I Was Shocked to Hear Vets Considered Munchkin Cats Disabled!

It was shocking to hear that vets are warning animal lovers about the cruelty of munchkin cats.

With the trend of these sausage cats being seen around social media, celebrities like Paris Hilton have boosted the popularity of Munchkin cats by uploading images and videos of her Munchkin cat Shorty on Instagram. Even these cats are involved in munchkin cat scams!

We researched if this cat breed suffers from a genetic disorder that causes their legs to be unusually short.

What are Munchkin cats?

Munchkins are lively, energetic, and loving cats. They don’t have much in the way of leg length, but they make up for it with their distinctive appearance.

Because these cats result from a complicated breeding process and a rare genetic mutation, they are somewhat uncommon.

With legs about 3 inches shorter than the average feline, these tiny pets are low to the ground.

The rest of the Munchkin body is similar to your average house cat, with the majority of the adults weighing between 6 and 9 pounds.

Short-haired Munchkins have a soft, medium-density coat, while long-haired Munchkins have silky smooth fur.

If you’re looking for a Munchkin cat, the average cost is between $500–$1200.

Facts about Munchkin cats

Before you decide to get one, learn the common facts about these cute animals.

1. Munchkin Cats Come From a Genetic Mutation

The short legs of the Munchkin are due to an autosomal dominant gene that causes a cat’s long bones to grow shorter.

A cat only needs one copy of the gene to inherit short legs and transmit it to its kittens.

2. No Origin of How The Munchkin Cat Got Its Name

The name “Munchkin” is unknown, but it may be derived from The Wizard of Oz’s munchkins.

3. The Munchkin Cat is Considered Controversial By Vets

The Munchkin cat was formally introduced to the general public in 1991 on a nationally televised cat competition sponsored by TICA and held at Madison Square Garden.

Many people now argue that breeding the Munchkin is unethical because it promotes physical deformities.

Experts say that Munchkins are fine, health-wise. However, due to the controversy, the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) and the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) did not agree at one point.

4. Munchkins Are Prone To Health Problems

Despite their odd walk (and the difficulty of jumping on high surfaces), Munchkins are thought to be a relatively healthy breed. Their lifespan is around 12 to 15 years.

Some munchkins, however, suffer from lordosis—a condition in which the spinal muscles grow too short, causing the spine to descend into the cat’s body. Sometimes, this condition can be fatal.

5. Munchkin Cats Come in Different Kinds of Colors and Shades

The Munchkin is a short-legged, medium-sized feline that looks and acts exactly like a regular, medium-sized cat. It comes in various patterns, colors, and fur lengths and has markings identical to ordinary cats.

6. A Munchkin is the World’s Shortest Living Cat

According to the Guinness World Records, the world’s shortest living cat is a white and black Munchkin cat named Lilieput, who lives in Napa, California. The tiny kitty measures only 5.25 inches tall, from the bottoms of her paws to the top of her shoulders.

Why Vets Consider Breeding Munchkin Cats Cruel?

Munchkins have a lifespan of 12–15 years. These tiny cats, like any other breed, may suffer from a variety of diseases.

Munchkins are more prone to develop various health issues that affect cat breeds, such as heart disease, urinary tract illnesses, and pancreatitis.

The jury is still out on whether the Munchkin’s unusual leg form might result in other health problems or spinal injuries; with such recent history, there’s still much to learn.

The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), the world’s largest cat organization, does not yet recognize Munchkin cats as a breed.

Breeding animals for exaggerated physical characteristics, particularly when it compromises overall health, is irresponsible

Katie Lisnik, Director Of Cat Protection and Policy at HSUS

The Munchkin cat is a breed that has short, stubby legs and often suffers from joint pain.

They’re not just cute, and quirky-they have an underlying genetic disorder called “chondrodysplasia.”

Chondrodysplasia means the cartilage doesn’t grow properly in their leg joints, leading to arthritis as they get older.

This condition requires expensive surgery for hip dysplasia or bone spurs on the ankles, knee caps, elbows, and shoulders because of improper development during growth phases.

If you’ve been thinking about getting a tiny-legged kitty, please do your research before making any decisions!