Sometimes, we humans fail to see beyond the glamor of physical traits. Yet, when we adopt another being to be part of the family, we need to think about their own health and happiness. Scottish Folds are cats prone to certain health problems. It is the cross breed of a Munchkin Cat and a Scottish Fold. And all for the charm of their tight curved ears. The Scottish Fold is a breed of domestic cat with a natural dominant-gene mutation that affects cartilage throughout the body, causing the ears to "fold", bending forward and down towards the front of the head, which gives the cat what is often described as an "owl-like" appearance.. The solution is that simple. Sensibly, Jackson suggested the breeding of such cats be banned, and that’s what happened in the UK and France. Munchkin cats are not yet recognized as a "breed" by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), which is the world's largest cat organization. The disease can further cause arthritis that affects the bones of the legs. Their research was recently published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. Cats are not trophies and we shouldn’t put appearance first. These sweet kitties don’t borrow the genetic problems only. Children, grandparents, or other pets are welcomed. History & genetics of the Scottish Fold One thing you should watch for is your belongings. In my opinion, the RPSCA should seek out people who advertise these cats for sale and prosecute them. This translated into stiff bones, low mobility, and severe pain. Yet, the disease is not limited to Munchkin cats. Your choices will not impact your visit. The shoulders will be in a lower position. In order to obtain the ears, the Fold needs to carry the responsible gene. They truly are the best of both breeds! This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. They have round, full faces, large expressive eyes and can even have short legs. In the US a … ... and the Scottish Fold Munchkin is no different. Your email address will not be published. However, this is for healthy cats. Hamish, a severely affected Scottish Fold rescued by a vet. The following are the conditions that may affect this cat breed. Unfortunately, in that jurisdiction breeding was allowed, with the proviso that a Scottish Fold only be mated to a Scottish Shorthair (a normal cat with a similar genetic background, but with normal ears and hence normal cartilage). Not much different than the average domestic cat, the body is moderate in size with a plush fur. Munchkin cats are a remarkably hearty breed, with few breed specific health problems.They can jump, run and play as well as a long legged kitten can. We breed selectively for temperament and health and beauty. The tail measures an additional 30 cm (12 inches) more or less. CatScottishFold.com is a member of Amazon Services Associates Program. Scottish Fold Cat History. Supplies. Beside the owl-like look with folded ears and cute short legs, this breed grows up to be a small to medium-sized cat. Most people, especially children, find a round face resembling that of a human comforting, whereas the longer snout and erect ears (of, say, a wolf) is potentially frightening. Length: They have bodies of average length and a rectangular shape. A healthy Scottish Kilt can live a good, long life of 11 to 15 years of age. Our kittens are raised in cage free and social environment. Scottish Fold cats originated in Scotland, and they can all trace their ancestry back to a white colored barn cat named Susie who had folded ears and worked as a mouser. What you need to know about a munchkin with folded ears. Height: The average Scottish Kilt fully grown is between 18 and 20 cm tall (7 – inches). I won’t describe this Scottish Fold Munchkin in detail because the information for both the Scottish Fold and Munchkin are on this website. The Scottish Folds can develop certain health problems if not bred properly because of this mutation. A) shows a severely affected cat and b) a mildly affected cat. I’ve not managed to find any specific data on it. The following will cover this unique breed’s origin, characteristics, temperament, and special considerations. Although Munchkin cats, when taken care of, can live about 12 to 15 years on average, there are some health problems that can develop due to their short legs. Actually, a full guide. The truth is, we have known since Jackson’s work in the 1970s that breeding Scottish Fold cats is ethically indefensible. Scottish Kilt/Gaelic Fold . Breeding. Scottish Fold Osteochondrodysplasia. You can control the weight through the right diet. They are affectionate and create a strong bond with the caregiver. ... 