Now vets are advising against buying flat-faced CATS: Experts warn that breeds with “cute, cartoonish” facial features, loved by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Sam Smith, are at risk of severe breathing problems

When it comes to flat-faced pets, dog breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs, or Boxers might come to mind.

But several flat-faced cats have also become increasingly popular in recent years, including Persians, British Shorthairs and Birmans.

Their cartoonish facial features may look cute, but they also increase the risk of serious health problems in these breeds Difficulty breathing, eye problems, problems with personal hygiene and even problems with childbirth.

Unfortunately, as these breeds become more popular, it appears that many owners are struggling with the health issues.

New figures released by the RSPCA show the number of Persian cats coming into the charity’s care from 2018 to 2022 increased by 92 per cent.

Several flat-faced cats have also become increasingly popular in recent years, including Persians, British Shorthairs and Birmans. Pictured: Kim Kardashian with her cat

Their cartoon-like facial features may look cute, but they also increase the risk of serious health problems in these breeds, including breathing difficulties, eye problems, grooming problems and even birth problems. Pictured: Snoopybabe, the exotic shorthair cat

Popular flat-faced cat breeds include Persian, British Shorthair, Himalayan, Exotic Shorthair, and Birman.

Their short-faced “brachycephalic” features did not evolve naturally but are the result of selective breeding.

They are now the most common breed in RSPCA care, which the charity says is likely due to their popularity with celebrities and on social media.

Kim Kardashian regularly posts photos of her teacup Persian kitten, while singer Sam Smith is the proud owner of a British Shorthair cat named Henry.

Meanwhile, the famous “Grumpy Cat” had 2.6 million Instagram followers before her death in 2019.

Figures from the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) suggest that British Shorthair breeds are also on the rise, with registrations up 66% in the last 10 years.

Persians also made up around two percent of the UK cat population in 2021, according to GCCF.

Popular flat-faced cat breeds include Persian, British Shorthair, Himalayan, Exotic Shorthair, and Birman. Kate Beckinsale is pictured with her Persian cat Clive, who sadly passed away earlier this year

Figures from the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) suggest that British Shorthair breeds are also on the rise, with registrations up 66% in the last 10 years. Pictured: Sam Smith with her British Shorthair

That corresponds to around 216,000 cats.

“Unfortunately, Persians and other flat-faced cats are becoming increasingly popular as people consider the physical characteristics that actually make them suffer so ‘cute’,” said Alice Potter, RSPCA cat welfare expert.

“While we know that many people love these cats and are very caring owners, it is wrong to breed them for traits that jeopardize basic health and well-being.”

Unfortunately, due to their flat faces, these cats are at increased risk of serious health problems, including Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).

“BOAS is the clinical term used to describe the influence of the shortened heads of brachycephalic animals on the passage of air,” the RSPCA explains on its website.

“These features affect the ability of flat-faced animals to breathe.”

Some of the main signs of BOAS in cats include snorting or snoring, sleeping or lying in strange positions, propping up their mouths with toys to sleep more comfortably, or having trouble breathing while exercising, and even collapsing.

Unfortunately, due to their flat faces, these cats are at increased risk of serious health problems, including Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). Karl Lagerfeld was rarely seen without his Birman cat, Choupette

Meanwhile, studies have shown that flat-faced breeds also have a higher risk of dental problems, eye diseases, skin problems and spinal deformities.

“These cats can suffer from eye problems and other problems and often have difficulty doing the most important thing we all need to survive – breathing,” Ms Potter explained.

“This can be frightening and debilitating, and in some cases can cause eating, climbing, playing and all the things our cats naturally love to do to become a daily struggle.”

Based on the findings, the RSPCA is urging both breeders and owners to prioritize cats’ health over their appearance.

“We want breeders to prioritize the health and welfare of animals and not breed them for traits that can unfortunately lead to suffering,” Ms Potter added.

“We also need to raise the general public’s awareness of the physical characteristics that threaten their well-being.”

How well do you know your cat? The 13 Secret Signals Cats Give Their Owners

Cats are often labeled as distant and solitary creatures who spend their days plotting the downfall of their human owners, but such characterizations couldn’t be further from the truth.

In fact, our feline friends are constantly communicating their feelings of affection to us, be it through their whiskers, tail, face, or body language.

In her insightful new book, “Kitty Language: An Illustrated Guide to Understanding Your Cat,” author Lili Chin explains—with the help of animal behaviorists—how to interpret your pet’s movements.

Below are some of the most common behaviors and what they might signal.

Our feline friends are constantly communicating their feelings of affection to us, be it through their whiskers, tail, face, or body language