Due to this nanism mutation, which many people mistake for a defect, the munchkin variety makes for an unusual pet. Lowness in height is their distinguishing attribute, making them desirable pet and adoption candidates.
The Munchkin cat is considered a playful and lively cat breed with many debates surrounding it.
Munchkins are bright, pleasant, and athletic cats who get along well with kids and other animals. These inquisitive cats are always curious about what’s going on within their domain. Munchkin cats rest on their rear limbs in style typical of a rabbit in a bid to get a clearer perspective. Munchkin feline breed is recognized for maintaining a playful demeanor far into maturity.
The Munchkin is a fantastic modern cat breed with tiny legs and a long torso that makes it readily recognizable. Recently, this breed has grown in recognition, and it is now a favorite purchase among cat lovers.
They have a thicker body and a rounder chest than most people. The Munchkin breed has both short and long hair variants.
The Munchkin cat is also thought to be the earliest dwarf cat breed.
This low-riding cat’s stunning shrunken appearance results from natural variation; this is why it’s called a sausage cat or a midget cat.
Why Do Some People Consider Munchkin Cats Bad?
Munchkin cats have a higher risk of severe osteoarthritis (than other feline breeds) due to their shorter limbs. The limb shortness, therefore, alters their exercise levels and attitude.
The cat breed was purposefully designed with low legs to appeal to humans. Its dwarf physique is thought to induce back and chest difficulties in the cat, which can be highly uncomfortable.
However, the Munchkin cats do not have a lot of spinal difficulties, contrary to popular belief. The cat’s bones and joints were examined and found free of any severe abnormalities or oddities.
The breed’s most notable flaw is its inability to jump as far as a typical cat.
Why do Munchkin cats stand upon their Hind Legs?
Munchkin cats stand on their hind legs for a reason.
Munchkins have the finest gear for standing firmly without tipping over because of their tiny legs. When they stand up, they can sit on their hind legs while maintaining excellent balance. They can get a better view of the surroundings by rising. The Munchkin will stand on its rear leg to get a better idea of whatever attracts its attention, compensating for its inability to jump as high as other cat breeds.
Other breeds like bunnies, meerkats, and ferrets, also have the habit of sitting up on their hind legs, which is not unique to Munchkin cats.
How Long Do Munchkin Cats Live?
Munchkin cats can live for 12 to 15 years on average with proper care, although their tiny legs might cause health issues.
This life expectancy is comparable to that of most cats. Some breeds have issues beyond eight years, while others might live to be nearly fifteen.
As a result, a munchkin cat with genes from longer-living breeds is likely to live longer than a munchkin cat with a shorter lifetime gene from another species.
As a result, there is no circumstantial evidence to back up a claim that the breed has a lower quality of life.
Do Munchkin Cats Have More Health Problems Than Other Cats?
Since the Munchkin cat’s official recognition by the International Cat Association in the 1990s, the Munchkin cat has been the subject of some debate. According to critics, these cats can develop back and hip problems similar to those in short-legged canine breeds.
It depends on who you ask whether Munchkin cats have more health issues than other cat breeds. In comparison to other breeds, Munchkin cats have limited mobility.
Some people believe the Munchkin cats can’t jump as high as other cats because of the shortness of their legs. Others think they avoid jumping because it hurts them. Despite their physical limitations, Munchkin cats, unlike “short” dog breeds, have a relatively long life expectancy of up to 15 years, indicating that their genetic malformation does not necessarily limit their capacity to live a complete life.
Furthermore, it is unclear whether the health issues found with Munchkin cats are unique to the cat breed because most cat parents do not even know the health concerns their Munchkin cats are prone to before bringing one home. As a result, certain other cat breeds may face similar difficulties.
Factors That Could Reduce a Munchkin Cat’s Lifespan
Munchkins are a breed of cat that is intelligent and healthy. However, diseases and ailments affect these adorable kittens more than other cats.
The owners should not feed the Munchkin cat more than the kittens require to avoid obesity.
Typical Munchkin Cat Health Issues
1. Lordosis is a disorder marked by a curved spine that leads the spine to dip down, putting pressure on the heart, lungs, and trachea. It can be fatal as the organs grow. The spinal muscles become too short, causing lordosis.
2. Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas in your cat. Because there is no underlying reason for pancreatitis in most cats, Munchkin cats are not necessarily more susceptible than other cat breeds to acquiring it.
However, it is critical to be aware of the symptoms of this ailment since, if left untreated, it can be fatal. Look for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and fatigue.
3. Lymphocytic sarcoma: Lymphocytic sarcoma, also known as lymphoma, is a disease that affects lymphocytes, which are cells that play a vital role in your cat’s immune system.
Lymphocytic sarcoma most usually affects cats’ intestines, chest, and kidneys. Chemotherapy is routinely used to treat lymphosarcoma in animals, just as it is in humans. Chemotherapy can be given orally, intravenously, or through the skin.
When a pet is undergoing chemotherapy, its quality of life is determined by the care received and the impact of cancer; if your cat’s lymphosarcoma is low-grade, your cat can live very everyday life.
4. Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative illness in which the tissues of your cat’s joints, such as bone and cartilage, break down. Changes in your cat’s stride or even stiffness in one or more legs are some of the first symptoms that they have osteoarthritis.
You may notice that your cat is less likely to leap up and down from furniture. It is a disease that affects both humans and animals. Weight control, medication, multivitamins, physical therapy, and changes in the environment are all options for treating osteoarthritis in cats. In extreme circumstances, surgery may be recommended.
5. Pectus Excavatum: a condition in which the sternum and ribs of an animal grow incorrectly. Animals with this illness have a fair prognosis if detected early; surgery is best performed between 8 and 12 weeks.
6. FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease) is an umbrella term for urethral and bladder disorders in cats. Symptoms of FLUTD include urinating in little amounts, sobbing while peeing, refusing to pee in the litter box, repeated genital licking, and blood in the urine, among others. Bladder stones, a urinary illness, or a urethral blockage are all possible causes of FLUTD.
7. Hyperthyroidism is when your cat’s thyroid hormone is overproduced. The overproduced hormone can result in a higher-than-normal metabolic rate. Hyperthyroidism is a condition that affects senior cats and is marked by increased intake and weight loss.
Hyperthyroidism can lead to secondary issues like high blood pressure and hypertension. Hyperthyroidism can also cause thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy- a kind of heart disease.
Prescribed medications, radioactive iodine treatment, a therapeutic meal, and surgery are just a few possibilities for treating hyperthyroidism.
8. Uremia is a condition in which the blood contains high quantities of urea and amino acids. Uremia is commonly associated with kidney damage or a blockage of your cat’s urine passages.
When your cat cannot evacuate its pee correctly, toxins can build up in its systems. Lack of appetite, constipation, nausea, and sadness are some symptoms. While this illness is treatable, it must be detected as soon as possible. If your cat exhibits any signs of uremia, call your veterinarian immediately.
How to Make a Munchkin Cat Live a Longer Life
Choosing a reliable breeder who is prepared to show you the health records of the cats’ parents. Top breeders will go to great lengths to test the cat parent of any disease she/she has. Avoid cooperating with a breeding farm that does not disclose the cat’s condition or history.
Take your munchkin kitten to the vet regularly to ensure it is disease-free.
Lastly, Munchkin cats are not the only breed to suffer from the mentioned health issues, but their shallow legs and long bodies may raise their likelihood of having health issues later in life.
Some individuals choose to avoid purchasing a cat that has been bred deliberately for the physical attribute found in the Munchkin cat.
After all, many cats need homes in shelters across the country. Pay attention to all the considerations when choosing your next feline friend.