5 Unique Things about Munchkin Cat Scottish Fold Mix; We will discuss at large these risks and how to handle it. Beside this, how long does a Scottish Fold cat live? These issues may not even have a solution, and euthanasia may be required, and promoting this breeding is cruel. Originally called lop-eared or lops after the lop-eared rabbit, Scottish Fold became the breed's name in 1966. Females are slightly smaller, between 2 and 4 kg (4 – 8 pounds). It should be the same in every state of Australia and every country overseas. Richard Malik does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. You will need food, bowls, toys, a litter box, and crates for your cat. The Scottish Fold is a lovely cat, but unfortunately suffers from health problems related to its breeding. The Munchkin, on the other hand, are quite healthy despite the mutation. Imagine your already short cat dusting the floor with their fat belly. If you decide to bring one of these bundles of cuteness into your life, skip the dry food. For this, you need to pay an extra amount. Scottish Fold Munchkin Health and Lifespan: Do Scottish Fold Munchkin Cats Have Health Problems? Everything about Scottish Fold cats colors, The ultimate guide on How to Train a Scottish Fold, Scottish Fold Health Issues & Health Risks. Boy, you were wrong! Related terms: Scottish fold osteodystrophy. The body is normally long but with short legs. You’d think a Scottish Fold cannot get any cuter. The Munchkin, on the other hand, are quite healthy despite the mutation. With the round head, big eyes, and chubby body, what more can you add to reach cuteness level 1000!? Ah, the life of a Scottish Fold… As our son Basil Farrow likes to say: “Another day, another wahh-wahh!” While I was channel-surfing in Tokyo, I came across a Japanese game show about cute baby animals. A Scottish Fold is one of the two breeds that produce a Scottish Kilt. We have an entire article dedicated to Scottish Fold Munchkin. The Scottish Fold Munchkins are a cross between a Scottish Fold and a Munchkin cat. How about two pairs of short and adorable legs! One cat should have straight ears and the other folded ones. Scottish Fold Breeders Northern California We have been breeding cats since 1985. Sometimes the back legs grow longer than the front ones. How big does a Scottish Fold Munchkin … Are There Scottish Fold Health Problems? Required fields are marked *, By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Scottish Fold Cat Health Problems . Breeders wanted a round and lovable cat with folded ears and the short legs of a Munchkin. Catscottishfold.com can collect Google Analytics information but we will not share them with any third party. The pain is crippling and no cat deserves such a life. But some Scottish Folds were exported to the US. They are lovely, sweet-natured cats. Please consult Amazon and Google for their privacy policy. See more ideas about scottish fold, cat scottish fold, cats. If you’re looking for more information about Scottish Fold cats, then you’ve come to the right place! At the same time, some cats can carry it all their lives without symptoms. While their legs are short, their lives aren’t. No wonder the Munchkins are referred to as “sausage cats” as well. *. The Munchkin cat or Sausage cat is a relatively new breed of cat characterized by its very short legs, which are caused by a genetic mutation.The Munchkin is considered to be the original breed of dwarf cat.. Much controversy erupted over the breed when it was recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1995 with critics voicing concern over potential health and mobility issues. Oh, and climbing is not off-limits either. Out of these two, one cat should be short-legged and the other long-legged. Write an article and join a growing community of more than 124,000 academics and researchers from 3,960 institutions. Nutrition is important, from the quality of the food to the feeding schedule. The British Veterinary Association has warned breeding of Scottish fold cats should stop because of health fears. Children with a very similar genetic defect have comparable bone deformities to affected Scottish Fold cats. It has been accepted in TICA as an experimental breed. Sure, they don’t jump as high as a normal height cat. Scottish Fold Munchkin Health & Lifespan. Read the owner guide to see what products you need here. A normal cat, by comparison, grows up to be 23 – 25 cm tall (9 – 10 inches). Finally, if you want to have a healthy Scottish Fold Munchkin cat, you need to control the breeding. To avoid problems, always breed a long-legged cat with a short-legged one. Other breeds can suffer from it too. Ears or no ears? In the early 1990s a group of Australian veterinarians demonstrated convincingly that all Scottish Fold cats have abnormal bone development of their distal limbs. Scottish Fold Kilts are cats whose breed is a combination of two unique breeds of domestic cats...a Munchkin Cat and Scottish Fold.Because each of these breeds have distinctive traits due to genetics of their own, when mated produce one of the most unique and cutest breeds in the world. While there are still questions to be answered, we already possess sufficient information to know that breeding these cats is cruel. Nonetheless they are scottish folds. There seems to be a great many people who think that this specific combination gives rise to health issues. "Breeding animals for exaggerated physical characteristics, particularly when it compromises overall health, is irresponsible," Katie Lisnik, director of cat protection and policy at the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), told The Dodo. It has long been known that breeding Scottish Folds risks health problems, but research is mounting that it is impossible to mitigate this