Munchkin cats tend to be small in size. 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. Less commonly, your vet may even recommend surgery. Nicole is a lover of animals of all sizes but is especially fascinated with the feline variety. [25], It is not fully known how the mutation impacts the health of the breed. Normal mm kittens will not, as they do not have a copy of the munchkin gene. This cat features short legs, straight ears, and a long body. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Instead of pairing registered Munchinks with one another, they outcross Munchkin cats with domestic cats and other purebreds, ensuring a diverse gene pool and reducing the likelihood of genetic diseases. In this game, players take on the role of one of the kitten characters from the books and must use their wits and agility to navigate their way through a series of challenges. Their short legs result from an autosomal dominant gene. The Munchkin cat breed is relatively new, although individual cats with shorter than average legs have been noted and even encouraged throughout history. 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. The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. 3. . Even if your cat goes into remission, the cancer is likely to return at some point down the road. [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. Can a Dog Take Metronidazole Without Food? However, these are not a health concern free cat breed. The spinal vertebrae form a depression downwards towards the body in the affected Munchkin cats. Munchkin cats are known for being friendly and affectionate, and they typically get along well with other pets and children. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Hyperthyroidism is most common in older cats and is characterized by an increased appetite in combination with weight loss. It also comes in a long-haired variety, which is shown in a separate Munchkin Longhair category. 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. . 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. The Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat is a unique and charming breed of cat that combines the features of two beloved breeds of catsthe Scottish Fold and the Munchkin. Would like to adopt a munchkin cat in mass. Learn more. 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. We currently dont list any partical breeders on the site. [10] However, the breed would not be officially recognized at that time. Munchkin cat breeders select for this gene, which affects leg bone length. 2023 This website is owned and operated by Cliverse Media DAO LTD. Munchkin cats come in three different heights: Standard, supershort, and rug hugger. If you want to see a short-legged cat, go and watch a cartoon. Many of these animals are forced to undergo surgeries that can cause significant health problems, and they are frequently housed in inhumane conditions. 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. Breeders are quick to point out thatthese conditions can also occur in normal-sized cats, but vets have found a correlation between the genetic mutation and these health problems. Simons recommends that all cats, Munchkins included, be brushed weekly. [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. A Munchkin cat's ears should be proportionate to the head, with broader bases and slightly rounded tips. The mating of two munchkin parents, Mm x Mm, have the chance of producing these offspring: 25% MM- a nonviable kitten, 50% Mm-short-legged, 25% mm- normal. Muckenkin cats are at risk for spinal deformities, lordosis, and scoliosis. These cats can have long or short hair coats that can be any color. Lordosis causes a shortening of the muscles that hold the spine in place, allowing it to sink down into the chest cavity. [9] It is from Blackberry and Toulouse's litter that today's Munchkin breed is descended. 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. If left untreated, lymphoma will inevitably lead to death. 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. There are certain health conditions associated with Munchkin cats including arthritis and lordosis but breeders argue that these are not breed-specific. The International Cat Association (TICA) agrees with this argument and accepts the Munchkin cat as a registered breed. They are described as having ferret-like movements due to their fast speed and location low to the ground. The Munchkins' short legs make them unable to leap and snatch at things. If the malformations lead to secondary spinal cord compression and trauma, the affected cat will display ataxia and paresis. The Munchkin cat is a fun-loving cat who enjoys interacting with kids, other cats, and even dogs. Sure they may look cute to some. In severe cases, surgical correction may be necessary to maintain quality of life. If it's very bad, then a kitten may well not survive. Ensure they are fed an Association of American Feed Control Officials-approved cat food appropriate for their life stage, she says. Theyre adorable, friendly, andas long as you dont mind the occasional stolen earring or baublea joy to live with. There is no easy way to know what impact this has on welfare. Decreased mobility can also lead to difficulties with everyday activities, like jumping to and from surfaces and playing. Feed your Munchkin a measured meal two to three times a day, using a life stage-appropriate food (kitten, adult, or senior). Some Munchkins have been found to have a skeletal condition called thoracic lordosis, though this condition (affecting the back, chest, heart and lungs). Breeds with higher intelligence ratings are more curious, investigative, and easy to train. Less-intelligent breeds are less trainable but often laid-back and easygoing. 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. 