The Munchkin is a breed of cat that is characterized by its very short legs, which are caused by genetic mutation. This is not considered an actual deformity, only because the extent to which it impacts the life of the cat (if at all) is currently under debate. This debate rages on partly due to the fact that - especially when compared to many other cat breeds - it is a relatively new breed, documented only since the 1940s and officially recognized in 1991. The Munchkin is considered to be the original breed of dwarf cat.
Much controversy erupted over the breed when it was recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1997 with critics voicing concerns over potential health and mobility issues. Many pedigree cat associations around the world have refused to recognize the Munchkin cat due to the welfare of the breed and uncertainty of the health issues, including the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF), an immensely respected organization. Breeding of Munchkin cats is prohibited by law in several countries due to these genetic health concerns.
As you might have guessed, the name of this breed derives from writer L. Frank Baum's diminutive inhabitants of Munchkin Country in the 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and immortalized in the 1939 movie adaptation of the same name. This term is currently considered a pejorative for Dwarves and Little People.
Short-legged cats have been documented a number of times around the world since the 1940s. 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. 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.
In 1983, Sandra Hochenedel, a music teacher in Louisiana, found two pregnant cats who had been chased under a truck by a dog. She kept one of the cats and named her Blackberry and half of her kittens were born short-legged. 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. Toulouse was then bred back to Blackberry in hopes of intentionally producing the mutation. It is from Blackberry and Toulouse's litter that all of today's Munchkin breed is descended.
Currently, there is controversy among breeders of pedigree cats as to what genetic mutations are abnormal and potentially disadvantageous to the cat. Katie Lisnik, director of cat protection and policy at the Humane Society of the United States, has said: "Breeding animals for exaggerated physical characteristics, particularly when it compromises overall health, is irresponsible." Several cat registries do not recognize the Munchkin; the Fédération Internationale Féline, which refuses to recognize what they consider a breed based on a genetic mutation known as achondroplasia. The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy likewise refuses to recognize the breed, considering this breed and others like it to be "unacceptable" because they are based on an "abnormal structure or development." The breed is also not recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association.
Several countries and territories have prohibited breeding with Munchkins, including the Netherlands, which prohibits breeding of all animals with genetic defects, and Victoria, Australia. The Australian government considers the Munchkin breed to be "malformed animals" and the deliberate breeding of them "unacceptable" because of the "genetic health problems associated with such breeding."
Munchkin cross-breeds like the Bambino have also been subject to legal restrictions. Some sources state that the shortness of their legs of the Munchkin - and the other breeds derived from it - does not interfere with their running and leaping abilities, while others state their ability to jump is limited by their condition. Upon spending time around these squat cats, most fanciers agree that their condition is limiting.
The Munchkin has similar characteristics to normal domestic cats, due to their frequent use as outcrosses. It is a small to medium-sized cat with a moderate body type and medium-plush coat. Male Munchkins typically weigh between 6 and 9 pounds and are usually larger than female Munchkins, which typically weigh between 4 and 8 pounds. The hind legs can be slightly longer than the front which creates a slight rise from the shoulder to the rump. The legs of the Munchkin may be slightly bowed, although excessive bowing is a disqualification in the show ring.
The Munchkin comes in all coat colors and patterns. It also comes in a long-haired variety, which is shown in a separate Munchkin Longhair category. The short-haired variety has a medium-plush coat while the long-haired has a semi-long silky coat. TICA rules for outcrossing allows the use of any domestic cat that does not already belong to a recognized breed.
It is not fully known how the mutation impacts the health of the breed. Having only been officially introduced in 1991, the breed is still considered young. There were early speculations that the Munchkin would develop spinal problems commonly seen in short-legged dog breeds.
The genetic mutation causing the short-legged trait in Munchkins is referred to as achondroplasia, the genetic disorder that results in dwarfism and is typically associated with an enlarged head as well as short legs but can also involve symptoms that include undersized jaw, thick-looking joints, curved spine, and a bow-legged or knock knee posture. The condition has sometimes been referred to as hypochondroplasia or pseudoachondroplasia. There appear to be two conditions with increased incidence in the Munchkin breed: lordosis (excessive curvature of the spine) and pectus excavatum (hollowed chest). Both conditions are commonly seen in humans with pseudoachondroplasia.
Munchkin cats are known to be at a higher risk (than other feline breeds) for severe osteoarthritis because the shorter limbs affect their activity levels and behavior. Diagnosis of osteoarthritis and the assessment of its severity for a cat may require radiography. As time goes on, most experts expect that we will begin to see indicators of causation between dwarfism and various other ailments.
The Munchkin gene is autosomal dominant.
While they remain controversial, they are relatively easy to find for fanciers who wish to take them home. One could argue if an breeders selling them are reputable breeders, but it is also possible for this gene to spontaneously express after generations of not expressing, thereby happening in a litter that a breeder hod no idea would or could produce such offspring. Be cautious, and plan for potential health complications just in case.
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