Dwelf Cat Health Concerns

Generally, cats have certain conditions that are genetic to their specific breeds. These can be passed from parent to child, and you may notice it in your cat, or they might never experience these issues. It's difficult to give an accurate reading on their expected lifespan as the breed has not been around very long. If you look at their Munchkin relative, the lifespan would likely be around 12 to 15 years. Since the breed does not have a long history, there is not an extensive review of typical health concerns, but based on their breed makeup and particularly their dwarf cat heritage, Dwelf owners should be on the lookout for:

Lordosis, which is a curvature of the spine that can damage other organs and even lead to death over time.
Pectus excavatum, which occurs when the breastbone of the cat sinks, giving it a concave appearance and may require surgery.
Ear infections, as the shape of the ear makes it harder for a cat to keep them clean.
Degenerative joint diseases are not uncommon among cats with curled ears.
Heart disease, particularly Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), are found in the Sphynx breed.
Skin problems are common in hairless cats if they're not groomed properly, and dry skin, irritations and scabs can develop. They are also susceptible to sunburn and melanoma.
Dwelf cats are more sensitive to hot and cold extremes and have a slightly higher body temperature than regular cats.
They also have a higher metabolism and will need to be fed more often than a cat of similar size.