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). The munchkin breed arose from a genetic mutation. The typical adult weight range of this cat breed. Spaying and neutering is strongly recommended for these animals. Lordosis Pectus Excavatum Hypochondroplasia Osteoarthritis Minor Conditions: Gingivitis: A common gum disease in cats that causes redness and swelling of the gums. These cats must be bred in a cruel and irresponsible manner. Kittens bearing one munchkin gene and one normal gene (Mm) will be short-legged munchkins. TICA granted the Munchkin cat breed championship status in 2003, but no progress toward advancing the Munchkin's status in the world of cat fancy has occurred since then. The Bambino is a new cat breed that crosses the hairless Sphynx cat with a Munchkin to create a short-legged cat with no fur. Some breeders believe Lordosis in Munchkin cats results from the defective gene causing the short legs. [9] Dr. Solveig Pflueger, a show judge, geneticist, and Chairperson of TICA's Genetics Committee was a strong advocate for the official recognition of the breed. A natural genetic mutation gives the Munchkin cat breed those short legs, but otherwise their build is quite average for a small cat. This in turn puts pressure on the trachea, lungs and heart. Only kittens that are heterozygous for the munchkin gene, with only one copy, develop into viable short legged munchkin kittens. The breed's story begins in 1983, when a female cat was rescued in Louisiana. In some cases, management of long term symptoms will be necessary. The term pectus excavatum literally means hollow breast in Latin. The Munchkin cat is so much more than an adorable little pet: These cats are sweet natured, personable, and playful. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, well receive a percentage of the proceeds. Munchkin cats are a relatively new cat breed that are loving, playful companions but can also present health issues. Featured Image: Dasha Parfenova, Shutterstock. Due to their unique posture, this breed is prone to a few skeletal malformations as it ages. orally, intravenously, or subcutaneously. A munchkin cat is a short-legged cat breed. [2] The Munchkin is considered to be the original breed of dwarf cat. After a year, I requested a refund and Connie will not reply to my request going on 6 months now. 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. 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. They are characterized by their short legs, which is the result of a naturally occurring genetic mutation. This type of behavior is not acceptable in any way from anyone who has the best interests of animals at heart. [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. 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. 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. [15] Several cat registries do not recognize the Munchkin: Fdration Internationale Fline, which refuses to recognize what they consider a breed based on a "genetic disease", achondroplasia. What You Need to Know. Having only been officially introduced in 1991, the breed is still considered young. [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). Congenital spinal and vertebral malformations are most often genetically inherited (as opposed to adverse conditions during fetal development). [16] Homozygous embryos for the munchkin gene, with two copies of the gene, are not viable and do not develop in the womb. Check on Facebook there are also good reputable breeders on line. Short legs can make jumping difficult for some cats, but many of them do fine. To compensate for a genetic mutation, the Munchkin breed was born with abnormally short legs. . 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. This kitten was named Toulouse, and was eventually bred back to Blackberry. X-rays of the spinal column (including all vertebrae) can often reveal the exact malformation. The name isnt the only adorable thing about the Munchkin. Munchkin cats are at higher risk of this disorder developing than many other cat breeds due to their abnormal limb shape related to dwarfism. Pectus Excavatum Many cats are prone to developing hyperthyroidism, and Munchkins are no different. Small litter sizes when two munchkin cats are crossed indicate that embryos that are homozygous for the munchkin gene are non-viable. You might also observe your cat jumping up and down from furniture less frequently. Concerns have been raised over the health impact of short legs on a spine of normal length which may lead to lordosis, a downward dip of the spine, munchkin cats are also susceptible to pectus excavatum (concave chest) which causes the breastbone to sink in, and arthritis. Kittens bearing two copies of the munchkin gene (MM) will not develop in the womb. 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. 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. The first cases of short-legged cats were documented in Russia and the United States during the 1950s and 1970s. The Munchkin has been crossed with the curly-coated LaPerm to create the Skookum,[37] the hairless Sphynx to create the Minskin and Bambino,[38][39] another curly-coated Selkirk Rex to create the Lambkin,[40] the Persian breed group (which includes Himalayans and Exotic Shorthair) to create the Napoleon (renamed the Minuet), the curled-eared American Curl to create the Kinkalow, the folded-eared Scottish Fold to create the Scottish Kilts, and also with the Bengal to create the Genetta. As a result of its short legs, it was initially rejected by the International Cat Association (TICA). It is especially prevalent in male cats. 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. 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. But she isnt going to take your money and not make with a cat. That, she says, makes this breed predisposed to osteoarthritis and mobility issues. Prentis told The Sun: Why would you want to breed a cat that effectively doesnt have any legs? Their short legs are caused by a naturally occurring genetic mutation that is caused by an autosomal dominant gene. In addition to their official names, most breeds earn a few nicknames. [11] For many years, the Munchkin breed was not accepted in feline competitions due to the controversial breeding. In Munchkins, this deformity is due to their front legs being shorter than their back legs. This cat is not concerned about its unusual appearance because it is confident and outgoing. 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. However, myelography is generally the diagnostic imaging technique of choice. It should taper and have a rounded end. It is common for munkey cats to be born with short legs and other genetic flaws that can lead to health problems. They generally enjoy a snuggle session, but only if theyve had the opportunity to get some energy out first.
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