Does the idea of adopting a munchkin cat excite and fill you with worry all at the same time? Suppose you’re making plans to adopt this quick, energetic, and active cat breed to your circle of relatives and friends. In that case, you want to determine if it’s hypoallergenic or not, specifically if your circle of relatives and friends has allergies. In this article, we will help you to figure out if munchkin cats are Hypoallergenic or not.
The Munchkin, in all fairness, suits any place that has people who will adore like him and take good care of him. Ensure he’s always indoors to secure him from the illness spread by other cats, automobiles, and attacks from other animals, and he can live 13 years or longer.
The Munchkin additionally has a hunter’s intuition and could chase mice or whatever that move; however, all it wants is to snuggle into your lap at the end of the day.
A brief history of the Munchkin cats
Munchkin cats, also known as sausage cats, are regular cats with short limbs because of a natural genetic mutation.
These short-legged cats have been around for years. Their existence can be documented from as early as the 1930s, and England also wrote about these breeds of cats. It also became apparent that these cats supposedly disappeared during World War II, where many dogs and cats took a devastating blow in numbers.
Amazingly, the munchkin breed came into existence accidentally in the 1980s when a school teacher named Sandra Hochenedel came across two pregnant munchkin cats hiding beneath her car. She decided to keep one of the cats and gave it the name Blackberry. Half of Blackberry’s offspring were born with noticeably short legs. According to research, the official “munchkin” breed, which got its name from Wizard of Oz’s characters, credits its lineage to Blackberry.
While these cats have been in existence for decades, they were just accepted as a breed by The International Cat Association in 2003. The Cat Fanciers’ Association hasn’t yet recognized them.
Like the popular sphynx cats, which also have a distinctive look, either people like them or hate them initially, but the appeal has increased with time. The length of a munchkin varies from small to medium-size and it weighs about five to nine pounds.
Munchkin breed introduction in 1991 was scorned by a lot of people who thought that this species was suffering, mainly due to its stubby and short legs.
Are Munchkin Cats Hypoallergenic?
A lot of people believe that Munchkin cats are hypoallergenic. While the fact is these cats are mostly considered a non-losing cat breed because they do not shed as much fur as other cats do. It’s essential to get the facts right, though.
First, let’s analyze if Munchkin cats are hypoallergenic, then we can discuss if this cat breed is proper for you, primarily based on your allergy levels.
So, Are Munchkin Cats Hypoallergenic?
To kick-off, no. Munchkin cats aren’t considered hypoallergenic. However, consider that their coat, short or lengthy hair, and a few cats do produce much less fur, which can cause allergic reactions to people who are allergic to cats.
So, you’re highly likely to experience some slightly lower shedding from your Munchkin Cats as compared to other different breeds. If you’re concerned about whether you need to adopt one or not, this breed may be an excellent alternative for owners with a much less critical allergy.
After understanding whether or not Munchkin Cats are hypoallergenic or not, there are a few preventive measures that you could take to lower any feasible allergic reactions being triggered.
If you need to understand a Munchkin Cats dandruff amount, losing time, and different matters that can or may also contribute to allergic reactions, then what you have to know is right here.
Why are munchkin cats not considered hypoallergenic?
It’s an excellent question to ask. To understand why munchkins cats are not considered hypoallergenic cat breeds, you first need to understand what hypoallergenic means.
The phrase hypoallergenic means that the cat you’re going to adopt isn’t always going to trigger any allergic reactions to anyone around it. Often, it’s been clear that hypoallergenic cat breeds shed little fur to nothing at all.
It is clear to see that munchkin cats don’t have much dander like other similar breeds; therefore, they’re less likely to cause irritants, but they are still not hypoallergenic.
Do hypoallergenic cats exist?
But can you surely trust that the hypoallergenic cat breed exists? have you ever questioned whether or not the hypoallergenic cat breed exists or not? If you have, then the answer might be no. There may be no such breed that may be 100% hypoallergenic anywhere in this world. Why?
No, the breed of cats may be considered hypoallergenic because all cats have to shed sometimes, which means they’re going to shed hair and dander. Additionally, they’ll have a few Fel d1 proteins, which are believed to be the main reason for a hypersensitive reaction from cats.
You might think that the most compelling reason for a hypersensitive reaction from any pet is their urine and fur; however, this isn’t the case. In Munchkin Cats, the primary reason for a hypersensitive reaction from pets is their saliva and danders; these two are the leading irritants.
Of course, other factors can cause a person’s allergic reactions, like the cat’s hair and urine; however, saliva and danders are often the primary irritants inflicted on their owner or a person with allergic reactions.
The coats of munchkin cats tend either to be long-haired or short-haired that can moderately shed. This is why munchkin cats are not classified as hypoallergenic though they don’t shed a significant amount of hair as other breeds do.
How much hair do munchkin cats shed?
If you get a Munchkin Cat with short hair, it’ll include a plus, medium, climate coat. This kind is much less likely to shed than Munchkin Cats with lengthy hair that has silky, semi-lengthy, weather coat. Each breed of cat shed sometimes, and a few shed extra while a few much less.
