Health Problems of the Munchkin Cat Breed

The munchkin cat is noted for having very short legs and a small- to medium-sized, normally contoured body. At around 8 lbs., males weigh more than females, which weigh in at 4 to 6 lbs. Some cat lovers hesitate to own a munchkin because of perceived fears of spine and other health issues with the cats, but there is no evidence that the disproportions of the short legs compared to the normal-sized body have any impact on the cat's general health.

  1. Skeletal Problems

    • A munchkin cat is shaped similarly to a dachshund, in that the munchkin has very short legs on a regular, "cat-length" body. Because some dachshunds are prone to back injury, some people fear munchkins will also have spine issues.

      The International Cat Association breed standards specifically state that the short legs of the munchkin cat are a natural mutation, as it is with dachshunds. Because the cat's spine differs from a dog's, munchkins are not prone to back problems, according to TICA. TICA uses committees that include its own geneticists to set standards for cat breeds.

      The munchkin appears to be as sturdy as any other cat, and not prone to musculoskeletal disease or degeneration. Slightly bowed front legs are perfectly normal for a munchkin cat, as are the extremely short legs of the "rug-hugger" type of munchkin.

    Lordosis and Pctus Excavatum

    • Lordosis is a sinking of the backbone between the shoulder blades that causes pressure on the cat's lungs, heart and trachea. Cats with lordosis may appear sway-backed. Pot-bellied appearance in kittens may be lordosis.

      Pectus excavatum causes the chest to appear sunken, as the bones of the sternum and some ribs grow together abnormally. This condition can affect the heart and may be painful.

      Research has not yet determined whether or not munchkin cats are more prone to these defect than other breeds, according to the Iams website.

    Other Health Issues

    • The difference between a munchkin and any other cat appears confined to leg length. No published studies note any genetic predilection to health issues that other, "normal" cats do not also have.

      As with any cat, munchkins can contract diseases like feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus and other illnesses, and must be vaccinated or tested regularly to maintain good health.