Cats Protection has issued a warning regarding the increasing trend of purchasing cats with distinctive features, often popularized on social media. The charity noted a "huge increase" in the acquisition of pedigree breeds over the last five years. They cautioned that breeds with traits such as flat faces, folded ears, and hairlessness can face serious health complications.
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This surge in popularity is attributed to celebrity endorsements and influencer culture, which may lead to many of these animals being surrendered to rescues when owners are unable to manage their care. Nottinghamshire vet Janice Dixon expressed concern, stating that dealing with health problems resulting from such breed characteristics can be disheartening. She remarked, "These strange looking breeds, which you don't see many of, they're quite rare. Things are rare for a reason and they quite often go wrong. When they go wrong, that leads to expensive vet bills."
Currently, the Mansfield branch of Cats Protection is caring for a four-year-old exotic shorthair named Bun. The charity indicated that her flat facial structure could lead to severe breathing difficulties, as well as other issues such as conjunctivitis and ulcers.
Diane Armer, a cat welfare adviser at the branch, noted the increase in pedigree ownership, which has risen from 21% to 36% of the UK cat population within five years. She explained that celebrity ownership often influences public perception, prompting individuals to acquire these breeds without considering potential health issues. According to a survey of 2,000 cat owners by Cats Protection, ownership among affluent individuals aged 18 to 34 is on the rise, with one in five acknowledging that celebrity culture influenced their choice. Of those with Scottish Fold, Persian, and Burmese cats, over half cited this influence, compared to just 7% of those with non-pedigree cats.
The charity has urged prospective cat buyers to seek guidance from reputable sources and to prioritize the welfare of the animal rather than trends seen online. Furthermore, Cats Protection has called for a ban on breeding cats with extreme physical traits linked to poor health, alongside stricter regulations for breeders. A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs acknowledged ongoing efforts to enhance compliance with existing breeding regulations and improve overall welfare standards.