Flat-faced cat breeds such as Persians suffer from structural airway problems that often require surgical intervention, raising welfare and breeding ethics questions.
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome in cats causes chronic hypoxia that affects quality of life in ways owners often do not recognize because cats hide discomfort. Breeding standards that reward extreme flat faces perpetuate heritable suffering. Veterinary organizations in several countries now advocate for phasing out the most extreme brachycephalic conformations. Prospective owners should seek out moderate-conformation breeders and have kittens assessed by a veterinarian before purchase.