Several popular cat breeds have been selected for physical features that cause chronic health problems and suffering, raising important questions about responsible breeding practices.
Cats bred for extreme conformations suffer from chronic health problems that are inherent to their defining physical characteristics. Flat-faced cats struggle to breathe normally during exercise and sleep, with many requiring surgical intervention to breathe adequately. Scottish Folds develop osteoarthritis throughout their bodies from the cartilage mutation that creates their folded ears - a painful condition that worsens throughout their lives. These welfare harms are predictable, severe, and entirely avoidable through responsible breeding choices.