The munchkin breed makes for a unique pet due to their dwarfism mutation, which people often confuse with a deformity.The adorable cat breeds are seen to be fun-loving and energetic and have a lot of controversies around them as the munchkin breed is new to the world. These controversies mostly revolve around this cat’s breeding.The munchkin cat breed is well-known for its speed, despite having short legs. While munchkin cat breeds have a lot of concerns revolving around the genetic mutation and the breed’s health, there are also numerous concerns regarding how long munchkin cat breeds live.If the munchkin cat is treated with proper care and has good health, its lifespan could be around 12-15 years. Let’s keep reading to know more about these adorable and intelligent munchkin cats! After you have read about the munchkin’s controversial characteristics, also check out cat family and cat breeds that don’t shed!Do munchkin cats have health problems?The munchkin cat breed is sociable and affectionate with people. Munchkin cats, when properly cared for, can live for 12-15 years.However, their short legs might bring about some health issues. Lordosis is a disorder in which the spine curves down, putting pressure on the heart, lungs, and trachea. It can be fatal for the munchkin cat as the organs grow.Pectus excavatum, or a concave chest, affects munchkin cat breeds as well. Their breastbone sinks as a result of this. Although breeders are quick to point out that these problems can also affect normal-sized cats, veterinarians have discovered a link between the genetic abnormality and these health issues in such cat breeds.Some humans worry that munchkin cats’ short legs hinder their mobility, which is especially crucial for felines. Munchkin cat breeds may not be able to leap great distances, but they are remarkably swift and nimble on the ground. Their mobility isn’t hampered by their shorter legs in the majority of situations.Breeders like to point out that breeding short-legged cats are the same as breeding short-legged dogs like corgis or dachshunds. This argument is agreed upon by the International Cat Association (TICA), which recognizes the munchkin cat as a registered breed.The munchkin breed of cats is not recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) or the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA). One TICA judge even resigned over the problematic ethics of purposefully breeding a cat with a hereditary abnormality, fueling the controversy further.Do munchkin cats die early?Munchkin cats have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years; however, their lives are cut short if they develop health problems.Furthermore, breeding cats of any kind, not only munchkins, can add to the significant problem of pet overpopulation. Every year, numerous dogs and cats are killed in shelters across the United States, with purebreds accounting for around 25% to 30% of these animals.The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), the largest cat organization in the world, has yet to designate munchkin cats as a recognized breed. These munchkin cats are affected with back and hip problems, as seen in short-legged canine breeds.As a result, some breeders’ selection for the munchkins’ gene was seen as controversial. While munchkin cats have not been proved to have the same spine problems as short-legged dogs, some people still think it’s irresponsible to breed animals for specific physical qualities.In comparison to other breeds, munchkin cats have limited mobility. Some people believe munchkin cats can’t jump as high as other cats because their legs are so little, while others believe they avoid jumping because it hurts them. Despite their physical constraints, munchkin cats, unlike short dog breeds, have a comparatively long life expectancy of 12-15 years.It is observed that the munchkin cat’s hereditary abnormality does not necessarily affect its potential to live a full life because other indoor cats also survive 10-15 years on average with humans.There are, however, some additional health concerns a munchkin cat can get.Osteoarthritis is a degenerative illness that causes the tissues in your cat’s joints, such as bone and cartilage, to break down. Changes in your cat’s stride or even lameness in one or more limbs are some of the first symptoms that it has osteoarthritis. You may notice that your cat is less likely to leap up and down from furniture. Weight management, medication, food supplements, physical therapy, and environmental changes are likely to be recommended by your veterinarian to treat your cat’s osteoarthritis.Your veterinarian may even propose surgery in some cases. Apart from this, your munchkin cat can also suffer from hyperthyroidism, pectus excavatum, lordosis, pancreatitis, uremia, feline lower urinary tract disease, and lymphosarcoma.Do smaller cats have a shorter