Simons recommends that all cats, Munchkins included, be brushed weekly. What You Need to Know! If neurological signs (paralysis) are present, a myelography can be used to indicate with precision at which level the spinal cord is compressed. To keep them safe, keep them indoors if they have difficulty climbing stairs or staying up tall. Kitten Munchkins are susceptible to this condition, which is caused by the spinal muscles growing too short. 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. Because a Munchkin is a short-legd cat, it can be bred with other cat breeds to create a new variety of munchkin. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Nicole wants to share her kitty expertise with you so you and your cat. [25], It is not fully known how the mutation impacts the health of the breed. The paws should be round and compact. Vincent The Cat Gets Rare Prosthetic Leg Impants, monitoring_string = "44e5bb901650ec61e9e0af1ff1bef5fe". 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. Surgery is often recommended in moderate to severe cases.. Munchkin cats come in three different heights: Standard, supershort, and rug hugger. [34][35] Both conditions are commonly seen in humans with pseudoachondroplasia. The offspring have a 50% chance of being Munchkins. There is no cure for progressive retinal atrophy, and it is guaranteed to lead to blindness eventually, but the rate of progression can vary between cats. [11] For many years, the Munchkin breed was not accepted in feline competitions due to the controversial breeding. That, she says, makes this breed predisposed to osteoarthritis and mobility issues. This is uncommon in Munchkins and is not confined to short-legged cats. The condition causes pain and dysfunction as a result of osteoarthritis. Since other indoor cats tend to live 10 to 15 years on average, we can conclude that the Munchkin cats genetic deformity does not necessarily take a toll on its ability to live a full life. There is a lot of controversy surrounding the breeding of Munchkin cats since it is intentionally breeding a genetic deformity into the kittens. There are cats who live for up to 15 years, but some older ones have health issues that shorten their life span. [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. Mutants such as spinal malformations and lordosis can occur in a munchkin cat, as do scoliosis and lordosis. 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 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. Lott says Munchkins are a smart, trainable breed. 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. Many cat owners think that hairballs are just a natural part of a cats life and that theres nothing that, There has been some controversy about whether or not a raw food diet is a good idea for cats. A mutation causes the cats legs to be short and stubby, which is the cats most recognizable feature. Since they're so low to the ground, they are able to make tight turns like a low-slung racecar! Would like to adopt a munchkin cat in mass. Keep your kitty's claws clipped to prevent damage to your belongings, and consider teaching your kitten to allow toothbrushing from a young age. 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. Does it hurt the cats? The munchkin breed arose from a genetic mutation. Similarity to other breeds is grounds for disqualification. Munchkin cats are known for their short legs and playful personalities. This deformity is present at birth and is often diagnosable within days of birth. [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 educational content is not veterinary advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. 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. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Munchkin cats are a medium-sized breed of cat known for their characteristically short legs and long body. If your cat is showing neurological signs such as dizziness, seizures or paralysis postoperatively, restricted activity combined with physical therapy may be helpful. Furthermore, they are affectionate, sociable, and great pets in their own right. It involves the spine excessively curving inwards . And in a world where shelters are full of unwanted healthy cats, should we really be breeding deformed felines for profit? Munchkin kittens are susceptible to this condition, . Muckenkin cats are at risk for spinal deformities, lordosis, and scoliosis. Lordosis is an abnormal spinal shape in which the spine slopes or dips down into the chest cavity. Some people believe that munchkin cats are cruelly treated because they are bred to have a genetic defect that causes their legs to be abnormally short. This type of behavior is not acceptable in any way from anyone who has the best interests of animals at heart. The Munchkin is a small to medium-sized cat (males are slightly larger than females), typically weighing between 5-10 pounds. 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. Fecal and urinary incontinence are common, as well as constipation and urinary tract infections. While most Munchkin cats are generally healthy, genetic problems do occur - even when breeders are cautious. Some worry that short legs limit Munchkin cats mobility, which is especially important for felines. 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. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. [6][7][8], Short-legged cats have been documented a number of times around the world since the 1940s. When your cat is unable to properly expel its urine, it can lead to a buildup of toxins in their bodies. They are characterized by their short legs, which is the result of a naturally occurring genetic mutation. Breeds with higher intelligence ratings are more curious, investigative, and easy to train. [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. X-rays will be retaken with each follow-up visit as well. This condition is rare in cats, but cats with elongated and malformed spines, like Munchkins, can be at a higher risk. [1], Currently, the only registries that fully recognize the breed are TICA and the Southern Africa Cat Council. Nicole Cosgrove. 