lordosis in munchkin cats
If your Munchkin shows an interest in climbing, providing them with a cat tree will save your furniture and provide your kitty with an elevated vantage point that they'll appreciate. But is that ethical? The Munchkin is a small to medium-sized cat (males are slightly larger than females), typically weighing between 5-10 pounds. Let us know in the comments below! "Lordosis" is a deformity of a cat's lower spine, and "Pectus Excavatum" occurs when the ribs and sternum don't grow properly. Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Uremia is usually accompanied by a kidney injury or an obstruction of your cats urinary tubes. 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. These kitties absolutely love their toys and they love it even more when their human companions take time out for interactive play. You may have seen some videos of the short-legged Munchkin cat, or sausage cat, on the Internet. The typical adult body length among individuals of this breed. 8. Scottish Fold Munchkins are also prone to Polycystic Kidney Disease and Lordosis, which is a spinal condition caused by . The Average lifespan for Munchkin is 12-15 years. 8 Reasons for This Behavior. Nicole Cosgrove. It is important to comb them on a regular basis to remove loose hair and prevent mats and tangles. This educational content is not veterinary advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. 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. Some of the first signs that your cat is suffering from osteoarthritis are changes in your cats gait or even lameness in one or more limbs. Vincent The Cat Gets Rare Prosthetic Leg Impants, monitoring_string = "44e5bb901650ec61e9e0af1ff1bef5fe". When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. The Munchkin cats with long legs do not carry the heterozygous gene (a cell containing two different alleles). Breeds with higher grooming scores require more maintenance like brushing and bathing, while lower-scored breeds are virtually maintenance-free. The Cat or You? Pflueger was also a breeder of Munchkin cats herself, having been initially sent two cats from Hochenedel. . The hind legs can be slightly longer than the front which creates a slight rise from the shoulder to the rump. This type of cancer can be treated in some instances, but it is not always treatable. Veterinarians often recommend a mix of wet food (which can help kitties stay hydrated) and dry kibble (to help reduce tartar buildup on their teeth). 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. Does it hurt the cats? The legs of the Munchkin may be slightly bowed, although excessive bowing is a disqualification in the show ring. Specifically, sacrococcygeal dysgenesis (defective development) is a dominant trait, while thoracic hemivertebra (chest half-vertebra) is a recessive trait. Image Credit: https://www.catster.com/cats-101/about-the-munchkin-cat, Image Credit: The condition causes pain and dysfunction as a result of osteoarthritis. If the vet tells you that the cat has Lordosis towards the neck region, he or she will be talking about Cervical Lordosis. This leads to a flattened, concave, or narrowed chest. Muckenkin cats are at risk for spinal deformities, lordosis, and scoliosis. People breeding cats for their looks and charm are common reasons for doing so. On the other hand, vertebral malformations can be latent until the cat undergoes a growth spurt, sometimes not becoming apparent for several months. Munchkin cats are most commonly identified by their short legs and long bodies. [22], TICA Standards describe the Munchkin as "outgoing, intelligent, and responds well to being handled". He has a long, skinny body, walnut-shaped eyes, and triangular ears. As a result of its short legs, it was initially rejected by the International Cat Association (TICA). Munchkin kittens game is a card game that is based on the popular childrens book series, The Munchkins. Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat: What You Need to Know 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. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others. Kittens bearing two copies of the munchkin gene (MM) will not develop in the womb. Be aware that, while most Munchkins have little to no trouble getting around like other felines, the mutation that causes their short legs can lead to other health issues. You will need to give your veterinarian a thorough history of your cat's health and onset of symptoms. Munchkin Cat Health Problems - VetInfo 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. Stay on top of cat food recalls here >, Have a dog? 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. Munchkin cats love to collect small, shiny objects. Well, there is no definitive answer, as opinions seem to vary quite a bit on this topic. History and Characteristics of Munchkin Kittens - LoveToKnow [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). A full physical exam will be performed. The munchkin gene is autosomal dominant. In the mildest cases, lordosis can cause shortness of breath. The munchkin cat is caused by a naturally occurring genetic mutation. In general, a whisker cat can live between 12 and 15 years, though a cat with health issues may only live for a few years. Because of the deformities associated with the form of dwarfism that Munchkins have, it does increase the risk of a variety of issues, especially those related to the musculoskeletal system. In addition to their need for companionship, Munchkins are intelligent, and enjoy toys and games. Leg length affects the height only; the rest of the cat's body is proportioned like that of an average domestic cat. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. The Munchkin cat is a hardy breed that has few specific health issues. Chemotherapy, surgery, and immune suppression are often successfully used to treat lymphoma in cats. 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. Andrew Prentis, of Hyde Park Veterinary Centre in Central London, had a word of advice for those wanting a to buy a Munchkin cat or breed them. However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. However, Munchkins do not shed more than your typical cat. This kitten was named Toulouse, and was eventually bred back to Blackberry. 