risk. A healthy Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat can live between 10 and 15 years old. And so the breed went on. Osteodystrophy is a disease common in Scottish Fold caused by the genetic anomaly. The Scottish Fold is a hardy breed. Moreover, this type of cat is a mixed cat that has various genetic problems and moreover that related to their health. Breed carefully and adopt thoughtfully! While sometimes it tends to get sick, this is not the main concern and is not a long-term sickness. Yet Scottish Folds are still bred in the US, Asia and even Australia. Munchkin-Scottish Fold Munchkin Health ... Studies are still being conducted on the likelihood of problems Munchkins are generally sturdy and blooming with good health. A canned diet (or possibly a prescription diet – chat with your vet) is the better option for your little Scottish Fold Munchkin kitten. The problem lies in a gene that affects cells involved with pressure and pain sensing within cartilage. The Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat Health Issues. All my Scottish Fold Kittens, munchkin kittens are raised in my home. They are energetic, running back and forth for long periods. Read more about what food and how much should cat eat here. You may change your settings at any time. The Scottish Fold is a rare feline breed. The Munchkin legs are approximately 7 cm (3 inches) shorter than that of the average cat. Humans find the Scottish Fold’s owl-like face irresistable. And so the Scottish Fold was born. These are the questions you need to ask yourself when shopping for aesthetics. early onset and accelerated progression of osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) in joints of the distal limbs and tail, Children with a very similar genetic defect. Are you ready to get a Scottish Fold Munchkin? They are lovely cats. The other one is the Munchkin Cat, which is said to be generally and perfectly healthy. Jackson showed that cats like Susie (and her daughter Snooks), which both had a single copy of the postulated defective gene, were reasonably normal. Choose a breeder carefully, examine the cat, and make sure all the health documents are in order. The British geneticist Oliphant Jackson demonstrated this unequivocally in a most elegant series of classic genetic and radiological experiments in a hospital basement in the 1970s. This is generally associated with early onset and accelerated progression of osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) in joints of the distal limbs and tail. Read more about Scottish Fold Munchkin in our full guide by clicking here. Aside from that, it is up to you to keep a healthy cat at home. Scottish Folds have health problems that are genetic in nature. Scottish Fold vs Scottish Fold Munchkins – Differences and Similarities. Caution though, they will ask for your attention and you better have the time and energy for that. Scottish Fold Kilt History. Be ready to challenge them with puzzle toys and tricks. The ankle and wrist were the joints most obviously affected, especially the ankles. Scottish Folds have shortened limbs, an abnormal gait, a peculiar and sometimes stiff or painful tail, and the propensity to develop osteoarthritis at an earlier age. So a Scottish Fold looks owl-like, and for many people this is a highly desirable trait. As much as we love the tiny ears that we can barely see, the mutation can cause a great deal of suffering for the cat. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is another disease that can affect the Folds. Copyright © 2010–2021, The Conversation US, Inc. Richard Malik is a Friend of The Conversation. This breed is officially called a Scottish Kilt. We likewise have collapsed ears (fold ears munchkin kittens) Scottish fold and Munchkin kittens ready to leaves now . But don’t underestimate these short-legged cats because they can run, no doubt. The main cat breeds in Australia that suffer from significant welfare problems associated with exaggerated physical features are flat-faced or brachycephalic cats (for example, Persians and Exotic Shorthairs), and Manx, Munchkin, and Scottish Fold cats . Lordosis is a condition that causes the spine to dip down and put pressure on the heart, lungs, and trachea, … That's not to say that we won't see evidence in the future, but so far, everything is looking good. This is the case for a particularly lovely cat, the Scottish Fold. When the Scottish Fold Munchkin kittens appeared, the celebrity guests went wild! This causes variable lameness (often severe) and secondary deformity. They possess none of the spinal issues that occur in some dogs exhibiting the similar short-leg gene. It originated when a naturally occuring mutant cat was born in Scotland during the last century, at a farm near Coupar Angus in Perthshire. One breed, the Scottish Fold, is prized for a genetic defect that causes the animal's ear to bend forward but which also causes cartilage problems elsewhere in its body. Outline: Osteochondrodysplasia is a developmental abnormality that affects cartilage throughout the body.It is this that causes the abnormal ear shape in Scottish fold cats. Shipping Fees Jul 28, 2015 - Explore Arya you's board "scottish fold", followed by 