Whether you have an active house filled with pets and children or live a quiet life alone, the Munchkin cat can be a tremendous companion. [6][7][8], Short-legged cats have been documented a number of times around the world since the 1940s. When it comes down to it, breeding a cat with short legs is done only to please humans, not for the benefit of cats. So, are munchkin cats that bad? You may have seen some videos of the short-legged Munchkin cat, or sausage cat, on the Internet. In the world of the Munchkin cat, there is never enough company. You will need to give your veterinarian a thorough history of your cat's health and onset of symptoms. [11] Amidst much controversy, the Munchkin was proposed as a new breed by foundation breeders Laurie Bobskill and Robert Bobskill of Massachusetts and accepted by TICA into its New Breed development program in September 1994. Their short legs are a result of an inherited trait. 2. The Munchkin is a wonderful house cat that readily befriends everyone sharing her home. 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. (2023 Price Guide), Yesterdays News Cat Litter Reviews in 2023: Pros, Cons, & Final Verdict, The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database. In fact, the opposite is true: Munchkin cats are capable of running at high speeds. However, it is important to be aware of the signs of this condition, as it can be fatal if left untreated. Kittens bearing two normal genes (mm) will be normal. If youre looking for a munchkin cat for sale, you may have some luck finding one at a local pet store or through a breeder. This can also increase the likelihood of other conditionslike osteoarthritisdeveloping. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws. The Munchkin cat is so much more than an adorable little pet: These cats are sweet natured, personable, and playful. There are numerous colors and patterns available, and the coat can be short, long, or medium-long, or it can be silky and short. 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. . Fecal and urinary incontinence are common, as well as constipation and urinary tract infections. [30] The condition has sometimes been referred to as hypochondroplasia or pseudoachondroplasia. You may be familiar with osteoarthritis, as it is a condition that plagues people and animals alike. In the earliest stages of this disease, your Munchkin may begin to experience difficulty with visual acuity at night and in low light situations. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Feline urinary tract disease, also called FLUTD, is a serious condition that can impact cats of any breed. In severe cases, surgical correction may be necessary to maintain quality of life. Because the Munchkin cat is a rare breed, it is in high demand. And in a world where shelters are full of unwanted healthy cats, should we really be breeding deformed felines for profit? Cow-hocked legs are also penalized. Breeds that score higher in this area have strong hunting instincts that make them great playtime companions. You might think that Munchkin cats can't jump. The Munchkin cat's short legs lead people who are unfamiliar with the breed to believe that these cats are very slow-moving. This is especially important given that short-legged cats such as Munchkins and Munchkin mixes are prone to spinal issues such as lordosis. 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. Lordosis causes a shortening of the muscles that hold the spine in place, allowing it to sink down into the chest cavity. 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. There are many different options for treating hyperthyroidism, including oral medication, radioactive iodine therapy, a prescription diet, and surgery. When your cat is unable to properly expel its urine, it can lead to a buildup of toxins in their bodies. Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of your cats thyroid hormone, which results in a metabolic rate thats higher than average. In serious cases, it can cause the heart, lungs, and other organs to compress over time, leading to severe discomfort and early death. Munchkin kittens game is a card game that is based on the popular childrens book series, The Munchkins. Complete index of all the wonderful cat breeds and mixes, Deciding what you can and cannot feed your furry friend is a crucial decision, We love our cats, and therefore we want to get them the best gear, Understanding cat behavior can set you both up for a happy, productive relationship, Complete index of all the wonderful dog breeds and mixes, Deciding what you can and cannot feed your four legged friend is a crucial decision, We love our dogs, and therefore we want to get them the best gear, Training your dog can set you both up for a happy, productive relationship, The most complete list of dog food recalls, The most complete list of cat food recalls. Some registries, such as the Fdration Internationale Fdline, have yet to recognize the breed. It is a small to medium-sized cat with a moderate body type and medium-plush coat. 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. . Although there are not many medical conditions that this breed is specifically predisposed to, there are a few that can have a significant impact on the quality of life for a cat. Required fields are marked *. IVDD is painful and can lead to permanent spinal damage and even paralysis. . Progressive retinal atrophy is an eye condition that progresses throughout a cats life, eventually leading to blindness. It's very important to note that breeding one Munchkin cat to another Munchkin cat can lead to serious health problems in the offspring. 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. [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". Lordosis, a genetic disorder, affects no one, but it is found in the Munchkins. Since they're so low to the ground, they are able to make tight turns like a low-slung racecar! This can lead to urinary blockages, which are a medical emergency that must be dealt with immediately to prevent bladder rupture, sepsis, and death. If neurological signs (paralysis) are present, a myelography can be used to indicate with precision at which level the spinal cord is compressed. It is a short-legged breed of cat similar to dachshunds. