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The RSPCA has blamed the rising use of pedigree cats within the media for the variety of rescued animals hitting a document excessive.
The charity stated the variety of ‘purebred’ cats coming into its rescue centres has soared since 2018, citing a 300 per cent surge seen within the Maine Coon breed over the past six years.
It believes that is largely as a result of reputation of ‘designer’ cats getting used on social media, in movie and TV, and in promoting.
Animal-welfare organisations suggested towards transporting cats in backpacks, because the pet Chip is within the movie Argylle
(Getty Images for Universal Pictu)
The latest figures come as the brand new spy motion comedy Argylle is because of be launched on Friday, starring a Scottish Fold cat, who’s seen within the trailer being carried round in a bubble backpack.
The commonest pedigree cat in RSPCA care is the Persian cat, with the charity seeing a 92 per cent rise since 2018. The second commonest is the Ragdoll, with a 61 per cent enhance in these cats arriving on the charity’s animal centres and branches. Meanwhile, there was a 22 per cent surge in Bengal cats over the past six years.
Alice Potter, cat welfare professional on the RSPCA, stated: “Over the last few years we have seen an increase in certain cat breeds coming into our care as a result of ‘designer’ breeds becoming more popular with owners.
Scottish Fold cats have a genetic disorder that causes them severe and painful lameness, says the RSPCA
(AFP via Getty Images)
“Sadly, many of these cat breeds have exaggerated physical features, some of which have become so extreme that they can cause pain and suffering. Some can make cats prone to particular disorders, and some prevent them from behaving normally.”
Last week, main animal-welfare charities, together with the RSPCA, wrote to Universal Pictures, the movie studio behind Argylle, urging them “not to glamourise these kinds of cats in future due to the health and welfare issues they suffer from”.
The organisations suggested towards transporting cats in backpacks, because the pet Chip is within the movie. The RSPCA stated backpacks are “often small, very restrictive, and interfere with temperature regulation”.
The commonest pedigree cat in RSPCA care is the Persian cat, with the charity seeing a 92 per cent rise since 2018
(EPA)
Ms Potter stated: “Scottish Fold cats, as featured in the new film Argylle, have a genetic disorder that causes them severe and painful lameness. This is because the cartilage abnormality responsible for their distinctive folded ears also affects joints meaning they can develop painful arthritis, even from a young age.
“Although we have only had seven Scottish Fold cats come into our care since 2018, we fear that this film may glamourise these cats and could be the latest breed to experience a boom in their popularity, without people realising the sometimes severe issues these cats can face.”
The Scottish Government has put in place steering for breeders of Scottish Fold cats, and different cats who’ve been bred with exaggerated options, to make sure the well being and welfare of the cat just isn’t being compromised. The RSPCA is looking for related steering to even be issued in England and Wales.
Ms Potter additionally urged breeders to “prioritise health, welfare and temperament over appearance”. She stated: “We know owners want their pets to be happy and healthy, and people may not realise that cats bred with exaggerated features can struggle with extremely serious health problems. We would like to see breeders doing more to ensure they are producing kittens who are happy and healthy.”
