5 Unhealthiest Cat Breeds: The Scottish Fold Is No. 1, You Wont Believe No. 5!
5 Unhealthiest Cat Breeds: The Scottish Fold Is No. 1, You Won't Believe No. 5!
They may be cute and cuddly, but some felines hide a very dark reality. Cats used to be functional, now they are “cute”... and that comes with consequences. For them, it could mean difficulty breathing, limited mobility, dental issues, exercise intolerance, and heart, kidney, and liver problems. For us, it could mean hefty vet bills and watching our furry friends suffer a lifetime of pain and discomfort. While some cats are genetically predisposed to be less healthy than others, most problems stem from breeding practices that put looks over welfare. Here are five of the unhealthiest cats.
5. Exotic Shorthair (Persian)
The Exotic Shorthair is a gentle, lovable cat. They’re playful, great with kids, and generally an all-around joy. Where’s the problem? Their faces. Like Persians, Exotic Shorthairs have been selectively bred to flaunt flat faces. Some people may think it looks cute. Those people should try living a day in the life of an Exotic Shorthair. If breathing difficulties, progressive retinal atrophy, exercise intolerance, eye inflammation, dental problems, and difficulty eating don’t sound like a lot of fun, it’s because they aren’t. Unfortunately, some breeders who value money over health decided to exploit the public’s fondness for “cute” cats by breeding them to be uglier. And unfortunately for people who own Exotic Shorthairs, their problems don’t end where their flat faces begin. Like many carefully crafted breeds, they are also prone to a number of genetic diseases, including polycystic kidney disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
4. Manx
Few cats are as distinct as the Manx. The breed originated on the Isle of Man with a naturally occurring mutation that causes a shortened tail. Whether natural or unnatural, it brings a lot of problems. For one, cats with partial tails are prone to arthritis, which can cause significant pain and suffering from a young age. Manx cats are also susceptible to “Manx syndrome,” a debilitating condition that occurs when their tailless gene causes the spine to be shortened excessively. This can lead to damage to the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in spina bifida. It can also lead to digestive, bladder, and intestinal problems. Around 30% of Manx cats suffer from the syndrome, which not only leads to a painful life, but also a short one — the longest-living cats live to be 7 years old, but most only live to be 3 or 4. Other common issues include stiffening of the hip folds, corneal dystrophy, rectal prolapse, and megacolon, a recurrent condition that leads to severe constipation and can be life-threatening if left unchecked. Due to the many potential problems associated with the breed, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) has implemented a number of breeding restrictions for Manx cats. That said, many unscrupulous breeders have found ways around the restrictions.
3. Munchkin
While they may be short and cute, the truth about Munchkin cats is surprisingly dark. While some cats are born with a mutation that causes their legs to be short, people have now begun selectively breeding them to look that way. Unfortunately, this mutation can lead to skeletal deformities, which in turn trigger a host of health problems. “To our knowledge, the inappropriate bone formation can lead to abnormal loading, which can cause osteoarthritis,” says Carol Margolis, a veterinarian and lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. “They may have spinal deformities, kyphosis and scoliosis, and they may be born with rib cage malformations.” Because of their deformities, Munchkin cats are unable to run or jump like regular cats... though some argue whether they don’t jump because they can’t or because their deformities make them not even attempt it. Despite not being recognized as an official breed by the American Cat Fanciers’ Association (AFA), breeders aren’t shy about exploiting their cuteness, charging upwards of $1,200 per kitten. In fact, it seems they’re more concerned with their price tags than the long-term health and well-being of the cats they sell, which is arguably more egregious than their price tag.
2. Persian
There’s increasing evidence that cats bred to have exaggerated physical traits, such as flat faces, are at a greater risk of developing serious health problems, leading to a lifetime of suffering. Poor, poor Persians, a breed that has been developed to have the flattest possible face and the smallest possible nose. Like pugs and other brachycephalic dogs, flat-faced cats experience a great deal of breathing problems due to narrow nostrils and airways. Their abnormally long soft palate doesn’t help their cause, making it even more difficult for air to pass through their airways. Because of their breathing difficulties, Persians suffer from extreme exercise intolerance, resulting in them only being able to run and play for short bursts of time before becoming distressed. Persians also have abnormal tear ducts and drainage systems. This, in turn, increases their risk of developing conjunctivitis and other eye diseases. Meanwhile, their deformed skulls lead to abnormal tooth development, resulting in serious dental issues and difficulty eating.
1. Scottish Fold
Taylor Swift might love her Scottish Fold Meredith, but if animal welfare advocates have their way, Meredith and her brethren will soon be relegated to the history books. Breeding Scottish Folds is “cruel” and “morally indefensible,” according to Richard Malik, a veterinary consultant at the University of Sydney. Mike Flynn, chief superintendent of the Scottish SPCA, agrees, telling The Daily Express “it’s a common serious health problem.” So what exactly is the problem? In a word, cartilage. The breed’s unique floppy ears and owl-like lounging position are due to weakened cartilage, which not only makes their ears fold, but also their legs bend. Severe abnormalities in their leg joints and bones can eventually lead to arthritis, abnormal thickening, stiff tails, spinal problems, and stiff legs. The condition is incurable, so affected cats can only suffer a lifetime of limited mobility and pain. Many associations and competitions have already banned the breed.
Conclusion
When choosing a cat breed, it’s important to consider their health, not just their looks. Some breeds are genetically predisposed to certain diseases, which can lead to a painful life. Remember, it’s health that matters, not looks, for cats. We should choose breeds that are bred responsibly, where their health is prioritized over their “cuteness”.
