Pedigree cat breeding has produced breeds with chronic, heritable health problems. Growing scientific evidence and public awareness are driving breed standard reform.
Cat breed health reform has achieved significant success in some areas while facing persistent challenges in others. PKD testing programs have dramatically reduced polycystic kidney disease prevalence in Persians, demonstrating that DNA testing requirements work when breeders adopt them. The Scottish Fold situation is more challenging - the welfare problem is intrinsic to the defining characteristic of the breed. Countries that have banned Scottish Fold breeding or registration have made the clearest welfare statement, while those where breeding continues create ongoing welfare problems for every cat born with the fold mutation. Consumer choice is powerful: declining to purchase affected breeds creates market pressure for welfare-positive alternatives.