5 Unethical Breed Traits That Can Harm Cats

There are a lot of factors to consider when bringing a new cat into your home. Perhaps you’re a new paw parent, looking for your first ever feline. Or maybe you already have a kitty and would like to find them a friend. Personality and lifestyle both play a huge role in finding the ideal fur friend for your home. However, as an ethical cat owner, you also don’t want to support harmful breeding practices. Below, Cat in a Flat explains 5 unethical breed traits to avoid and the harm they can cause to cats. 

What are breed traits in cats?

What are breed traits in cats? Breed traits are a combination of characteristics that define certain types of felines. These can include body build, coat types, and ear shapes. While personality is largely shaped by a kitty’s life experiences and environment, there are certain behaviour traits which can be bred into cats, too. For example, a docile temperament (like the ragdoll) or excessive vocalisation (like the Siamese) are both traits found in specific breeds. 

Unethical breed traits found in cats

Many breed traits can cause lifelong health issues or harm for felines. Below are some of the most common, unethical breed traits for cats. 

1. Short legs

Munchkin, Bully, and Dwelf cats are all bred to have very short legs. While this may look cute, it’s one of the most harmful and unethical breeding practices. Some countries such as the Netherlands consider breeds like munchkins so unethical that they’ve implemented bans on developing these extreme traits in cats.

Issues for short-legged cats

• Spinal deformities: An inward curve of the spine compresses vital organs and affects the kitty’s ability to breath and function. 
• Arthritis: Short legs place more stress on a feline’s body, leading to joint paint.
• Hollow chests: A sunken chest can cause difficulty breathing and other severe health problems.
• Limited mobility: These fur friends can’t jump or climb and may even have trouble grooming themselves. 

Cat Care Tip: While some homeopathic remedies can help with joint pain, you should never solely rely on alternative medicine when it comes to your furry friend’s health. Always consult your vet about the safest way to incorporate homeopathy into your kitty’s care. 

2. Flat faces

Persians, British Shorthairs, and Himalayans are examples of kitties that are bred to have flat faces. Breeders intentionally cultivate compact faces, changing the natural shape of the feline’s skull. Though adorable, these unethical breed traits can lead to a myriad of health problems for Mr Whiskers.

Issues for flat-faced cats

• Trouble breathing: Flattened faces result in more narrow nasal passages. This can cause difficulty breathing as well as coughing and snoring. 
• Eye issues: Many flat-faced felines also have protruding eyeballs. These unethical breed traits can lead to chronic tear staining and eye infections. 
• Dental issues: It’s important to care for your cat’s teeth. However, a short muzzle can change the shape of the jaw and cause your fur friend’s teeth to develop abnormally. 
• Heat intolerance: Because of their narrow nasal passages, flat-faced cats have a high intolerance to heat. It can be dangerous to expose one of these furry friends to hot and humid environments.

Cat Care Tip: Felines have a reputation for independence, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need your help! As a great paw parent, you should learn how to care for your kitty’s eyes, teeth, and ears and safely trim their claws. 

3. Folded ears

While they may look endearing, folded ears are a genetic defect that is often seen as unethical and harmful for cats. This breed trait changes the cartilage and bone formation of a feline’s ears, causing them to droop or fold.

Issues for folded-eared cats

• Osteochondrodysplasia: The genetic mutation that creates folded ears also causes abnormal cartilage and bone formation in the rest of the cat’s body. This leads to severe pain and arthritis.
• Poor quality of life: If a feline is living with daily pain, this affects their overall quality of life. Your furry friend may not want to play anymore, lose their appetite, or even become withdrawn due to discomfort arising from unethical breed traits. 

Cat Care Tip: If Mr Whiskers suffers from chronic arthritis or joint pain, treat them with a little extra sensitivity. Learn the best way to pet your cat and how to recognize when your fur friend is injured or in pain.

4. Tailless

Over decades, breeders have curated certain feline types to have very short tails or no tail at all. One of the most well-known examples is the Manx cat. Kitties use their tails for balance, agility, and to communicatewhen they’re feeling happy, angry, afraid, or annoyed! Hence, intentionally depriving Mr Whiskers of a tail can be unethical.  

Issues for tailless cats

• Manx syndrome: This genetic disorder affects a feline’s spine and nerves, causing issues with the nervous system and vertebrae growth. It can affect a kitty’s ability to walk, lead to incontinence, and even cause numbness in their hind legs. 
• Obesity: Tailless cats can often be less active, putting them at risk for unhealthy weight gain and obesity-related diseases such as diabetes. 

Cat Care Tip: Feed your cat a balanced diet of both wet and dry food and set aside time every day to play. This will help your furry friend maintain a healthy weight.

5. Wildcat mix

Domestic cats may be descended from wildcats, but it’s often still considered unethical to breed wildcat hybrids like Bengals and Savannahs. These feline types are often high-maintenance and require different environments and care than other domestic felines. 

Issues for wildcat hybrids

• Not ideal for apartments: Because wildcats are used to exploring large swaths of territory, hybrid kitties instinctually want to do the same. However, there are many dangers outside the home—especially for hybrid cats who aren’t afraid to wander far. At the same time, these kitties will not thrive living in an apartment and may become destructive due to boredom and frustration. 
• Territorial: Because of their wilder genes, hybrid felines tend to be more territorial than other kitties. This can cause issues if you have other furry friends in the home, but also in the neighbourhood if your cat is allowed to free roam. 
• Dangerous to wildlife: One of the unethical breeding traits present in hybrid kitties is their penchant for hunting wildlife. Not only can they cause serious damage to local wildlife if allowed to roam freely, but they will also hunt larger prey. 

Cat Care Tip: Most kitties of any type or breed will get lonely when left on their own for too long. If you’re worried about Mr Whiskers feeling bored or missing you when you’re away, hire a cat sitter to pop in and do day visits! Your sitter can provide stimulation for your feline and keep them company so you come home to a happy, healthy feline.

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It can be tempting to want to buy a certain type of kitty because of how they’re bred to look or behave. However, if it’s an option, always aim to adopt instead of shop. Thousands of cats end up in shelters every year and you could change a furry friend’s life by adopting them!