Munchkin cats do not have any special nutritional requirements, however it is best to offer a high-protein diet. Sprinkle your kitty's scratcher with catnip to encourage them to sink their claws into appropriate materials only and to bring out even more playfulness. Critics claimed that these cats can suffer from back and hip problems similar to those experienced by short-legged dog breeds. Many cats are prone to developing hyperthyroidism, and Munchkins are no different. [2] The Munchkin is considered to be the original breed of dwarf cat. Spinal and Vertebral Birth Defects in Cats | PetMD Although not a disorder within itself, decreased mobility impacts a large number of Munchkin cats. What You Need to Know! Since Munchkin cats love to play, it isn't at all difficult to encourage them to get enough exercise. 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). Not only is their lifespan shortened, but they may also suffer from chronic health problems. 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. Lott says Munchkins are a smart, trainable breed. 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. The munchkin gene is an autosomal dominant one. If neurological signs (paralysis) are present, a myelography can be used to indicate with precision at which level the spinal cord is compressed. Shes the proud mom of Baby, a Burmese, and works every day so he can relax in the sunshine or by the fire. 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. This cat is not concerned about its unusual appearance because it is confident and outgoing. 2. These short and thick legs are caused by a genetic mutation that reduces their height and width. The Munchkin cat has been the source of some controversy since being officially recognized by the International Cat Association in the 1990s. Critics predicted that the breed would develop back, hip and leg problems similar to those that plague some Dachshunds. 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. Munchkin cats are the product of a genetic mutation that causes a form of dwarfism, called achondroplasia or chondrodysplasia. 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. The Munchkin cat is a fun-loving cat who enjoys interacting with kids, other cats, and even dogs. Dwarf cats, according to the Munchkin cat, are all disproportionally short legs, and they are the original and most well-known of all. This doesnt just apply to their shortened legs, either. Chemotherapy can be administered orally, intravenously, or subcutaneously. 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. To get a better view, theyll often stand on their hind legs. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/hyperthyroidism-cats-theres-fda-approved-drug-treat-it#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20sign%20of, https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/feline-lower-urinary-tract-disease#:~:text=Feline%20lower%20urinary%20tract%20disease%20(FLUTD)%20describes%20a%20variety%20of,and%20blood%20in%20the%20urine, https://kittencoalition.org/pectus-excavatum-in-kittens/#:~:text=, Pectus%20excavatum%20causes%20a%20malformation, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/lymphoma-in-cats, Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? The appeal of a playful, fluffy Munchkin cat is undeniable. Any help would be appreciated, Your email address will not be published. Lordosis is an abnormal spinal shape in which the spine slopes or dips down into the chest cavity. 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. The Cat World Designer Cat ("Anti-munchkin") Debate
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