The term for cats with flat, squashed or smushed faces is ‘brachycephalic’. This means ‘short head’ or ‘flat face’. You might already be familiar with some cat breeds that have flat faces, like the Persian or Burmese. But you may not be aware that some pedigree cats are being specifically bred to have an even flatter facial profile, giving them an extreme appearance that goes well beyond what is considered ‘normal’ for a cat. As a result, some of these cats may struggle with health issues that greatly impact on their welfare.
Brachycephalic cats can be at a greater risk of developing painful health issues, which may be worrying for you as an owner and can incur significant vet bills. If you are considering, or already have a flat-faced cat, you’ll need to keep a careful eye on their health and ensure they have regular vet checks.
Flat-faced cats typically owe their appearance to selective breeding. Over time, breeders have bred from cats with rounded faces and large eyes because these features create a ‘baby-like’ look. This selective breeding over generations of cats has led to increasingly exaggerated flat facial structures.
Some cat breeds are considered ‘brachycephalic’ but the flatness of the face can vary within a breed. There are a number of pedigree cats that are being purposefully bred to have a more extreme look and an extremely flattened face.
Cat breeds with flat faces can include:
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is the clinical term that vets may use to describe the impact that flat faces have on a cat’s airways and ability to breathe. Breathing issues can cause your cat stress, affect their ability to exercise and may also affect their sleep.
Signs of breathing problems include:
You should be particularly mindful of your flat-faced cat during hot weather too, as they often may struggle to keep themselves cool. Make sure you keep them hydrated with lots of water and if you can, provide a cooler place out of the heat for them to rest.
You’ll also need to keep an eye on your cat’s weight as a preventative course of treatment to reduce breathing issues.
Flat-faced cats often snore more than other cats because the shape of their head makes it harder to breathe. Their shorter skull means their nasal passages are smaller, the soft tissue at the back of the mouth is longer, and their airways can be narrower. This can cause noisy breathing and snoring, especially when they’re relaxed or sleeping on their back.
Dental issues are a concern for most cat owners and can often prove costly for vet treatment. Flat-faced cats are much more likely to suffer from dental issues due to the shape of their skull, meaning teeth are placed differently.
A flat-faced cat has the same number of teeth as a cat with a longer face but there is less space for those teeth, often resulting in overcrowding. In short-nosed Persian cats, for example, teeth do not align properly so they cannot bite and chew properly. This can cause periodontal disease, an infection of the cat’s gums, and can lead to other health issues like heart disease.
Signs of dental problems in cats include:
Dental issues can cause a lot of pain for cats and will need treatment, which may include tooth extraction or using dental care products like specialised food.
Some flat-faced cats may also have skin folds and wrinkles around their faces and mouths. While seemingly cute, this can cause a lot of discomfort. These skin folds can become inflamed, irritated or infected.
If you’re concerned your cat may be in discomfort, speak to your vet for the recommended treatment, which may include topical creams.
Many flat-faced cats can suffer with eye conditions. You might notice persistent discharge from your cat’s eyes as a result of shortened tear ducts, which would normally drain tears into the nose, and because their eyes are more prominent and have shallower eye sockets. Large, protruding eyes make it harder for them to blink properly and leave the surface of the eye more prone to dryness, irritation and infections.
Signs of eye conditions can include:
If you’re concerned about your cat’s eyes, speak to your vet for necessary treatment. This may include regular eye drops to treat the ongoing issue as well as any pain management medication. If your cat has a severe ulcer, they may need to have an operation.
Like many cats, flat-faced cats can make great companions. But it is important to be aware of the health issues they may face. These are cats who need extra care and attention and may well incur costly vet bills too.
If you’re looking to get a cat with a particular temperament, contact your local Cats Protection as we have plenty of wonderful cats looking for new homes.
Flat-faced cats generally have a similar lifespan to other cats if they’re healthy and well cared for, but this can vary by breed and health issues. These cats are prone to breathing difficulties, dental disease and eye problems, which can shorten life expectancy if not managed properly. Good care, such as regular veterinary checks, weight control and monitoring for airway issues, can help them live longer and more comfortably. However, even when they live as long as other cats, their health and welfare are still negatively impacted by extreme breeding.
If you currently have a flat-faced cat, it is particularly important to keep an eye on their health.
Flat-faced cats, like all cats, need to exercise. However, because flat-faced cats can have breathing difficulties, their exercise should be kept short and gentle. Avoid activity that makes them pant or struggle to breathe. Aim for a few short sessions of no more than five to 10 minutes throughout the day to prevent them from overexerting themselves.