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, well receive a percentage of the proceeds. If you want one with rare coat colors and a champion bloodline, they will charge between $2,000 and $3,000. 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. One TICA judge even resigned because of the questionable ethics of breeding a cat with a genetic deformity intentionally. But she isnt going to take your money and not make with a cat. These short and thick legs are caused by a genetic mutation that reduces their height and width. 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. In fact, breeding cats, whether munchkins or other types, can have a negative impact on pet overpopulation. Munchkin cats love to collect small, shiny objects. Nicole wants to share her kitty expertise with you so you and your cat. To compensate for a genetic mutation, the Munchkin breed was born with abnormally short legs. 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. Not all Munchkin cats are bred into existence by humans. Kittens are expensive, so heres an idea on how much they cost on average. Specifically, sacrococcygeal dysgenesis (defective development) is a dominant trait, while thoracic hemivertebra (chest half-vertebra) is a recessive trait. The Munchkin cat is so much more than an adorable little pet: These cats are sweet natured, personable, and playful. They are described as having ferret-like movements due to their fast speed and location low to the ground. 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. 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. The result is a fluffy and friendly feline that's perfect for nearly every household. Keep an eye out for any areas they seem to be missing or unable to reach. Lordosis may be mild or severe, and if it's bad enough, the kitten won't live past three months of age. Mild causes of pectus excavatum may show no clinical signs, whereas severe cases lead to cardiac and respiratory issues. As you might have guessed, this breed is named after the Munchkins from The Wizard of Oz. Munchkin cats can and do appear naturally sometimes. They are easy to train because they are playful, outgoing, and outgoing. Less-intelligent breeds are less trainable but often laid-back and easygoing. If they do not physically express the Munchkin gene, they do not carry it. Munchkin kittens take to litter training quickly, especially when you reward them with cat toys and treats. A mogginer is typically a healthy breed with no diseases or conditions. This is uncommon in Munchkins and is not confined to short-legged cats. Possibly, exposure of pregnant queens to: Compounds causing birth defects during fetal development. The legs of the Munchkin may be slightly bowed, although excessive bowing is a disqualification in the show ring. Since only one parent has the mutation, the kittens can survive and be sold for a high price. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Munchkin cats' grooming routines vary depending on their coat length. Male Munchkins typically weigh between 6 and 9 pounds (2.7 and 4.1 kg) and are usually larger than female Munchkins, which typically weigh between 4 and 8 pounds (1.8 and 3.6 kg). Keep your kitty's claws clipped to prevent damage to your belongings, and consider teaching your kitten to allow toothbrushing from a young age. Feet should be pointed straightforward, not pronated inward or outward. In addition to their need for companionship, Munchkins are intelligent, and enjoy toys and games. The hind legs can be slightly longer than the front which creates a slight rise from the shoulder to the rump. 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. If a person sincerely cared for their animals, he or she would not intentionally deform them in this manner. When paired with their average-size bodies (they generally weigh 69 pounds), this gives this dwarf cat a unique look, and their affectionate personalities are the cherry on top. Kittens bearing two copies of the munchkin gene (MM) will not develop in the womb. Theyre not overly vocal, and while they arent anxious, they do enjoy company. 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. 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. They generally enjoy a snuggle session, but only if theyve had the opportunity to get some energy out first. 8 Reasons for This Behavior. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. The Munchkin cat is a small to medium-sized breed that matures to an average weight of 5 to 9 pounds. By [2] There were early speculations that the Munchkin would develop spinal problems commonly seen in short-legged dog breeds; however, in 1995 several breeders had their oldest Munchkins X-rayed and examined for signs of joint or bone problems and found none. [4], The Munchkin has similar characteristics to normal domestic cats, due to their frequent use as outcrosses. 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. Although Munchkin cats, when taken care of, can live about 12 to 15 years on average, there are some health problems that can develop due to their short legs. Do not free-feed a Munchkin cat, as this can lead to obesity. It's a condition in which the cat's spine does not grow correctly. 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. [23], In 2014, Lilieput, a Munchkin cat from Napa, California, was named the shortest statured living cat in the world by Guinness World Records. 2023 This website is owned and operated by Cliverse Media DAO LTD. Thanks to the bouncy, short strides they take when running, Munchkin cats are often compared to rabbits and ferrets. This disease involves a combination of factors, like inflammation of the urinary tract and crystals in the urine.