The legs of the Munchkin may be slightly bowed, although excessive bowing is a disqualification in the show ring. Kittens bearing two normal genes (mm) will be normal. [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 cats length is measured from the base of the tail to the tip of the nose. Munchkin cats are also susceptible to pectus excavatum, or a concave chest. 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. You may notice your cat struggling to get around in low light or becoming less active at night. 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. Osteoarthritis is a condition caused by the gradual breakdown of the cartilage within the joints. When it comes down to it, breeding a cat with short legs is done only to please humans, not for the benefit of cats. [13] There is controversy among breeders of pedigree cats as to what genetic mutations are abnormal and potentially disadvantageous to the cat. Their short legs are caused by a naturally occurring genetic mutation that is caused by an autosomal dominant gene. Surgery is often recommended in moderate to severe cases.. [30] The condition has sometimes been referred to as hypochondroplasia or pseudoachondroplasia. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others. "Lordosis" is a deformity of a cat's lower spine, and "Pectus Excavatum" occurs when the ribs and sternum don't grow properly. If you want to see a short-legged cat, go and watch a cartoon. Your cat may be experiencing FLUTD if it is displaying any of the following symptoms: urinating in small amounts, crying while urinating, failing to urinate in the litter box, frequent licking of the genitals, or blood in the urine. Since only one parent has the mutation, the kittens can survive and be sold for a high price. Medications to soften the feces, an easily digestible diet, and occasional treatment with antibiotics is standard for some cats with spinal malformations. Does it hurt the cats? Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of your cats thyroid hormone, which results in a metabolic rate thats higher than average. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Munchkin Cat Facts: 8 Amazing Things You Didnt Know. The typical adult body length among individuals of this breed. Scoliosis (a lateral curvature of the spine) is also an easily visible form of vertebral malformation. Let me know where you find your fur ever friend or if you get one from Connie. Therefore, the fact that some breeders selected for the munchkin gene was controversial. Her rescuer, Sandra Hochenedel, gave one of the male short-legged kittens to a friend named Kay LaFrance. Not all Munchkin cats are bred into existence by humans. They are a cute cat that can be a great pet. [4][36] Diagnosis of osteoarthritis and the assessment of its severity for a cat may require radiography. This practice is cruel because the cats are intentionally deformed to have these characteristics. The Average lifespan for Munchkin is 12-15 years. 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.

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