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. This causes the breastbone to sink in. Feline lower urinary tract disease, or FLUTD, is a catch-all phrase for several different conditions of the urethra and bladder in cats. They may also have some compression around the heart that can lead to decreased cardiac functionality. Visible signs of a distorted spinal column are lordosis (curvature of the spine at the lower back) and kyphosis (a posterior curvature of the spine). If neurological signs (paralysis) are present, a myelography can be used to indicate with precision at which level the spinal cord is compressed. While some cats don't seem to be affected by this downward curve, it can cause spinal pain, leaning to one side, and lead to reduced movement. And in a world where shelters are full of unwanted healthy cats, should we really be breeding deformed felines for profit? Fecal and urinary incontinence are common, as well as constipation and urinary tract infections. Munchkin cats are at a higher than average risk for osteoarthritis, which can become severe with age. Inflammation, infection, urinary obstruction, diet, and behavioral issues are all possible causes of lower urinary tract disease. [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. Lordosis, a genetic disorder, affects no one, but it is found in the Munchkins. They are a cute cat that can be a great pet. It's a condition in which the cat's spine does not grow correctly. They are characterized by their short legs, which is the result of a naturally occurring genetic mutation. Munchkin cats do not have any special nutritional requirements, however it is best to offer a high-protein diet. This is especially important given that short-legged cats such as Munchkins and Munchkin mixes are prone to spinal issues such as lordosis. These short and thick legs are caused by a genetic mutation that reduces their height and width. In mild cases, IVDD is often successfully managed with pain medications, physical therapy, and steroids, although it can continue to worsen over time. [13] There is controversy among breeders of pedigree cats as to what genetic mutations are abnormal and potentially disadvantageous to the cat. Munchkin Cat Facts: 8 Amazing Things You Didn't Know 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. The goal of the game is to be the first to reach the finish line, and along the way, players will need to collect items and battle enemies. While each individual has a unique personality, breed-specific genetics affect qualities like sociability, playfulness, and intelligence. Uremia is defined by high levels of urea and amino acids in the bloodstream. These playful, friendly cats have legs about 3 inches shorter than your typical cat. 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. Less commonly, your vet may even recommend surgery. 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. Teacup cats are small cats that have been bred to be so small. However, breeders have found that they can profit from intentionally breeding these cats because many people find them to be cute. The Munchkin Cat: A New Breed Of Cat With Short Legs While these cats may look cute, their adorable, stout physique may come at a price. You might think that Munchkin cats can't jump. 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. . Since they're so low to the ground, they are able to make tight turns like a low-slung racecar! Check on Facebook there are also good reputable breeders on line. Those short legs actually come from a genetic mutation, and some cat breeders intentionally breed this trait into their felines. The prognosis is highly variable based on how severe the cancer is, but early treatment usually provides the best prognosis. You might liken the Munchkin cat to one of the hot dog dog breeds such as the Dachshund. Munchkin cats come in three different heights: Standard, supershort, and rug hugger. Because Munchkin cats are often so active, weight maintenance is typically not an issue. Because of its physical features, it is a breed of cat that is particularly suited to fast and agile living conditions. Lordosis and pectus excavatum are two of the most common forms of chest pain. 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. Owners of Munchkin cats should keep an eye out for overfeeding issues, as do Dachshunds and Corgis. They live for chases and catnip mice, and theyll never refuse a warm lap as long as they can get their paws on one. Due to their unique posture, this breed is prone to a few skeletal malformations as it ages. Munchkin kittens take to litter training quickly, especially when you reward them with cat toys and treats. 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. The parent to the Munchkin cats we have today is a short-legged cat named Blackberry who was found pregnant by a teacher, Sandra Hochenedel, in 1983. This greatly reduces the risk of health issues that could cause discomfort and early death. Even if your cat goes into remission, the cancer is likely to return at some point down the road. Widening the gene pool can reduce these problem. She had been abandoned outdoors, and had been chased under a pickup truck by a dog. The Munchkin Ragdoll Cat - An Adorable Addition To Any Family Here are a few things you should know about Munchkin cats and where they come from. Short legs can make jumping difficult for some cats, but many of them do fine. A fully grown Munchkin cat might weigh between 4-9 pounds or more and range in height anywhere from about 6"-9" inches tall. Breeds with a high affection level want to give and receive a lot of attention, while less-affectionate breeds are not as interested in petting and snuggles. 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. 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. Feline urinary tract disease, also called FLUTD, is a serious condition that can impact cats of any breed. Some registries, such as the Fdration Internationale Fdline, have yet to recognize the breed. The short legs of the Munchkin cat, for example, have a dominant genetic mutation that contributes to their short stature. How Much Are Munchkin Cats It ranges from $1000 to $2000 USD. 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. Munchkin cats have limited mobility compared to other breeds. The resulting litter will be 2/3 Mm-short-legged and 1/3mm-normal. [4][36] Diagnosis of osteoarthritis and the assessment of its severity for a cat may require radiography. If youre considering adding a Munchkin kitten to your home, talk to your breeder about the health of their cats. Theres no denying that a munchkin cat is a wonderful addition to any family. Non-standard Munchkins are not allowed to be shown. Eyes may be of any color. Some Munchkins have been found to have a skeletal condition called thoracic lordosis, though this condition (affecting the back, chest, heart and lungs). While this condition can be successfully treated, it is important that it is caught early. 