Like dogs, some cat breeds are selected for extreme physical features causing chronic health problems and welfare suffering.
Cat breed welfare problems mirror those in dogs but receive less public attention. Scottish Fold cats are perhaps the most striking example: the gene causing the distinctive folded ears also causes a degenerative joint disease affecting all cartilage throughout the body, causing chronic pain that affected cats mask through normal feline stoicism. Many cats are in significant pain throughout their lives without obvious behavioral signs that alert owners. Veterinary organizations in multiple countries have called for bans on Scottish Fold breeding, and some jurisdictions have implemented them. Consumer demand driven by social media popularity of these cats - many celebrities own Scottish Folds - continues to drive breeding of animals that predictably suffer. Welfare-informed consumers should avoid breeds with known severe health problems.