Brachycephalic means ‘short head’ or ‘flat face’. You might already be familiar with some of the flatter-faced breeds 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.
Some cat breeds are considered ‘brachycephalic’ but the degree of brachycephaly 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.
Breeds that can be affected by extreme brachycephaly may include the following:
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is the clinical term that vets may use to describe the impact that flat faces have on the 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 issues include:
snorting or snoring
playing in odd positions when sleeping
struggling to breathe when running around
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.
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.
While brachycephalic cats may make great companions, it is important to be aware of the health issues they may face. These are cats who need a bit of 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.
If you currently have a flat-faced cat, it is particularly important to keep an eye on their health.
