dogs tend to have, some still view the practice of breeding animals to emphasize certain physical characteristics as irresponsible. 1. This disease involves a combination of factors, like inflammation of the urinary tract and crystals in the urine. Possibly, exposure of pregnant queens to: Compounds causing birth defects during fetal development. This type of behavior is not acceptable in any way from anyone who has the best interests of animals at heart. Nicole wants to share her kitty expertise with you so you and your cat. It depends on who you ask. Brooke loves all animals and currently shares a home with three dogs, two cats, five fish, and two snails. Progressive retinal atrophy is an eye condition that progresses throughout a cats life, eventually leading to blindness. Read more here. Medicine often does not resolve neurological manifestations of spinal and vertebral malformations. Munchkin cats have limited mobility compared to other breeds. They require combing twice a week to remove loose hair and to prevent tangles and matting. [9][12] The Munchkin breed achieved TICA Championship status in May 2003. This condition, known as lordosis, affects the spine and causes it to be excessively curved. Theyre adorable, friendly, andas long as you dont mind the occasional stolen earring or baublea joy to live with. Leave the cat alone.. 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. While most Munchkin cats are generally healthy, genetic problems do occur - even when breeders are cautious. 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. Responsible Munchkin breeders outcross cats with the short legged gene with cats that do not carry the gene. It may appear surprising that Munchkin cats are just as active and lively as their larger counterparts given their diminutive size. You may be familiar with osteoarthritis, as it is a condition that plagues people and animals alike. X-rays of the spinal column (including all vertebrae) can often reveal the exact malformation. We currently dont list any partical breeders on the site. The Cat or You? However, Munchkins do not shed more than your typical cat. Homozygous embryos for the munchkin gene are not viable due . We recommend to look at https://tica.org/munchkin-breeders. In serious cases, it can cause the heart, lungs, and other organs to compress over time, leading to severe discomfort and early death. 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. With their short legs, any additional ounces can put more strain on their spines. Widening the gene pool can reduce these problem. The chances of a Munchkin offspring are 50%. Is it cruel to keep a munchkin cat? The Munchkin, also known as Sausage Cat, is a breed of cat characterized by its very short legs, which are caused by genetic mutation. This greatly reduces the risk of health issues that could cause discomfort and early death. Keep an eye out for any areas they seem to be missing or unable to reach. Kittens bearing one munchkin gene and one normal gene (Mm) will be short-legged munchkins. Spinal malformations are usually evident at birth or in the first few weeks of life. Lordosis is the most common health issues that these cats might face. [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. 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. With this very rare health issue, spinal muscles do not grow to the correct size and the spine of the cat begins to sink down inside the body of the cat and death is almost always certain. What do you think? Munchkin cats are at higher risk of this disorder developing than many other cat breeds due to their abnormal limb shape related to dwarfism. Do not free-feed a Munchkin cat, as this can lead to obesity. 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. 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. There are certain health conditions associated with Munchkin cats including arthritis and lordosis but breeders argue that these are not breed-specific. A Munchkin cat's legs should be short, and should be set evenly apart, with the upper and lower forelegs being of equal length. Pectus Excavatum The term pectus excavatum literally means "hollow breast" in Latin. If youre away from the house a lot, consider getting your kitty a furry friend. A cats length is measured from the base of the tail to the tip of the nose. Uremia is usually accompanied by a kidney injury or an obstruction of your cats urinary tubes. Only kittens that are heterozygous for the munchkin gene, with only one copy, develop into viable short legged munchkin kittens. They are characterized by their short legs, which is the result of a naturally occurring genetic mutation. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws. While each individual has a unique personality, breed-specific genetics affect qualities like sociability, playfulness, and intelligence. The munchkin gene is autosomal dominant. "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. You might also observe your cat jumping up and down from furniture less frequently. One thing is certain: Bring a Munchkin into your home, and you'll instantly fall in love with their adorable looks and charming personalities. If it's very bad, then a kitten may well not survive. