Key Findings:

• Extreme conformations, such as brachycephaly, folded ears, dwarfism, and taillessness are variously associated with chronic pain, impaired mobility, respiratory compromise, and behavioural limitations that contravene the Animal Welfare Acts.
• Emerging designer crosses, such as the XL Bully cats may be of concern due to having multiple extreme traits and the lagging behind of research into their welfare,
• Scottish Fold cats are highlighted as of particular concern due to osteochondrodysplasia linked to the folded ear phenotype.
• Brachycephalic breeds, including Persians and British Shorthairs, show increased risk of ocular, dental, and respiratory pathology.
• Hybrid breeds raise ethical and welfare questions due to behavioural challenges and lack of suitability for domestic environments.
• Breeding practices, including multi-cat housing and limited regulation, may contribute to stress, infectious disease transmission, and poor early socialisation.

The authors of the review have made the following recommendations in relation to purebred cats:

• Immediate cessation of breeding cats with folded ears due to clear welfare compromise.
• Evidenced-based breeding so that any new traits or existing extreme traits should only be deliberately selected once evidence shows there is no adverse welfare impact.
• Continued research into the welfare impacts of extreme traits and management practices
• Collaborative activities involving academics, the veterinary profession, the Government, animal charities and breeding organisations to work towards improved health.
• Improved regulation of breeding establishments and clearer distinction between commercial and hobby breeders.
• Public education to address misconceptions around health and behaviour.

“This paper highlights that purebred cat welfare can contravene UK animal welfare legislation. There is a need to assess purebred feline welfare by the impact of specific traits and practices,” says Dr Claire Roberts, Feline Welfare Researcher at Cats Protection and lead author on the paper. “Veterinary professionals have a key role in advocating for evidence-based breeding and educating clients.”

Madison Rogers, Cats Protection Associate Director of Advocacy, Campaigns & External Affairs, says: “This paper clearly highlights that the welfare needs of cats are not being consistently met. Urgent action is needed, so Cats Protection is calling on the Government to introduce regulation to ban the breeding of cats with extreme traits in order to protect them and their offspring.”

Dr Dan O’Neill, Professor of Companion Animal Epidemiology at RVC and co-author of the review, says: “This paper draws parallels for cats with the well-documented welfare crisis in brachycephalic dogs and urges the veterinary sector to apply lessons learned there to dissuade owners from acquiring cats with extreme conformation”.

Veterinary professionals in the UK are encouraged to:

• Recognise welfare concerns even where these may be considered “normal for the breed”.
• Support clients in making informed decisions about acquisition of purebred cats.
• Advocate for policy change and responsible breeding standards.

The full review is available open access in Animal Welfare here: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/animal-welfare/article/framework-to-refocus-the-conversation-around-the-welfare-of-uk-purebred-cats/CBD28A8813FD504552FE6965AF4C234B

ENDS