Although a relatively new breed, the Munchkin cat has been one of the people’s favorite pets for quite a long time now. As a result of a natural and spontaneous genetic mutation, this cat features rather short legs, which can be adorable, but which do make people wonder about their pet’s health. Well, health is one of the things that we are going to be talking about, so if that’s what you want to learn about the Munchkin, I suggest you stick with me. Or, to get some of the info right away.
Now, while worrying about the health of this animal is definitely extremely significant, there is one more thing that you will have to think about if you are thinking about getting yourself a Munchkin. I am, unsurprisingly, referring to the personality of this breed. After all, whenever getting a pet, you need to try and make sure that their personality fits in with your own and with your overall lifestyle. That way, you’ll manage to find a pet that’s perfect for you and the animal will get an owner that’s perfect for it.
As you understand already, finding animal that suits you is significant, but so is the idea that you have to be suitable for your pet as well. You need to take care of its health, learn about its likes and dislikes and do much more in order to ensure that the animal is feeling safe, healthy and comfortable at home. Of course, health is the most important thing that you will need to think about, which is why it is one of the things that we will talk about in more details today. So, let us jump right to it.
Health
While people tend to assume that the Munchkin will have rather serious issues due to the genetic mutation that I have mentioned above, this doesn’t seem to be that big of a problem. To put it differently, this naturally occurring genetic mutation doesn’t cause too much trouble when it comes to the health of the Munchkin cat. Of course, it could be responsible for certain medical conditions that these felines can develop. Yet, every single breed is susceptible to certain medical conditions, regardless of the fact that they don’t all have these mutation issues, meaning that we cannot blame it all on their short legs.
First things first, you probably want to learn about the , so that you know how long you will be able to enjoy the company of these adorable creatures once you bring them home. You might assume that their genetic condition might lead to a shorter lifespan, but that is certainly not correct. To put it simply, the average lifespan of the Munchkin is the same as the average lifespan of any other feline. More precisely, they can live anywhere between 10 and 15 years, provided that they are taken care of properly.
As already mentioned above, these felines are susceptible to certain diseases and medical conditions. Due to their short legs and their long spine, these animals are at risk of developing lordosis, i.e. a downward dip in their spine. This condition is also known to affect Dachshunds, dogs that have a similar physiognomy. Basically, it is an abnormal curve in the spine and it can cause discomfort and pain, as well as affect mobility if left untreated.
In addition to that, these felines are also at risk of developing arthritis, which is a progressive joint and bone condition that can affect cats of all ages, but is more common among older ones. This condition can also affect their mobility and cause joint pain. Yet, there are methods and products you can use in order to keep it in check, so do your research in case your feline develops arthritis.
The Munchkins are also susceptible to progressive retina atrophy, an inherited disease which is characterized by the progressive degeneration of the retina. As you certainly know already, the retina is responsible for receiving light from the front of the eye. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this progressive disease.
Now, you have to understand one particular thing. The fact that these felines are prone to developing those conditions that I have mentioned above doesn’t mean that they will most certainly develop them. Sure, they might have higher chances for that to happen, but the truth is that most of these things can be prevented if the animal receives good care. Other than the conditions I have mentioned, the Munchkin is actually a rather healthy breed.
Here are some sweet facts about them if you want to get to know the breed better:
Personality
If your plan is to get the Munchkin as a pet, you will certainly want to learn about its overall personality. The first thing you need to know is that they are rather playful and active, despite what you might have thought due to their physical appearance. They are also extremely affectionate and cuddling is their favorite pastime. One of the things that speaks in their favor is the fact that they will get along well with everyone, both humans and other animals.
So, if you are looking to adopt a pet that will love spending time with your huge family that includes children and animals too, the Munchkin can be perfect for you. Of course, they can also be the perfect pets for those people that live alone. Whatever your situation is, one thing is for sure. You’ll never get bored with a Munchkin cat around you.