

It’s not just cat’s breathing that can be affected by their abnormal bone structure, there are many other health problems which impact their eyes, face, teeth and even their reproductive systems. Additional flat-faced cat breed health problems Your vet will be able to suggest the best possible treatment based on the severity of your cat’s brachycephalic syndrome. With stenotic nares, a wedge of tissue can be removed from the nostrils which aids with airflow elongated soft palates can be surgically shortened and everted laryngeal saccules can be removed to prevent obstruction.

If your cat’s breathing is severely affected, surgery may be an option. Medical management may be necessary in the form of anti-inflammatory drugs and oxygen therapy to reduce airway inflammation, but it’s important to note that this will not cure the problem. Additionally, exercise and stress levels may need to be controlled and it may be that your cat will have to avoid hot temperatures. If your cat’s overweight, your vet may suggest a weight loss program as the symptoms of brachycephalic airway syndrome can get far worse in obese felines. Treatment will depend on your cat’s symptoms and how much they’re affected by the syndrome. Stenotic nares are diagnosed visually, whereas internal issues such as an elongated soft palate or everted laryngeal saccules may require sedation to be examined. Vets can diagnose brachycephalic airway syndrome in cats through a visual examination of their conformation. If you’re concerned about your cat, take them to the vet ASAP.

The following breeds are currently classed as brachycephalic: This extreme practice of breeding cats has become far worse as of late with the attempt of making them look more flat-faced, but this comes at the cost of their health and quality of life. Over time this became very desirable so more kittens were bred with this feature in mind. As the face and nose are more pushed in, their anatomy and soft tissue is altered which causes a wealth of physical problems.įlat faced cats first became popular in the 1950’s when a kitten was born with a genetic mutation which gave them a flatter face. What is a brachycephalic cat?īrachy means shortened and cephalic means head, so to break it down, brachycephalic means shortened head and in brachycephalic cats this is because the skull bones are far shorter than the average, healthy cat. If you’re considering a brachycephalic cat, keep reading to find out about the risks involved and how extreme breeding has negatively impacted the health and well-being of these felines. The technical term for cats with these flat faces is ‘brachycephalic’, and there’s tonnes of health risks that come with it. Flat faced cats have become extremely popular in recent years with their smooshed faces, button like noses and doll-like eyes, but there’s a price to pay for this cute factor.
