by Dawn R. Cole

Created on: August 11, 2009   Last Updated: August 12, 2009

Common Health Problems In Munchkin Cats

Munchkins, or Louisiana Creole Cats, are the product of a spontaneous natural genetic mutation that produces a form of dwarfism. The cats are just normal-sized domestic cats born with shortened legs. Though there are reports of short-legged cats dating back to the 1930's, the breed went unrecognized until the 1980's. Munchkins are currently accepted for championship honors through The International Cat Association (TICA), the American Association of Cat Enthusiasts (AACE), and the United Feline Organization (UFO).

Munchkin Health Facts

* Munchkins suffer from the same common health problems as other cats. There has been some concern that that they may be more prone to back and joint problems similar to those afflicting Dachshunds and Corgis, but the prevalence of a short-legged back defect in these cats is currently unknown. A cat's spinal column is much more flexible than a dog's and the Munchkin's short legs do not hamper their mobility in the least.

* Currently under medical investigation is a condition called "Lordosis". (The condition is rare and NOT specific to the Munchkin breed.) Lordosis, also known as "tight chest", occurs when the muscles holding the spinal column in place are too short. The spine sinks into the chest cavity and exerts pressure on the lungs, trachea and heart. The condition ranges from mild to severe with the most severe cases presenting in kittens. The kitten will usually display a swayback, pot-bellied look and will not live past 12 weeks. Lordosis is often misdiagnosed as "fading kitten syndrome" because many breeders are unaware of the underlying condition.

If a kitten with Lordosis makes it past 12 weeks, the risk of death decreases. Kittens with a mild case of Lordosis may experience shortness of breath during physical exertion, but will grow up to live a normal life.

Pectus is another chest related problem that has also been reported but both conditions need to be researched further to determine if the Muchkin's unique autosomal traits will eventually lead to increasing defects in their bloodline.

* Munchkin litters are usually smaller than those of a normal cat. A litter can produce kittens that are all short-legged, all normal-legged, or a mixture of both. If an embryo inherits the gene responsible for dwarfism from both parents, it can be lethal. Breeding a short-legged cat with a normal-legged cat offers the optimal survival rate for the offspring.

Many Munchkin kittens are born with back feet that seem to curl backwards. This is not a deformity! It is quite normal for the breed and the feet will straighten out in time.

* Due to their short stature, Munchkins should be kept indoors to ensure their safety. They can jump and run like long-legged cats, but Munchkins are lovers, not fighters.

Munchkins have been called the "eternal kittens". They love to sit up on their hind legs like little prairie dogs and then drop and roll onto their backs for a belly rub. They are sweet, intelligent and outgoing and have no clue they are any different than their longer-legged counterparts. Their personality, curiosity, cuteness and playfulness, continue well into adulthood.

An article, written by J. Anne Helgren, gave a perfect description of a Munchkin cat; "Only humans view Munchkins as odd. Munchkins are self-assured, curious, confidant, outgoing, and love their human providers. Munchkins bound like ferrets and corner like sports cars."

As with any cat, Munchkins require a proper diet, regular veterinarian visits, and lots of love and attention to ensure a long, happy, healthy life. It's not much to ask in return for a lifetime of love, devotion, and heart-warming entertainment.

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