341 people on Pinterest. The folded ears are basically a deformity. Breeding is of utmost importance to these two ones. Our cats are not a product and never will be all our cats are part of our family and loved the same. The distinctive traits of these two breeds are both caused by a genetic mutation. When properly bred, they do not have any special health or grooming issues. Lordosis is characterized by short spinal muscles that cause the spine to curve down. We do not use this data. A quote from Sir Walter Raleigh," He fiddles with the work of God and makes them look uncommon odd." The Personality and Health Problem of Orange Scottish Fold Cat. A healthy Scottish Fold Munchkin has a lifespan of about 12-15 years. Cute enough that, in a great UK tradition, they wanted to preserve the mutation by breeding her with British short-haired cats and local farm cats. The Scottish Kilt AKA Gaelic Fold is a wonderful new breed that comes from cross breeding Munchkins and Scottish Folds. Likewise, the Munchkin legs are the result of a fatal gene. Scottish Folds often develop limb problems. The Scottish Fold Munchkins are a cross between a Scottish Fold and a Munchkin cat. For this reason, many people find the appearance of owls pleasing to the eye, which is why they have owl cafes in Tokyo, and why so many people collect owl figurines. Cats, like people, have two copies of most genes. This type of mating resulted in half of each litter of kittens (on average) having folded ears, the other half being Scottish Shorthairs. However, we urge you to consider the health aspects when deciding on a Scottish Fold Munchkin. The Scottish Kilts are known for grabbing stuff and hiding for later. Scottish Fold munchkin problem While pureblood Munchkins are quite healthy, breeding them with Scottish Fold kittens may result is severe cat health problems. This work was confirmed and extended subsequently by Japanese and Korean investigators. Check out the segments I filmed below; […] Her name was Susie and she looked cute. NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using. Jumping is not an issue either. The Scottish Fold is known to suffer from osteodystrophy, which affects cartilage throughout the body including bone lesions, thickening of the … This way we can provide useful information and keep the site up without any costs for the final users. The short legs gene can be a fatal one and in serious cases, the kitten doesn’t live past 3 months of age. Because of their parent-breeds, these little cats can get all the associated health problems. Emphasis on healthy. Tall cat or short cat? Other breeds, which include the Munchkin and Scottish Fold can go on to develop health problems that muddy the ethical waters. The gene that causes the short legs could also favor lordosis. Basically, only … Cats are one of the world’s favourite pets, but in our efforts to breed more attractive felines, we are metaphorically loving them to death. The Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat: A Remarkably Healthy, Cute Cat Despite all the concerns that munchkin cats might have the same health problems as their teacup equivalents in dogs, there's no evidence so far that's the case. We cannot condone breeding cats because it’s in our nature to think they are cute, when pain and suffering will afflict a substantial proportion of these cats for much of their life, with ongoing requirements for medication and sometimes even radiation therapy or surgery. Here’s what this means: Scottish Folds, because of their gene giving the folded ears, are also prone to other genetic diseases. Here is a picture from a video of another Scottish Fold Munchkin: If you can’t find your watch, it may be in a place that asking around won’t help you find. The cat had forward-folding ears because her ear cartilage wasn’t rigid enough to support her ears. Perhaps you are considering this breed as a pet, or maybe you are looking for more information concerning their care and cat litter box health and maintenance. Scottish Kilts are prone to Polycystic Kidney Disease. Because of the implications, you need to put effort and thought when getting a Scottish Kilt. With lots of luck and proper care, your feline buddy can even live longer. Scottish Fold kittens are quite rare and tend to fetch a high price. Veterinary Internist (Specialist), University of Sydney. History genetics of the scottish fold munchkin. In order to obtain the ears, the Fold needs to carry the responsible gene. Weight: Males can reach between 3 and 4 kg (6 – 9 pounds). This means that the Scottish Kilts can carry any of the health issues of the parent breeds. The breeding of Scottish Folds has been effectively banned in Victoria. We are an enlisted cattery I take photos of the cats between 2 to 3 days to refresh our site and this is the point at which they show up on my accessible Standard short leg Munchkin little cats For Sale page. Expect to pay a few hundred pounds or the equivalent in dollars for a kitten with pet-quality characteristics; inexpensive kittens often lack a pronounced fold, although they may still be noticeably lop-eared (note that all kittens are born with straight ears and don’t develop their folds till the third week of