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Since they aren't likely to leap onto tall tabletops and high display shelves, members of the Munchkin cat breed might be ideal for people who love cats but worry about the impact they might have on collectibles. [17], In order to protect the animals welfare, several countries and territories have prohibited breeding with Munchkins, including the Netherlands (2014),[18][19] Scotland,[20] and Victoria (Australia). 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. Because Munchkins can have long or short coats, keep an eye on your Munchkins fur and brush her regularly to prevent mats or tangles. Since only one parent has the mutation, the kittens can survive and be sold for a high price. The munchkin cat is caused by a naturally occurring genetic mutation. Mowkin cats are not intended for household use, so if you want a fluffy pet, dont buy one. 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. In fact, breeding cats, whether munchkins or other types, can have a negative impact on pet overpopulation. If the spinal compression is diffuse or long-term, your cat may not respond to surgery. 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. Non-standard Munchkins are not allowed to be shown. These cats are known for their short legs, and they make great pets for those who are looking for a smaller, more compact cat. There is a condition, for example, that is characterized as the curving of a cat's spine in its lower back called lordosis. Furthermore, they are affectionate, sociable, and great pets in their own right. Lordosis is a genetic disorder that affects other organisms, but it has no specific symptoms to the Munchkins. The truth is, they are 100% feline, with magnetic personalities, a strong play drive, and an intense love of cuddling. 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 are also expensive, and both breeders and scammers have taken advantage of that fact. This can also increase the likelihood of other conditionslike osteoarthritisdeveloping. Hochenedel gave a short-legged male kitten from one of Blackberry's litters to a friend, Kay LaFrance of Monroe, Louisiana, and she named the kitten Toulouse. Those short legs actually come from a genetic mutation, and some cat breeders intentionally breed this trait into their felines. Munchkin cats will shed, particularly if they have a longer coat. The symptoms listed can have many different causes, such as urinary stones, a urinary infection, or a urethral obstruction. . Munchkin kittens take to litter training quickly, especially when you reward them with cat toys and treats. Be aware that, while most Munchkins have little to no trouble getting around like other felines, the mutation that causes their short legs can lead to other health issues. Muckenkin cats are at risk for spinal deformities, lordosis, and scoliosis. Brooke spent nine years as a veterinary assistant before becoming a human nurse in 2013. If youre lucky you may find one for 1000 dollars but most likely it will be up to three times more expensive. Inflammation, infection, urinary obstruction, diet, and behavioral issues are all possible causes of lower urinary tract disease. Since they're so low to the ground, they are able to make tight turns like a low-slung racecar! 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. These short and thick legs are caused by a genetic mutation that reduces their height and width. Lott says Munchkins are a smart, trainable breed. In addition to their need for companionship, Munchkins are intelligent, and enjoy toys and games. As you might have guessed, this breed is named after the Munchkins from The Wizard of Oz. A high-quality, beautiful, and beautiful body will set you back between $1500 and $3500 for a mummy kitten. Some worry that short legs limit Munchkin cats mobility, which is especially important for felines. They are described as having ferret-like movements due to their fast speed and location low to the ground. Breeds with a higher rating in this area tend to be gentle and patient, while lower-rated breeds may feel uncomfortable with children. This condition is rare in cats, but cats with elongated and malformed spines, like Munchkins, can be at a higher risk. Munchkin cats can and do appear naturally sometimes. Sure they may look cute to some. While a Munchkin cat is bred to increase its popularity, it is not intentional. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? Munchkin cats are known for being friendly and affectionate, and they typically get along well with other pets and children. Munchkins are prone to a congenital (present from birth) malformation called lordosis, an inward curvature of the spine in the lower back, says Simons. Females are usually smaller than males. Breeds with higher intelligence ratings are more curious, investigative, and easy to train. The hind legs can be slightly longer than the front which creates a slight rise from the shoulder to the rump. 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. You may have seen some videos of the short-legged Munchkin cat, or sausage cat, on the Internet. Munchkin cats cost between $1,000-$2,000. 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. Munchkins are playful and kitten-like the majority of their lives, says Dawn Lott, who in addition to breeding and showing Munchkins for 23 years, serves as TICA breed chair. 