Rise in pedigree cat popularity

The charity Cats Protection recently published their fifth annual Cats and Their Stats (CATS) Report. This report is one of the largest of its kind, with over 10,000 people responding to a nationwide survey examining our attitudes towards cats and how we care for them.

This year’s report saw that for the first time, more pedigree cats were acquired in the previous 12 months than moggies or mixed breed cats (45% vs. 43%). The trend seems to be driven by younger cat owners in particular. So what does that mean?

Does this impact on rescue and rehoming charities?

Fortunately, Cats Protection are not yet seeing a similar trend in the numbers of pedigree cats being relinquished into rescue care. For now, at least, pedigree cat owners seem to be either enjoying a long and happy relationship with their cat, or perhaps selling these cats on when the relationship ends.

But it does raise a question…

If the cat population is becoming more purebred and less crossbred in nature, are there health and welfare implications for cats?

There are a few health and welfare problems that are particular to all cats, whether they be moggie or pedigree. But pedigree cats may also encounter two other negative influences on their health and welfare:

A lack of genetic variation within certain pedigree breed types.
Extreme conformational changes affecting their physical function.

The incidence of inherited disease is much higher in the pedigree cat population, as the genetic pool tends to be smaller

We’ve also seen that some pedigree cats have been bred with characteristics that are more obvious and pronounced, sometimes to the point that their physical function and health is compromised. These very extreme conformational changes have often been brought about by exploiting genetic mutations that lead to dwarfism, hairlessness, or spina bifida in order to produce a particular look. Harmful body types can cause life-long health and welfare issues for cats.

The effect of breed-related health problems received widespread publicity in the dog world but many cat lovers remain largely unaware of similar problems in cat breeds. Flat-faced (or ‘brachycephalic’) dog breeds are known to suffer from breathing difficulties and their bulging eyes are prone to weeping and irritation. Research from the University of Edinburgh in 2016 concluded that flat-faced cats also suffer the same persistent health problems. A 2017 survey of companion animal vets found that 86% had treated conformation-related health problems in brachycephalic cats which included Persian and Exotic Shorthair breeds.

This year’s CATS Report found there had been a rise in popularity of the Scottish Fold breed

The Scottish Fold is plagued by health problems. The cartilage defect that causes the breed’s distinctive folded ears also affects the cartilage in other parts of the body, causing painful and debilitating arthritis. It is not possible to breed out this genetic defect without losing the essential breed characteristics of the Scottish Fold. Often, the signs of arthritis can be missed as cats do not always express pain as we might expect. It’s thought that the ‘laid-back’ personality of the Scottish Fold may actually be linked to the joint pain they are experiencing and their reluctance to move. Due to the welfare implications associated with the Scottish Fold, many countries have made the move to ban the breeding of these cats altogether.

The Bully Cat is another recent example of cats being purposefully bred to look a certain way

And once again, without due care and attention being given to their physical health or welfare. Bully, Dwelf or XL Bully Cats are not a recognised breed and are the result of the selective breeding of hairless Sphynx cats with cats such as the short-legged Munchkin. These cats suffer from physical defects, particularly limb deformities (short, bowed legs) and abnormal joints. They live with chronic pain and are unable to carry out normal behaviours due to their restricted mobility. Being hairless is not good for a cat’s welfare either. Skin oils that would otherwise coat and protect the hair are left to accumulate on the skin, leaving a greasy residue that can collect in the skin folds and cause yeast and bacterial infections. Because of this, hairless cats need to be bathed on a regular basis, which most cats do not enjoy. Grooming is an innate behaviour for cats, and hairless cats will attempt to groom despite their lack of hair, often leaving their skin sore and irritated. The skin is also susceptible to sun damage.

The Cat Group and Cats Protection have both condemned the breeding, showing and sale of Bully Cats and have urged the public not to purchase them.

But what motivates potential cat owners to purchase a pedigree cat?

Perhaps we can draw on what we understand about the motivations of pedigree dog owners. A 2017 study found that owners who were drawn to acquire a flat-faced, brachycephalic dog breed did so primarily because of the dog’s appearance. The perceived health of the breed was less influential in their decision-making. The study also found that owners of brachycephalic dog breeds tended to be younger. Likewise, the CATS Report 2024 found that younger owners were driving the trend towards purchasing pedigree cats. Perhaps it’s safe to assume that the appearance of the cat is also the main thing these owners are looking for.

The public need to be wary, however, and it’s clear that these messages need to reach that younger target audience. There is a lack of awareness of the potential welfare issues associated with pedigree cats. Owners might be left with large medical bills and a huge amount of heartache when their beloved cat is unable to enjoy a good quality of life.

If you are thinking of buying a pedigree cat…

Please consider some of physical characteristics that bring specific welfare concerns, including:

Extremely flat-faced (brachycephalic) cats

They may experience breathing difficulties due to a short muzzle and small nostrils, eye problems, facial fold issues, dental problems, difficulty eating and difficulty grooming. Breeds affected may include Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, British Longhair, British Shorthair, American Shorthair, and the Himalayan.

Short limbs, dwarfism

Cats affected may suffer from abnormal joints and limb deformities, reduced mobility and difficulty jumping, increased risk of spinal problems, and difficulty grooming. The genetic defect that produces shortened legs is potentially lethal and kittens may die at birth. Breeds affected may include the Munchkin and Bambino.

No tail or short, bobbed tail

This can signify spinal deformities or spina bifida, resulting in incontinence, mobility problems due to weakness or paralysis, arthritis, and problems with displaying normal cat body language due to the lack of a tail. Breeds affected include the Manx, Pixie Bob, American Bobtail, Japanese Bobtail and Kurilian Bobtail.

Hairlessness

Cats have no coat to groom and develop skin problems due to excessive skin oils or damage from grooming hairless skin. They have reduced insulation and may suffer from sunburn. Breeds affected include the Sphynx and the Peterbald.

Hybrid cats

Hybrid cats are produced by crossing domestic cats with an African or South American wildcat parent. They often do not cope well as pets, as they tend to exhibit ‘wild’ temperamental characteristics. They are territorial and are often large and powerful, risking harm to owners, to other pets, and to local wildlife populations. Wildcat hybrid breeds include the Chausie and Savannah.

Should cat breeding be regulated?

If cat breeding were to be more widely regulated, as is already the case for dog breeding and for cat breeding in Scotland, this would require regular inspections of licensed breeders. Within the regulations, it would also be possible to ban the commercial breeding of certain extreme breeds such as the Scottish Fold, Munchkin, and ultra-flat-faced cats, and introduce compulsory testing for known inherited diseases. The charity Cats Protection is calling on the government to introduce cat breeding regulations to ban the breeding of cats with extreme characteristics which could have a detrimental effect on their health or welfare or that of their offspring.

The charity also urges anyone looking to get a cat to consider adopting rather than buying. Adopting a cat or kitten from a rescue organisation means you will be matched with a pet that will be the best fit for you and your family. Your cat will have been health checked, neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and treated for fleas and worms before they come to you. Many cat rescue charities also include temporary pet insurance cover, no matter the cat’s age or previous medical history.

If you would like to adopt a cat, here are a few of the major rehoming charities to contact:

Cats Protection https://www.cats.org.uk/adopt-a-cat
RSPCA https://www.rspca.org.uk/findapet/rehomeapet/process/rehomeacat
Blue Cross https://www.bluecross.org.uk/rehome/cat
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home https://www.battersea.org.uk/cats/cat-rehoming-gallery

You could also check this directory to find which cat rescue organisation is situated nearest to you.