If you are considering adding a munchkin cat as a new member to your family? It would be best if you learned everything about it to make a better decision before buying one.
By closely looking at the skin of Munchkin Cats, you may quickly notice that there’s a high chance they may be to shedding extra within the summer.
Why do munchkin cats shed?
Munchkin Cats do shed, however, not as much as you may think. They can both include short or long hair, so it’s tough to decide the precise amount of shedding this will happen. They are, in reality, going to lose a few fur as they’ll be running around or scratching themselves all day long.
Besides that, we all know that cats’ hair constantly grows because it needs to replace the old one, wherein hair will ultimately fallout. With age, in cats, new hair grows. This process will continuously happen during their lifetime. With age, as your cat grows old, they may shed more frequently as their coat continues to become thinner.
However, while cats are younger with a lot of energy, they can easily rub themself or scratch themself, or even run around, making it hard for them to preserve hair and danders. In conclusion, a Munchkin Cats has to shed as it’s far part of their cycle of life to create room for new hair growth.
Still, if you observe your Munchkin Cats shedding a lot, then there’s genuinely something not right, and you may want to visit a vet. Excessive shedding is considered unhealthy, but there’s no need to be alarmed since most animals are not uncommon.
So many minor factors can also contribute to an increase in hair sheddings, such as wrong grooming method, bad diet, or your munchkin cat could be having some allergies.
Besides that, these cats tend to shed more in spring. Additionally, if you stay in a neighborhood with high temperatures, expect to see more shedding on your feline coat.
Nonetheless, as I said earlier, a Munchkin Cats shouldn’t shed much. So, you ensure to search for unusual shedding on your Munchkin Cats continually.
Factors that contribute to human hypersensitivity are a lot; however, right here, we’re going to talk about the main things that come from munchkin cats that could cause allergic reactions. According to the latest survey of the United States, the major causes or reasons that precipitated people’s hypersensitive reactions are dander and saliva.
What makes people allergic to munchkin cats?
Munchkin Cats tend to have extra dander’s allergen than saliva allergen. Meaning that they may spread some debris into the air, referred to as danders, that could cause allergic reactions to people as they are scratching themselves or rubbing themselves against a wall to itch themselves.
People considered allergic to animals generally tend to have overly sensitive human structures, and Munchkin cats’ danders can easily contribute much to their allergies. Some People also can get saliva from the munchkin cat’s saliva.
How to tell If Munchkin Cats Are Hypoallergenic to You
Cat Allergic reactions are generally brought about by dander, saliva, urine, and the dead pores and skin cells shed through the cat’s coat.
These allergens trigger a wide variety of hypersensitive reactions, which include pores and skin and respiratory sensitivities.
Breathing hypersensitive reactions result from airborne allergens, including your cat’s fur and dander. And with the Munchkin’s low shedding level, you’re not very safe with them. However, in case you can spend some time with a Munchkin cat without any respiratory allergic reactions being triggered, you will be off the hook!
For people with pores and skin hypersensitive reactions, Munchkins produce numerous substances that could affect you. Skin hypersensitive reactions are brought on by direct contact with the Fel d1 allergy-inflicting protein in a cat’s urine, saliva, and dander, amongst other physical fluids.
Therefore, before acquiring a munchkin, it is a superb idea to spend time with it first. If your pores and skin get itchy or in case you note any signs and symptoms of eczema or touch dermatitis, it’s better to settle for a breed that produces much less Fel d1.
Munchkin dander and saliva trigger hypersensitive reactions, without a doubt. You are probably safe if you don’t go near the Munchkin cats. However, this is not going to really help people with extremely high cat hypersensitive reactions! All cats, which includes the Munchkins, produce dander.
How to avoid hypersensitivity caused by munchkin cats?
Do you feel the need to own a Munchkin cat regardless of your hypersensitive reactions? Well, we understand. The Munchkins are beautiful, sensible kitties.
This low-riding, non-hypoallergenic cat is trendy and has a lot of interesting facts about it. No wonder everyone finds it adorable.
However, no cat is 100% hypoallergenic; therefore, it’s usually helpful to look for better approaches to lower your allergic reactions. So, below are a few recommendations that will help you lessen hypersensitive reactions.
Bathing
This is an essential factor to consider if you really want to reduce the effects of those irritants. Only bath your Munchkin when you feel it’s really necessary to do so.
There’s a lot of misinformation out there about bathing your cat. Most people believe that you should bathe the cat daily to keep shedding and danders to a minimum, while the opposite is true.
Bathing your cat every day makes its skin dry, promoting the dander’s more aggressive form on the cat’s dry skin.
I would recommend bathing them at least once a month or after every six weeks.
But if your Munchkin spends most of its time outdoors, and you strongly feel that your feline needs to bathe frequently because of the outside activities it engages in, then bathing is okay, but you should do it in the right way.
Use a natural conditioner shampoo when bathing them to avoid leaving their skin dry.
Groom your Feline
Effective and proper grooming helps prevent too much dander from sticking to your clothes.