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. To compensate for a genetic mutation, the Munchkin breed was born with abnormally short legs. [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. It is a small to medium-sized cat with a moderate body type and medium-plush coat. X-rays will be retaken with each follow-up visit as well. Surgery is often recommended in moderate to severe cases.. 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. Abnormally shaped limbs can result in excessive weight load on the joints that cats with normal limbs dont experience. Lordosis is a dip in the portion of the spinal column located in front of the shoulder blades. [9] She kept one of the cats and named her Blackberry and half of her kittens were born short-legged. Munchkin are long-haired cats, so you do have to expect a certain amount of shedding from this breed, but they don't shed as much as other cat breeds. The Average lifespan for Munchkin is 12-15 years. Munchkins are prone to a congenital (present from birth) malformation called lordosis, an inward curvature of the spine in the lower back, says Simons. The Munchkin cat is a hardy breed that has few specific health issues. You might liken the Munchkin cat to one of the hot dog dog breeds such as the Dachshund. 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. Their short legs result from an autosomal dominant gene. So, are munchkin cats that bad? Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Lordosis, a genetic disorder, affects no one, but it is found in the Munchkins. A mogginer is typically a healthy breed with no diseases or conditions. Munchkin cats actually have a relatively long life expectancy. This doesnt just apply to their shortened legs, either. If neurological signs (paralysis) are present, a myelography can be used to indicate with precision at which level the spinal cord is compressed. As a result of its short legs, it was initially rejected by the International Cat Association (TICA). What You Need to Know! Prentis told The Sun: Why would you want to breed a cat that effectively doesnt have any legs? 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. When two munchkin cats are crossed and small litter sizes occur, this indicates that embryos that are homozygous for the munchkin gene are non-viable.[32]. Munchkin cats are known for their short legs and playful personalities. However, these are not a health concern free cat breed. In mild cases, IVDD is often successfully managed with pain medications, physical therapy, and steroids, although it can continue to worsen over time. Due to this genetic defect, any Munchkin cat can only be bred with regular cats, so they cannot inherit it from both parents. [30] The condition has sometimes been referred to as hypochondroplasia or pseudoachondroplasia. The name isnt the only adorable thing about the Munchkin. [1][10], The Munchkin comes in all coat colors and patterns. If they experience whisker fatigue with a bowl, a flat plate or mat may be preferable for some cats. Teacup cats are small cats that have been bred to be so small. Munchkin cats are a medium-sized breed of cat known for their characteristically short legs and long body. 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. This deformity is present at birth and is often diagnosable within days of birth. Are Munchkin cats cute? The head should be a modified wedge shape with rounded contours, and should be of a size that is proportionate to the cat's body. It involves the spine excessively curving inwards . In addition to their official names, most breeds earn a few nicknames. But is that ethical? In severe cases, surgical correction may be necessary to maintain quality of life. 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. Dwarf cats, according to the Munchkin cat, are all disproportionally short legs, and they are the original and most well-known of all. The Munchkin cat is a small to medium-sized breed that matures to an average weight of 5 to 9 pounds. Your email address will not be published. The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. This cat features short legs, straight ears, and a long body. 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. If the vet tells you that the cat has Lordosis towards the neck region, he or she will be talking about Cervical Lordosis. This kitten was named Toulouse, and was eventually bred back to Blackberry. They are a cute cat that can be a great pet. The Munchkin cat is so much more than an adorable little pet: These cats are sweet natured, personable, and playful. Plus they offer carrier services if you cant make it to Orlando to pick up your cutie. The Cat Fanciers Association, which does not recognize the Munchkin, considers the Bambino experimental and discourages the breed. Because a Munchkin is a short-legd cat, it can be bred with other cat breeds to create a new variety of munchkin. 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. 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. 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. (2023 Price Guide), Yesterdays News Cat Litter Reviews in 2023: Pros, Cons, & Final Verdict, The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database. 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). A munchkin cat is a short-legged cat breed. A natural genetic mutation gives the Munchkin cat breed those short legs, but otherwise their build is quite average for a small cat.