Keep an eye out for anything unusual. While some say that Munchkin cats arent able to jump as high as other cats simply because their legs are so short, others argue that they avoid jumping because it causes them pain. Let me know where you find your fur ever friend or if you get one from Connie. [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. 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. Your cat will need to revisit your veterinarian every four to six months for neurological examinations and to monitor progression of clinical signs. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws. This abnormality can cause pain as a result of osteoarthritis [1]. Lordosis, or the common cold, can pose a serious threat to these lovely little animals, so it is imperative that everyone who owns them vaccinates them against this distemper. Due to their unique posture, this breed is prone to a few skeletal malformations as it ages. Featured Image: Dasha Parfenova, Shutterstock. 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. How Should I Introduce My Puppy to a Dominant Dog? Dwarf cats, like regular cats, are susceptible to health problems, but they can live long and happy lives if properly cared for. They are also expensive, and both breeders and scammers have taken advantage of that fact. These abnormalities are responsible for the disability that they cause from birth. It is a good idea to comb them once a week. [1] TICA rules for outcrossing allows the use of any domestic cat that does not already belong to a recognized breed. 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. Because the Munchkin can develop arthritis, Simons says its important to feed them a high-quality diet with supplements to support joint health. We recommend to look at https://tica.org/munchkin-breeders. This disease is often manageable with a combination of medications and a specialized diet that prevents crystal formation. 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. Stay on top of cat food recalls here >, Have a dog? The chances of a Munchkin offspring are 50%. Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat: What You Need to Know As the cancer grows, it spreads from the lymphatic system and metastasizes into multiple parts of the body. Those short legs actually come from a genetic mutation, and some cat breeders intentionally breed this trait into their felines. This greatly reduces the risk of health issues that could cause discomfort and early death. To get a better view, theyll often stand on their hind legs. If you think your cat may be experiencing uremia, contact your vet right away. Simons recommends that all cats, Munchkins included, be brushed weekly. 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. Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat: Everything You Need to Know There are numerous examples of munchkins who are friendly, sociable, and playful. You may have seen some videos of the short-legged Munchkin cat, or sausage cat, on the Internet. This condition, known as lordosis, affects the spine and causes it to be excessively curved. The Osbornes bred sphynx cats, carrying the recessive hairless gene, with munchkin cats that carried the dominant short-legged gene. However, myelography is generally the diagnostic imaging technique of choice. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. [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. Long-haired Munchkin cats typically display very soft, silky coats. The first known records of a short-legged cat date back to 1944. Scottish Fold Munchkins are also prone to Polycystic Kidney Disease and Lordosis, which is a spinal condition caused by . Lordosis causes a shortening of the muscles that hold the spine in place, allowing it to sink down into the chest cavity. Secondary damage due to spinal compression may be avoided if surgical intervention takes place early on. Would like to adopt a munchkin cat in mass. Munchkin kittens are susceptible to this condition, . Some Munchkins have been found to have a skeletal condition called thoracic lordosis, though this condition (affecting the back, chest, heart and lungs). The truth is, they are 100% feline, with magnetic personalities, a strong play drive, and an intense love of cuddling. These short and thick legs are caused by a genetic mutation that reduces their height and width. 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. These kitties absolutely love their toys and they love it even more when their human companions take time out for interactive play. Read more here. Over time, unmanaged or poorly managed hyperthyroidism can lead to hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, and blindness. While these cats may look cute, their adorable, stout physique may come at a price. [30] The condition has sometimes been referred to as hypochondroplasia or pseudoachondroplasia. Homozygous embryos for the munchkin gene are not viable due . Furthermore, they are affectionate, sociable, and great pets in their own right. You might liken the Munchkin cat to one of the hot dog dog breeds such as the Dachshund. Can I be notified when one comes available? Hi Michael, Munchkin cats tend to be small in size. Munchkin cats are the product of a genetic mutation that causes a form of dwarfism, called achondroplasia or chondrodysplasia. This can also increase the likelihood of other conditionslike osteoarthritisdeveloping. The name isnt the only adorable thing about the Munchkin. [1][10], The Munchkin comes in all coat colors and patterns. The Munchkin cat is a small to medium-sized breed that matures to an average weight of 5 to 9 pounds. [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. Prentis told The Sun: Why would you want to breed a cat that effectively doesnt have any legs? Be the first to get our latest updates, insider videos, cat health resources, and more. 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. A mutation causes the cats legs to be short and stubby, which is the cats most recognizable feature. How to Get Cat Poop Stains Out of the Couch: 4 Stain Remover Options, Why Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet? This deformity is present at birth and is often diagnosable within days of birth. 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. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. 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. Responsible Munchkin breeders outcross cats with the short legged gene with cats that do not carry the gene. They tend to have a relatively thick body and round chest. 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. The Munchkin, also known as Sausage Cat, is a breed of cat characterized by its very short legs, which are caused by genetic mutation. Munchkin Ragdolls are a relatively new breed of cat, and as such, they may not have any of these health problems. The hind legs can be slightly longer than the front which creates a slight rise from the shoulder to the rump. But do Munchkin cats have more health issues than other cat breeds? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed. Normal mm kittens will not, as they do not have a copy of the munchkin gene. The name "munchkin" derives from writer L. Frank Baum's diminutive inhabitants of Munchkin Country, originating in the 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Possibly, exposure of pregnant queens to: Compounds causing birth defects during fetal development. Munchkin Cat Facts: 8 Amazing Things You Didn't Know Below, we will go over some of the most common health problems Munchkin cats develop. Every year, millions of animals are killed in U.S. shelters. [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". The Munchkin cats with long legs do not carry the heterozygous gene (a cell containing two different alleles). Females are usually smaller than males. 2023 This website is owned and operated by Cliverse Media DAO LTD. You will need to give your veterinarian a thorough history of your cat's health and onset of symptoms. 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). [6][7][8], Short-legged cats have been documented a number of times around the world since the 1940s. Only kittens that are heterozygous for the munchkin gene, with only one copy, develop into viable short legged munchkin kittens. It's a condition in which the cat's spine does not grow correctly. A full physical exam will be performed. Their mobility, for the most part, isnt terribly affected by having shorter legs. Munchkin Cat: Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts | Hepper Keep your kitty's claws clipped to prevent damage to your belongings, and consider teaching your kitten to allow toothbrushing from a young age. Mild causes of pectus excavatum may show no clinical signs, whereas severe cases lead to cardiac and respiratory issues. [5] The breed is also not recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association. A Munchkin cat's ears should be proportionate to the head, with broader bases and slightly rounded tips. The munchkin breed arose from a genetic mutation. Munchkin Cat Breed Profile | Purina Inflammation, infection, urinary obstruction, diet, and behavioral issues are all possible causes of lower urinary tract disease. The appeal of a playful, fluffy Munchkin cat is undeniable.
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