In the world of animal welfare, few issues are as heart-breaking as the rise in extreme pet breeding. Sadly, Dogs have long been victims of harmful breeding trends that put looks before welfare, but cats are increasingly being impacted, too.
Extreme cat breeding, which prioritise exaggerated physical traits over the health and well-being of the animals, have led to the creation of cats who suffer from a range of debilitating health and welfare issues. From respiratory problems to joint and skin disorders, these cats often endure a lifetime of pain—all in the name of aesthetics.
As advocates for pets, it’s crucial we shed light on the hidden suffering behind these breeding trends and take a stand against the harm they cause. By doing so, we can help ensure that cats are treated with kindness and compassion, and not like commodities.
Sign the petition to end extreme cat breeding
Which extreme trends are affecting cats?
You may have seen in the news recently that we’ve been raising the alarm about the concerning appearance of Bullycats in the UK. These poor cats have been deliberately bred to have shortened and bowed legs, unnaturally muscular bodies and hairless, wrinkled skin.
Imagine what life must be like for the cat inside that body. Unable to express normal behaviour because of pain and discomfort, it must be an unbearable existence. And it’s entirely unnecessary. Human greed and vanity are what drives extreme breeding.
But, sadly, Bullycats aren’t alone. We’ve seen a concerning rise in other extreme-looking cats in recent years. Munchkin cats, with deliberately shortened legs and a long spine, suffer from a lifetime of pain caused by horrendous joint and mobility issues. Scottish Fold cats, so-called because of their folded-over ears, have defects with their bone and cartilage development, which leaves many suffering from severe joint issues that get progressively worse.
And these are just a few examples. Cats with flat faces, like Persians, struggle to breathe properly, and deformities to their skulls mean they’re prone to dental issues and even struggle to groom themselves. Hairless cats, like Bullycats and similar-looking sphynx cats, are prone to skin problems and struggle to regulate their temperature.
How is this allowed?
Surely, breeding that causes suffering can’t be allowed, right? Sadly, it’s not that straightforward. Cat breeding isn’t currently regulated in much of the UK, with the exception of Scotland. In 2021, the Scottish government introduced dedicated cat breeding regulations, which include protections for cats and kittens from extreme breeding trends. This is a great step forward; however, the rules only apply to cat breeders producing three or more litters a year.
In the rest of the UK, cat breeding isn’t regulated at all, which means cats and kittens are really vulnerable to exploitative breeding trends that prioritise looks over animal welfare. Hopefully, you agree us that this has to change and that it’s time for cat breeding to be regulated across the rest of the UK.
How you can help
If you’re as horrified by these trends as we are, support the petition to end extreme cat breeding today. Join us in calling for cat breeding to be regulated and for extreme cat breeding to be banned across the whole of the UK.
Sign the petition to end extreme cat breeding
Thinking about getting a cat? Please reject these harmful designer trends. Go to a reputable rescue instead and give a cat or kitten with a natural body shape a loving home.
Learn more about our work to protect pets from exploitation here. Get the latest updates about our #StopGreedBreeding campaign on social media.