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. [23], In 2014, Lilieput, a Munchkin cat from Napa, California, was named the shortest statured living cat in the world by Guinness World Records. Decreased mobility can also lead to difficulties with everyday activities, like jumping to and from surfaces and playing. [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. They are described as having ferret-like movements due to their fast speed and location low to the ground. Some breeders believe Lordosis in Munchkin cats results from the defective gene causing the short legs. Kittens bearing two normal genes (mm) will be normal. Nicole is a lover of animals of all sizes but is especially fascinated with the feline variety. 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. Your email address will not be published. "Vets warn trend for sausage cats is cruel", "Genetic Welfare Problems of Companion Animals, Munchkin - Limb Deformity", "Encyclopedia of Cat Breeds: Munchkin Cat", "Breed Comparisons - Munchkin | World Cat Congress", "People Are Breeding Cats To Have Too-Short Legs", "Fokken met katten met schadelijke kenmerken of erfelijke ziektes - Nieuwsbericht - NVWA", "Code of Practice for the Breeding of Animals with Heritable Defects that Cause Disease - Agriculture", Code of Practice for the Welfare of Cats in the ACT, "Tiny Napa cat stands tall in new Guinness record book", "New cat breed, Munchkin, stands on its stubby legs", "Munchkin: Fur is flying over this rare cat breed", "All You Need to Know About Munchkin Cats", "Skookum Cat Breed Information and Pictures", "Minskin Cat Breed Information and Pictures", "Bambino Cat Breed Information and Pictures", "Lambkin Cat Breed Information and Pictures", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Munchkin_cat&oldid=1151202217, Cat breeds originating in the United States, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 22 April 2023, at 15:05. The International Cat Association (TICA) agrees with this argument and accepts the Munchkin cat as a registered breed. But she isnt going to take your money and not make with a cat. The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. The most prevalent issue is called lordosis. [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. Mutants such as spinal malformations and lordosis can occur in a munchkin cat, as do scoliosis and lordosis. Many cats are prone to developing hyperthyroidism, and Munchkins are no different. She stands 5.25 inches (133mm) tall. Look for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the abdomen, lack of appetite, and lethargy. Hyperthyroidism is most common in older cats and is characterized by an increased appetite in combination with weight loss. Breeds with a higher sociability rating will want to spend time with you all day, while less-sociable breeds seldom seek out human interaction. Thanks to social media, Munchkin cats are becoming more widely known and well-loved by many people. A mutation causes the cats legs to be short and stubby, which is the cats most recognizable feature. Can I be notified when one comes available? [30] The condition has sometimes been referred to as hypochondroplasia or pseudoachondroplasia. As the cancer grows, it spreads from the lymphatic system and metastasizes into multiple parts of the body. Persian Munchkin Cat Mix (Napoleon or Minuet): Info, Pictures - Hepper If it's very bad, then a kitten may well not survive. The name isnt the only adorable thing about the Munchkin. Kitten Munchkins are susceptible to this condition, which is caused by the spinal muscles growing too short. 2. The offspring have a 50% chance of being Munchkins. This causes the breastbone to sink in. This disorder can not only decrease joint mobility, but it also causes pain and increases the likelihood of injuries to unaffected joints since the cat may offload from the painful limb, increasing wear and tear on other body parts. Scottish Fold Munchkin Mix Cat Breed Info: Pictures, Temperament A mogginer is typically a healthy breed with no diseases or conditions. In fact, the opposite is true: Munchkin cats are capable of running at high speeds. Simons recommends that all cats, Munchkins included, be brushed weekly. 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. 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. With their short legs, any additional ounces can put more strain on their spines. There are certain health conditions associated with Munchkin cats including arthritis and lordosis but breeders argue that these are not breed-specific. including osteoarthritis caused by lordosis, or an inward curvature of the spine, and pectus excavatum, or "funnel chest". Though they are purposefully bred due to their popularity, Munchkin cats occur naturally. By Are munchkin cats bred differently than other types of cats? The Munchkins' short legs make them unable to leap and snatch at things. Would like to adopt a munchkin cat in mass. The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Do you know where I can get some help with this? Medicine often does not resolve neurological manifestations of spinal and vertebral malformations. X-rays will be retaken with each follow-up visit as well. Scoliosis (a lateral curvature of the spine) is also an easily visible form of vertebral malformation. Compared to many other cat breeds, it is a relatively new breed, documented since 1940s[1] and officially recognized in 1991. Homozygous embryos for the munchkin gene are not viable due . 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. Do not free-feed a Munchkin cat, as this can lead to obesity. Coping with Pet Allergies, Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, Association of American Feed Control Officials-approved cat food. Let me know where you find your fur ever friend or if you get one from Connie. This line disappeared during the Second World War but other short-legged cats were spotted in Russia during 1956 and the United States in the 1970s. While bathing isnt necessary, Lott says the occasional bath can help cut down on shedding, if thats a particular concern.