life). Scottish Shorthairs have normal ears and are completely healthy. And they made it happen. ?if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-catscottishfold_com-medrectangle-3-0')}; Meet the Scottish Fold Munchkin, a tiny ball of sweetness that forgot to grow in height. This means that the Scottish Kilts can carry any of the health issues of the parent breeds. This means that they are about 46 cm (18 inches) in length from head to bottom. In contrast, cats with two copies of the dud gene developed crippling arthritis from an early age. You might think they don’t run or jump too much because of the short legs. Two years ago a collaboration between Australian, European and American researchers uncovered the science behind the problem. Scottish Fold Munchkins WANT to spend time with you. This results in your Scottish Fold Munchkin having a rise in the back. Scottish Fold Negatives These cats have flattened ears that fold forward and downward sitting like a cap and giving the quaint look of an owl. Also, as active cats, make sure they have plenty of activity and playing time. Do not overfeed them because they are prone to obesity. Which cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the left. Without getting into the genetics of the breed, let’s just say there are strict breeding guidelines in order to maintain the health of the breed. Typically, it starts giving signs mid-life, but kittens can also suffer from it. It’s time to stop pussyfooting around. What breeds? It is time to ban the breeding of this type of cat, as other nations have done. Like British Bulldogs and extreme styles of pigeons, some cats bred to please a human sense of beauty suffer from serious health problems. Your email address will not be published. Amazon Associates Program is an affiliate program that enables us to receive a commision on recommended products when we link to Amazon.com CatScottishFold.com participates in advertising programs like Google Adsense. There are several factors that would contribute to a shorter lifespan. The Scottish Folds can develop certain health problems if not bred properly because of this mutation. Vets and cat breeders who condone this practice have no scientific basis with which to defend this practice. They are not breeding cats – they are perpetuating a disease state. The shortest kittens tend not to climb as much on high counters. University of Sydney provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU. When sick, your cat could vomit, be tired more often than normal, and lose weight. The Munchkin pair though must have straight ears to avoid the health complications of crossing two folds. Before I even considered adopting a Scottish Fold I researched for 5 years by talking with breeders, attended numerous cat shows, checked with adoption agencies, and researched many articles on the Scottish Fold breed. Many authorities think this is because of the Lorenzian theory of beauty, named in honour of Konrad Lorenz who was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work on ethology, the study of animal behaviour. These could be bred and shown in the place of the Folds. Some diseases that can occur include the presence of a disease in the joint. Why do people like cats with floppy ears? Personality. Scottish Shorthairs have the same sweet personality and behavioural features of Scottish Folds, but they don’t get the joint issues. Advertising on this site can collect data. However, you should still do plenty of research if you wish to adopt a Scottish fold cat of any age, due to the health problems that may be found in any cat of the breed. It didn’t take long for veterinarians and scientists to figure out that if the cartilage in the ear was defective, then cartilage in the joints might also be dodgy. Yet the practice has continued in most jurisdictions, with cat breeders and veterinarians turning a blind eye to the frequently obvious problems. We offer adorable Scottish fold munchkin kittens and Scottish fold kittens with munchkin kittens colors including white, blue, cream, red, silver, cameo, brown, Colico, chinchilla, blue-cream, tortoiseshell, black etc. They are adaptable beings that go well in family homes. Do Scottish Folds and Dogs get along? Also known as Scottish Kilts, the origin of the breed is easy to guess. The Munchkins, although generally healthy, can suffer from spinal problems. This is why it is important to always breed a straight eared cat with a folded-eared one. Also, be realistic about your lifestyle and the kind of environment you will provide. CatScottishFold.com website uses cookies and scripts in order to provide an enhanced experience. They are highly intelligent and they will ask for treats once they learn your ways. In time all Folds develop adverse changes. Their life expectancy is about 15 years. But they are ambitious and after 2 or 3 attempts they will get up the counter. If both cats have folded ears, thus carry the gene, you should expect them to get severe arthritis. You can read about potential dwarf cat health problems on this page as well. The Munchkin pair though must have straight ears to avoid the health complications of crossing two folds.
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