Pedigree Cats Exposed: Could Cats Be Next Under Spotlight?

Many cat owners may have heard of the landmark BBC documentary, 'Pedigree Dogs Exposed', which aired in 2008. It exposed significant welfare problems affecting pedigree dogs in the UK due to unsafe breed standards endorsed by The Kennel Club and many breeders. This powerful film sparked considerable public outcry and led to important reforms in dog breeding and showing.

With these issues addressed in the dog world, the natural question arises: what about pedigree cats? Could similar concerns exist with the breed standards and practices overseen by bodies such as the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy? This article explores those critical considerations, anticipating a potential future examination of pedigree cat breeding.

Is There a Genuine Welfare Issue Among Pedigree Cats?

Jemima Harrison, director of the original 'Pedigree Dogs Exposed', has indicated through her blog in 2012 that a similar project, 'Pedigree Cats Exposed', is underway. Although the documentary is still in production and its airing could be delayed by legal complexities, a spotlight on pedigree cat breeding seems imminent given the concerns raised.

Potential Health and Welfare Issues in Pedigree Cats

While details of the pending documentary remain confidential, known breed-related health problems offer insight into possible areas of scrutiny. A variety of pedigree breeds suffer from inherited ailments and welfare challenges exacerbated by breeding towards strict physical standards.

Breed Standards vs. Health: Conflicts and Consequences

The Persian cat epitomises these conflicts. Famous for its luxurious long coat and distinctively flat, brachycephalic face, the Persian has been selectively bred for decades to achieve an increasingly shortened muzzle aligned to breed standards. Brachycephalia carries well-documented risks including respiratory difficulties, skin infections, and a range of painful eye disorders. Similar health concerns affect other flat-faced breeds like the Exotic Shorthair and Himalayan cats when bred for extreme facial features.

Departure from Natural Breed Norms

Traditional Persian cats, sometimes called ‘Doll Faced Persians’, sported balanced facial features with normal muzzle length, differing vastly from today's flat-faced show standard. This change originated from a spontaneous genetic mutation in the 1950s and was aggressively promoted through selective breeding.
This genetic narrowing away from natural form also applies to breeds like the Siamese cat, where the modern breed standards favour a sleek, sharply pointed triangular face. This contrasts with the more rounded ‘apple headed Siamese’ of the past, which showing circles have deemphasised despite its more natural profile.

Eugenics and Ethical Breeding Practices

At the core of pedigree breeding lies a form of controlled artificial selection or eugenics—aiming to perpetuate desired traits often at the expense of genetic diversity and animal welfare. Questions remain about whether some breeders discard or cull cats that do not meet breed standards, a practice shrouded in controversy and awaiting further investigation in the cat world.

The Risks of Deliberate Inbreeding

Inbreeding is often a breeding tool used to establish or maintain a breed’s characteristics, but it harbours risks of passing on harmful recessive genes and increasing hereditary diseases. For example, breeds like the Scottish Fold and Munchkin trace back to small gene pools, perpetuating genetic health problems related to their unique features.

Unhealthy Champions: A Cause for Concern

Ethics and common sense demand champion animals should be paragons of health. Yet ‘Pedigree Dogs Exposed’ revealed that some winning show dogs were afflicted by health issues or required assistance to cope with showing pressures. Whether similar concerns apply within the Supreme Cat Show or other cat showing events under the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy remains an open question for future scrutiny.

Summary and Looking Ahead

While 'Pedigree Cats Exposed' has yet to air, the case for heightened scrutiny of pedigree cat breeding is strong. The documented issues in multiple breeds—including respiratory, genetic, and welfare concerns—underscore the need for responsible breeding practices prioritising health and wellbeing over exaggerated aesthetic standards.

Cat lovers and prospective owners are encouraged to seek out Persian kittens, Siamese kittens, and other pedigree kittens only from reputable breeders who prioritise genetic health, ethical breeding, and the overall welfare of their cats.

By promoting awareness and demanding transparency, the community can drive positive change to ensure pedigree cats live healthy, happy lives free from the pitfalls of poorly conceived breed standards.