2. But do Munchkin cats have more health issues than other cat breeds? Its worth noting that while some official cat breed organizations, including The International Cat Association (TICA), recognize the Munchkin as an official breed, others such as the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) dont. [23] Some sources state that the shortness of their legs does not interfere with their running and leaping abilities,[24] while others state their ability to jump is limited by their condition. [1], In 1983, Sandra Hochenedel, a music teacher in Rayville, Louisiana, found two pregnant cats who had been chased under a truck by a dog. It depends on who you ask. Females are usually smaller than males. Learn more. [22], TICA Standards describe the Munchkin as "outgoing, intelligent, and responds well to being handled". Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? 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. Plus they offer carrier services if you cant make it to Orlando to pick up your cutie. Lordosis is a spinal condition in which the spinal muscles grow too thin, giving a kitten the appearance of being short. Stay on top of cat food recalls here >, Have a dog? Munchkin cats may be of any color and pattern imaginable. 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. 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). 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. They are easy to train because they are playful, outgoing, and outgoing. The cost of a reputable kitten from a reputable breeder can range from $700 to $1,100, depending on a variety of factors. There is no easy way to know what impact this has on welfare. 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. Though they are purposefully bred due to their popularity, Munchkin cats occur naturally. 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. This cat is not concerned about its unusual appearance because it is confident and outgoing. Despite their short legs, they are extremely vulnerable to health problems. Munchkin cats are not the only breed that suffers from the health conditions listed above, but in some cases, their abnormally short legs and long bodies may increase their risk of developing health problems down the road. The Munchkin cat is a small to medium-sized breed that matures to an average weight of 5 to 9 pounds. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be helpful, and are in some cases much more sensitive than X-rays. The back legs may be of the same length as the front legs, although longer back legs and shorter front legs are acceptable. These cats can have long or short hair coats that can be any color. Because the Munchkin cat is a rare breed, it is in high demand. They are affectionate animals that can be kept with both children and other pets. Theyre adorable, friendly, andas long as you dont mind the occasional stolen earring or baublea joy to live with. Non-standard Munchkins are not allowed to be shown. Many Munchkins experience limited mobility in their spine due to a variety of factors, like their elongated back length compared to their height. 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. Lordosis is the most common health issues that these cats might face. If the spinal compression is diffuse or long-term, your cat may not respond to surgery. However, these are not a health concern free cat breed. You might also observe your cat jumping up and down from furniture less frequently. Since only one parent has the mutation, the kittens can survive and be sold for a high price. [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). Prentis told The Sun: Why would you want to breed a cat that effectively doesnt have any legs? Keep an eye out for any areas they seem to be missing or unable to reach. IVDD is painful and can lead to permanent spinal damage and even paralysis. If you think your cat may be experiencing uremia, contact your vet right away. One possible genetic health problem of Munchkin kittens is a condition called lordosis, also known as tight chest. Due to this genetic defect, any Munchkin cat can only be bred with regular cats, so they cannot inherit it from both parents. This imaging technique uses a radiopaque substance that is injected into the spine, or into the membranous space that surrounds the spinal cord so that the defects in the spine will be visible on X-ray projections. 3. . Your email address will not be published. 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. Jumping and climbing (especially on cat trees with low entry points). This can lead to damage and pain from the nerves of the spinal cord being pressed on. 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. 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. Feed your Munchkin a measured meal two to three times a day, using a life stage-appropriate food (kitten, adult, or senior). [16] The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy likewise refuses to recognize the breed, considering this breed and others like it to be "unacceptable" because they are based on an "abnormal structure or development". You may notice your cat struggling to get around in low light or becoming less active at night. Munchkins are prone to a congenital (present from birth) malformation called lordosis, an inward curvature of the spine in the lower back, says Simons. Here are seven facts you might not have known about these adorable, stubby-limbed pets. However, it is important to be aware of the signs of this condition, as it can be fatal if left untreated. Use the suggested servings on the cat food label as your guide for meal portions, but talking with your vet is best for determining how much food your cat needs. At Excited Cats, we regularly consult with licensed veterinarians and other industry experts. The Cat or You? How to Get Cat Poop Stains Out of the Couch: 4 Stain Remover Options, Why Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet? orally, intravenously, or subcutaneously. Eyes may be of any color. Decreased mobility can also lead to difficulties with everyday activities, like jumping to and from surfaces and playing. The educational cat health content on Cats.com is written by or reviewed by our team of veterinary experts to ensure that its in line with the latest evidence-based veterinary information and health guidelines. Although not a disorder within itself, decreased mobility impacts a large number of Munchkin cats. While the munchkin trait is naturally occurring in some cats, some people prefer to avoid buying a cat that was specifically bred for this physical trait.
Spokane Ham Radio Frequencies,
St Charles Borromeo Fish Fry,
Articles L