They may be cute and cuddly, but some felines hide a very dark reality. Cats used to be functional, now they are “cute”... and that comes with consequences. For them, it could mean difficulty breathing, limited mobility, dental issues, exercise intolerance, and heart, kidney, and liver problems. For us, it could mean hefty vet bills and watching our furry friends suffer a lifetime of pain and discomfort. While some cats are genetically predisposed to be less healthy than others, most problems stem from breeding practices that put looks over welfare. Here are five of the unhealthiest cats.
5. Exotic Shorthair (Persian)
The Exotic Shorthair is a gentle, lovable cat. They’re playful, great with kids, and generally an all-around joy. Where’s the problem? Their faces. Like Persians, Exotic Shorthairs have been selectively bred to flaunt flat faces. Some people may think it looks cute. Those people should try living a day in the life of an Exotic Shorthair. If breathing difficulties, progressive retinal atrophy, exercise intolerance, eye inflammation, dental problems, and difficulty eating don’t sound like a lot of fun, it’s because they aren’t. Unfortunately, some breeders who value money over health decided to exploit the public’s fondness for “cute” cats by breeding them to be uglier. And unfortunately for people who own Exotic Shorthairs, their problems don’t end where their flat faces begin. Like many carefully crafted breeds, they are also prone to a number of genetic diseases, including polycystic kidney disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
4. Manx
Few cats are as distinct as the Manx. The breed originated on the Isle of Man with a naturally occurring mutation that causes a shortened tail. Whether natural or unnatural, it brings a lot of problems. For one, cats with partial tails are prone to arthritis, which can cause significant pain and suffering from a young age. Manx cats are also susceptible to “Manx syndrome,” a debilitating condition that occurs when their tailless gene causes the spine to be shortened excessively. This can lead to damage to the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in spina bifida. It can also lead to digestive, bladder, and intestinal problems. Around 30% of Manx cats suffer from the syndrome, which not only leads to a painful life, but also a short one — the longest-living cats live to be 7 years old, but most only live to be 3 or 4. Other common issues include stiffening of the hip folds, corneal dystrophy, rectal prolapse, and megacolon, a recurrent condition that leads to severe constipation and can be life-threatening if left unchecked. Due to the many potential problems associated with the breed, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) has implemented a number of breeding restrictions for Manx cats. That said, many unscrupulous breeders have found ways around the restrictions.
3. Munchkin
While they may be short and cute, the truth about Munchkin cats is surprisingly dark. While some cats are born with a mutation that causes their legs to be short, people have now begun selectively breeding them to look that way. Unfortunately, this mutation can lead to skeletal deformities, which in turn trigger a host of health problems. “To our knowledge, the inappropriate bone formation can lead to abnormal loading, which can cause osteoarthritis,” says Carol Margolis, a veterinarian and lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. “They may have spinal deformities, kyphosis and scoliosis, and they may be born with rib cage malformations.” Because of their deformities, Munchkin cats are unable to run or jump like regular cats... though some argue whether they don’t jump because they can’t or because their deformities make them not even attempt it. Despite not being recognized as an official breed by the American Cat Fanciers’ Association (AFA), breeders aren’t shy about exploiting their cuteness, charging upwards of $1,200 per kitten. In fact, it seems they’re more concerned with their price tags than the long-term health and well-being of the cats they sell, which is arguably more egregious than their price tag.
2. Persian
There’s increasing evidence that cats bred to have exaggerated physical traits, such as flat faces, are at a greater risk of developing serious health problems, leading to a lifetime of suffering. Poor, poor Persians, a breed that has been developed to have the flattest possible face and the smallest possible nose. Like pugs and other brachycephalic dogs, flat-faced cats experience a great deal of breathing problems due to narrow nostrils and airways. Their abnormally long soft palate doesn’t help their cause, making it even more difficult for air to pass through their airways. Because of their breathing difficulties, Persians suffer from extreme exercise intolerance, resulting in them only being able to run and play for short bursts of time before becoming distressed. Persians also have abnormal tear ducts and drainage systems. This, in turn, increases their risk of developing conjunctivitis and other eye diseases. Meanwhile, their deformed skulls lead to abnormal tooth development, resulting in serious dental issues and difficulty eating.
1. Scottish Fold
Taylor Swift might love her Scottish Fold Meredith, but if animal welfare advocates have their way, Meredith and her brethren will soon be relegated to the history books. Breeding Scottish Folds is “cruel” and “morally indefensible,” according to Richard Malik, a veterinary consultant at the University of Sydney. Mike Flynn, chief superintendent of the Scottish SPCA, agrees, telling The Daily Express “it’s a common serious health problem.” So what exactly is the problem? In a word, cartilage. The breed’s unique floppy ears and owl-like lounging position are due to weakened cartilage, which not only makes their ears fold, but also their legs bend. Severe abnormalities in their leg joints and bones can eventually lead to arthritis, abnormal thickening, stiff tails, spinal problems, and stiff legs. The condition is incurable, so affected cats can only suffer a lifetime of limited mobility and pain. Many associations and competitions have already banned the breed.
Conclusion
When choosing a cat breed, it’s important to consider their health, not just their looks. Some breeds are genetically predisposed to certain diseases, which can lead to a painful life. Remember, it’s health that matters, not looks, for cats. We should choose breeds that are bred responsibly, where their health is prioritized over their “cuteness”.
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