Short-legged cats, called Munchkin or Kinkalow, cause great controversy among animal lovers. Many geneticists and veterinarians believe that this characteristic should not be preserved. Despite this, there is no shortage of breeders specializing in munchkin breeding around the world. Where do short-legged cats come from? What do you need to know about the feline version of the dachshund? Is purchasing these animals really very unethical, or is it just an unfounded rumor?
Cats with short legs are very controversial
Munchkins or Kinkalows are short-legged cats that cause huge controversy around the world. Although there have been catteries specializing in breeding these types of cats for years, in many places around the world short-legged cats are not recognized as a breed. Furthermore, many experts believe that perpetuating this unusual feature should be prohibited.
The first attempts to create a breed of cats with short legs probably took place relatively recently, in the 1980s. A genetic mutation causing shortened limbs is known to appear in the domestic cat population from time to time. However, it is the breeding work aimed at perpetuating them that has made munchkins popular pets in some parts of the world, primarily the United States. Their name comes from the fact that the unusually proportioned cats were very similar to the creatures from the novel called “The Wizard of Oz.” This is why the term “munchkin” is easily applied to short-legged cats.
It’s worth asking why munchkins are so controversial? Do anatomical abnormalities of the limbs prevent them from living comfortably? It turns out that the answer to this question is not clear. We could say: it depends.
Munchkins often face problems unusual to other cats
Short-legged cats are able to move around freely and do any activities they enjoy. Additionally, many people live many years in good health. It cannot be denied, however, that munchkins are not capable of jumping as high as domestic cats with standard length limbs. However, this is not the main problem with pets, which resemble visitors to the land of Oz. Veterinarian specialists have repeatedly demonstrated that cats with short legs are much more susceptible to the following conditions than individuals who do not have the mutation responsible for shortened limbs:
Funnel chest: This is a defect often seen in very young kittens, which leads to problems with breathing and the circulatory system.
Lordosis: Many cats with shortened limbs suffer from an abnormal curvature of the spine around the shoulder blades, which, as the defect develops, can lead to movement problems and severe spinal pain.
Few people know about this tragedy of short-legged cats
The mutation that causes limb shortening in cats is semi-lethal. This means that homozygous embryos, or about 25% of potential littermates, die in the womb and die. This happens every time two munchkins mate. This is one of the main reasons why many experts believe that short-legged cat breeding should not exist.
Ethically, traits that negatively impact animal welfare or lead to increased mortality in the population should not be perpetuated. The gene responsible for limb shortening in cats is characterized by these characteristics. It is necessary to be aware of the fact that sometimes breeding work, which results in the creation of gentle and unusual pets, can also be a source of great suffering for many creatures.
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