Interesting Facts About Munchkin Cat

 

Munchkin Cats are regular house cats with short legs due to a natural genetic mutation. Although they have been around for decades, munchkin have only recently been accepted as a breed by the International Cat Association ( TICA). They haven't been accepted by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA). Like sphinx cats, they may appear to have a "love or hate" response at first, but they becoming appealing over time.

Variety Overview

° Size: Weight 6 to 9 pounds an average cat Height 9 to 10 inches (legs 4 inches shorter than usual)

° Coat and color: They may wear a short to medium plush coat, or a long half-length silk coat. They may have any color composition or mixture.

° Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Characteristics of Munchkin Cats

Emotional Level - High
Friendly - High
Child Friendly - Middle
Pet Friendly - High
Playful - High
Energy Level - High
Intelligence - High
Vocal Trend - Middle

History of the Munchkin Cat

Munchkins own their short legs to a naturally occurring genetic mutation, not from selective breeding in humans. The genes responsible for breed's short legs has been like to same genes that makes Dachshund and Welsh Wolfhounds short. However, Since a Cats spine is physically different from a dog's, Munchkin don't suffer from the spine problems sometimes associated with those dog breeds.

In 1940s, in England, a veterinarian describes several generations of short-legged cats. Although the line disappeared during the Worl war II, A short-legged cat was been in stalingrad in 1953. However, It wasn't until 1983, when a short legged cat, later named blackberry, was discovered in Sandra hochenedel, Lousiana, that the munchkin breed was born.

Balckberry's first and subsequent litter consisted of about half short-legged and half long-legged kittens.

A son from blackberry littering Toulouse was delivered to friend Kay Lafrance of Hochenedel. This is Where munchkin varieties are from blackberries and Toulouse. Munchkin was reached TICA Champion status in 2003.

Genetics and controvery 

The Genes that produces the munchkin cat's short legs is autosomal dominant, which means it is not linked to sex, and whether expression is inherited from one or both parents. However, when bot parents inherit these copies, the embryos die in utero, which is lethal. As a result, Munchkin are only paired with regular house cats, Not other munchkins.
The offspring of munchkin/ domestic cat mating have the same chances as munchkins. Only descendants of munchkin carry this genes.

The TICA Munchkin breed group standard says only domestic longhair or short hair cats are not considered breeds. Munchkin are crossed with recognised breed to produce short-legged breeds. For example, a cross with a Scottish fold is called a kilt

There is controversy and debate as to whether it is ethical to have the munchkin as a breed.

Opponents say they should not promote genetic mutation that could have adverse health consequences for cats. They point out that this is an abnormal mutation that is lethal to embryos that recieve copies of the gene from each parent.

Munchkin Cat Care

Munchkin are sometimes described as "ferret-like" when they play, as they run, chase and play with toys. They also have an adorable way of sitting on their hind laps like a rabbit, a trait that has given stalingrad cats the nickname "Stalingrad kangaroo cats". Since munchkin may breed into a wide variety of house cats, the personality of an individual cat will depend on its inheritance.

All in all, they're described by munchkin fans as loving, sociable and fun.

A munchkin's coat requires typical grooming. Short-haired cats should be brushed weekly, and longhair cats should be brushed several times a week. Regular brushing helps prevent hairballs and discolouration. You should keep your cat nail trimmed. Help your cat maintain oral hygiene by brushing his teeth several times a week and have regular veterinary cleanings.

The munchkins had no problem running on short legs, but they couldn't jump over their long-legged siblings. they will jump up and climb, though so providing a cat tree can help the. reach new heights safely. As a coriander active cat, be sure to provide interactive cat toys and spend time playing with you cat every day. 

Common Health problems 

Studies of older munchkin have not identified any conditions because of their short-legged stature or possible structural problems. If you get recommended providing protection and preventive care from your veterinarian, you can expect a normal life. As is typical for cats, munchkin cat health problems can have these diseases;

• Hyperthyroidism

• Pancreatitis

• Uremia

• Feline Lowet Urinary Tract Disease

• Lymphosarcoma

Diet and Nutrition

Your munchkin cat should be fed same food structure as other house cats. The munchkin is usually a medium-sized cat whose weight and height are not significantly affected by the short legs. Moist food is generally considered best, but you can also skip dry food and let your cat eat snacks. you should discuss with veterinarian what cats needed, especially if your cat is diabetic, obese or older.

Should provide your cat with fresh, clean water all the times.
More Cat breeds and further research
Be sure to do lot of research before you decide if munchkin is right for you. Talk to other munchkin cat owners, reputable breeders and rescue groups to learn more experience about it.