How Should I Introduce My Puppy to a Dominant Dog? 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. Their short legs result from an autosomal dominant gene. Required fields are marked *. In Munchkins, this deformity is due to their front legs being shorter than their back legs. Are munchkin cats bred differently than other types of cats? Image Credit: https://www.catster.com/cats-101/about-the-munchkin-cat, Image Credit: This condition causes compression of the heart, says Simons. Can I be notified when one comes available? Not only is their lifespan shortened, but they may also suffer from chronic health problems. Leg length affects the height only; the rest of the cat's body is proportioned like that of an average domestic cat. However, Munchkins do not shed more than your typical cat. A full physical exam will be performed. It is a good idea to comb them once a week. Dwarf cats, like regular cats, are susceptible to health problems, but they can live long and happy lives if properly cared for. Scoliosis (a lateral curvature of the spine) is also an easily visible form of vertebral malformation. It is common for munkey cats to be born with short legs and other genetic flaws that can lead to health problems. [13] There is controversy among breeders of pedigree cats as to what genetic mutations are abnormal and potentially disadvantageous to the cat. Any help would be appreciated, Your email address will not be published. The condition causes pain and dysfunction as a result of osteoarthritis. Munchkin cats do not have any special nutritional requirements, however it is best to offer a high-protein diet. Even if your cat goes into remission, the cancer is likely to return at some point down the road. 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. Plus they offer carrier services if you cant make it to Orlando to pick up your cutie. If you want to see a short-legged cat, go and watch a cartoon. [5] The breed is also not recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association. 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. These kitties don't know that their legs are far shorter than the average cat's; they simply enjoy life a little closer to the ground! No special ear care is required for Munchkin cats, but if you notice buildup, redness, or odor, talk to your veterinarian. In the world of the Munchkin cat, there is never enough company. Learn more. Though it can cause pain, it's usually easily treated. The Munchkin is often a healthy, short-legged cat. [9] She kept one of the cats and named her Blackberry and half of her kittens were born short-legged. Absolutely! If your Munchkin becomes overweight, Simons suggests talking to your vet about a weight-loss diet. Munchkin cats are also susceptible to pectus excavatum, or a concave chest. She had been abandoned outdoors, and had been chased under a pickup truck by a dog. Some individuals also suffer from a condition called pectus excavatum, which causes a hollow chest. 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. Shes the proud mom of Baby, a Burmese, and works every day so he can relax in the sunshine or by the fire. Over time, the breakdown of the joint cartilage can also lead to abnormal bone growth around the joint and a thickening of the joint capsule. Munchkin cats love to collect small, shiny objects. Saying they can jump or run like a normal cat would be false, she says. Look for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the abdomen, lack of appetite, and lethargy. 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. Muckenkin cats can develop spinal deformities such as lordosis and scoliosis, among other issues. If you plan to adopt a Munchkin kitten, be sure that you work with a responsible breeder or adoption agency. Critics claimed that these cats can suffer from back and hip problems similar to those experienced by short-legged dog breeds. [31][32], However, there appear to be two conditions with increased incidence in the Munchkin breed: lordosis (excessive curvature of the spine)[33] and pectus excavatum (hollowed chest). This can also increase the likelihood of other conditionslike osteoarthritisdeveloping. 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. Can a Dog Take Metronidazole Without Food? Cost to Treat $150-$2,500 (surgical) Pumpkin Plans Pay Back* $135-$2,250 Osteoarthritis Munchkins are predisposed to osteoarthritis due to their shorter than average limbs. While the average lifespan of a Munchkin cat is 12 to 15 years, it may also develop health problems as a result of its short legs. The Munchkin cat is a hardy breed that has few specific health issues. 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. It also comes in a long-haired variety, which is shown in a separate Munchkin Longhair category. Read more here. [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. This condition often occurs in Munchkins, and short spinal muscles characterize it due to the short legs and long bodies. 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. As you might have guessed, this breed is named after the Munchkins from The Wizard of Oz. You may have seen some videos of the short-legged Munchkin cat, or sausage cat, on the Internet.