life?Munchkin cats are seen to be swift, active, playful, and affectionate. The kittens make up for their lack of leg length with their unusual appearance and affectionate personality. Munchkin cats are a new breed, so it isn’t known by many people in the world.Munchkins are relatively healthy cats who live for 12–15 years on average. These small cats, like any other breed, might suffer from health problems. Munchkins are prone to issues that strike all feline breeds, such as heart disease, urinary tract infections, and pancreatitis.As a new breed, the kittens are now believed to be a healthy breed with no elevated disease risks by some people and organizations, while others are still conflicted.Due to their short legs, it’s critical that kittens avoid fat and maintain a slender frame.The debate is still out there on whether the munchkin’s contentious leg mutation can create additional health problems or spinal abnormalities; this breed is still relatively new, so experts have a lot to learn.Keeping your munchkin cat healthy can be as simple as going to the veterinarian on a regular basis. Munchkins are a smart cat breed that can be taught to catch and even walk on a leash.What is the lifespan of munchkin cats?The average age of these pets is currently estimated to be between 12-15 years old, according to specialists. This puts it in line with the typical lifespan of most cats. Some breeds have problems after eight years, while others might live to be nearly 15 years old.Some breeds are known to age gracefully, have fewer health issues, have a strong constitution, and are less susceptible to common feline ailments such as polycystic kidney disease. Others are predisposed to a variety of problems and, as a result, live shorter lives on average. As a result, it’s reasonable to assume that a munchkin cat with genes from longer-living breeds will live longer than a munchkin cat with a shorter lifetime gene from another breed.As a relatively new species, there is currently insufficient data to reach any conclusive results. Studies are already underway, but any long-term review will take several years. Many happy munchkin owners describe happy, playful cats; therefore, circumstantial evidence implies that the breed does not suffer from reduced quality of life.But, it’s safe to say that some people believe that intentionally breeding a feline with the purpose of maintaining a known unfavorable gene is unethical.There are a number of recognized conditions that might hamper a cat’s wellbeing. For example, when a cat gets obese, whether it is due to a lack of activity or an improper diet, the munchkin cat is predisposed to a variety of illnesses, including diabetes, arthritis, and cardiac problems, just like other cats and even people.In a 2011 research, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention discovered that half of all pet cats were overweight. The list of preventable illnesses that any cat can get as a result of an improper diet should deter any cat owner from feeding their cat junk food.You might want to look at the cat meals you’re currently feeding your pet.Factors That Might Shorten The Lifespan of A Munchkin CatA munchkin is a cute little cat with a lovable personality.Kittens have quite a friendly appearance and will go around wherever they want. They enjoy playing and running a lot, mostly with toys, because they are active cats. This animal is excellent for keeping you company, including for other pets and children.They are unable to leap onto cabinets or counters.Munchkins are a smart and healthy breed of cats. However, diseases and disorders affect these cute munchkins more than some other cats because of their breed. To avoid obesity, these munchkins, similar to corgis and dachshunds, should not be fed more than the kittens require.Munchkin cats, contrary to popular opinion, do not have a lot of spinal problems. In 1995, tests on the cat’s bones and joints revealed no significant problems or anomalies.The most prominent drawback of this breed is its inability to jump as far as a normal cat can.How to increase the lifespan of a munchkin cat?One way to ensure that the lifespan of your munchkin cat remains increased is by choosing a reputable breeder.They must be willing to show you the parent cats’ health records; the top breeders will go out of their way to conduct tests to determine which diseases the parents of the kitten are carriers of. Avoid working with a breeder who tries to keep facts about a cat’s health or if its pedigree is hidden.Take your munchkin kitten for regular vet check-ups to ensure it is not at risk for any diseases.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for munchkin cat lifespan, then why not take a look at cats with short legs or munchkin cat facts.
The munchkin breed makes for a unique pet due to their dwarfism mutation, which people often confuse with a deformity.