Brushing your cat’s coat daily, even in non-shading seasons, prevents the spread of too much dead skin around the house.
Additionally, it’s also essential that you brush their coat in the direction their hair grows to make the grooming experience much less painful for your cat. Always remember that most cats hate being groomed, and combing their coat in the opposite direction could make the experience very painful for them.
Training
The IQ of munchkins is very high; therefore, their brain is always ready to learn new tricks. They’re pretty easy to train because they have the power of concentration and adaptability. You can teach them the following:
- To keep off your bedroom
- Potty training
- To stay away from textile and furniture surfaces
- To avoid licking anyone in the house
- To stay in your apartment or house all the time.
Always protect your house.
You can keep your home safe with the help of the allergy-fighting devices mentioned below:
- Cat wipes
- Lint rollers
- HEPA filters
- Top-quality air purifier
- Top-quality vacuum cleaner.
Wash your hands thoroughly
Even if you bathe and groom them in the right way, these cats are still non-hypoallergenic so after spending time with your Munchkin, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
It is vital to clean your hand once you are done playing with your Munchkin Cats as it can hugely improve your hypersensitive reactions to these Cats. Whenever a person plays with their cat and doesn’t hand their hands after they’re done handling or petting them, unconsciously, they’re much more likely to touch their head, nose, eyes, and mouth and get the irritants to the places wherein they shouldn’t be.
Keep your bedroom off-limits.
It sounds very aww when you listen to a girl speak about how she enjoys sharing her bed with her Munchkin; however, do you know that it could greatly contribute to problems, especially if one is allergic.
A cat will shed fur both on their very own mattress and yours. Also, cats generally tend to rub themselves against objects each time they want to get rid of the itch. Sometimes, they even scratch themselves on your mattress.
This could spread danders onto the mattress; with time, you’ll place your arms and face unconsciously, allowing the irritants to get into your eyes and nostrils, which could make you experience irritation.
If you want to keep away from such situations, you could follow a few bedrooms off-limits rules. You can coach your cat to keep off your mattress.
Keep your house clean.
Apart from right grooming, right bath, washing your hand, and making use of that off-limits bedroom rule, regularly cleaning your home is the best way to keep your home dander-free.
Cleaning your home often allows you to remove danders and hairs, which you and your circle of relatives or friends can contact unaware.
Cat danders and hair can get caught to everything and anything. You can keep off danders and hairs from getting spread around your home by cleaning your apartment effectively and thoroughly.
It is very critical to clean each nook or corner of your house at least every week to ensure it’s allergen-free.
You can shop for a quality and effective vacuum cleaner to keep off shredded danders and hairs. This isn’t going to be easy to attain using your hands.
Diet
Feed your munchkin cat with an appropriate diet to ensure they get all the nutrients their bodies require. Low quality cat means can lead to skin problems. And even greatly increased the production of dander. Get your cat food that is rich in Omega 3, such as fish, for healthy skin.
Medication
If you’re still exhibiting allergy symptoms after doing all of the above, perhaps, it’s time to take medication. Contact a physician who will guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the distinctive physical characteristics of Munchkin cats?
This medium-sized breed of cat has triangular ears, a protracted physique, and walnut-fashioned eyes. Because of a genetic mutation has stubby and short legs, the cat’s top recognizable feature.
However, the Munchkin is in no manner handicapped through its legs and does have regularly-sized forelegs that can be identical in length. The cat is available in brief-haired and long-haired varieties, each wearing an all-climate coat.
What Makes cats hypoallergenic?
If you have any allergies, you’re highly likely to buy products labeled “hypoallergic,” In this case, you want to be around cats that don’t trigger allergic reactions. Hypoallergic means pets or products comprise a few allergy-producing components known as allergens that dont cause allergic reactions.
The reasons why some cats cause allergic reactions to people is because of the following two factors:
- cats’ saliva, skin, and urine cause allergic reactions to people.
- Allergens in cats find their way in your home as it sheds its fur in the process of cleaning itself.
Can breeders outcross munchkins?
The international cat association has very strict rules about outcrossing cats. Munchkin breeders are expected to be very selective to make sure these breeds of cats develop their characteristics. Tica, in its competition, disqualifies any munchkin cats that have similarities to other breeds. Therefore you can expect these munchkin breeds to come in all kinds of shades, patterns, coat lengths, and colors.
Why are munchkin cats so popular?
Everyone loves the personality and temperament of this breed. These short-legged cats are confident, outgoing, and acutely unaware of their distinctive looks. The Munchkin cat likes to chase and battle with its friends and it’s often referred to as the magpies of the cat species as it likes to pick small, shiny items and hide them for later play.
Wrapping up
As mentioned, munchkin cats are not hypoallergenic because they shed moderately. This cat breed is not highly recommended for homes with cat allergies, but it’s perfect for families with mild cat allergies.
To keep dander production to a minimum, ensure you bathe, train, and groom your cat, keep your bedroom off-limit, medicate if necessary, ensure your house is clean all the time, give a good meal to your cat, and many more.
