New figures reveal that there was a 92 per cent enhance in Persian cats coming into the charity’s care from 2018 to 2022, as the recognition of the cats booms.
Two of the cats are at the moment on the charity’s Gonsal Farm Animal Centre close to Shrewsbury after their house owners might not look after them.
Molly and Heathcliff are being cared for whereas the RSPCA seems for brand new houses for them.
Persians are actually the commonest pedigree breed present in RSPCA care, seemingly as a consequence of their reputation on social media and their use in promoting.
They and different breeds, British Shorthairs, Himalayan, Exotic Shorthairs and to a lesser extent Birmans can undergo from brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome, struggling to breathe, affected by eye issues, having problem sleeping and grooming themselves, and even struggling problems when giving delivery.
Figures from the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) recommend that British Shorthair breeds are additionally on the rise with a 66 per cent enhance in registrations over the past 10 years.
Alice Potter, RSPCA cat welfare knowledgeable, stated: “Unfortunately, Persians and other flat-faced cats have become increasingly popular as people think the physical attributes, which in reality cause them to suffer, are ‘cute’. While we know many people love these cats and are very caring owners, breeding for features which compromise basic health and welfare is wrong.
“These cats can suffer from eye problems and other issues, and they often struggle to do the most crucial thing we all need to do to survive – breathe. This can be scary and debilitating and in some instances can make eating, climbing, playing, and all the things our cats naturally love to do a daily struggle.
“We want to see breeders prioritise the health and welfare of the animals and not breed them for traits which sadly can cause them to suffer. We also need to raise awareness of the physical attributes which compromise their welfare to the wider public too.”
The RSPCA has launched the subsequent stage of its Save Our Breath marketing campaign which goals to lift consciousness of the struggles the cats expertise.
Alice stated seven-year-old Molly was sadly given up by her proprietor who might not deal with caring for her. Her respiratory is extremely raspy and he or she has a historical past of repeated eye issues. “The form of her face additionally means she finds it tough to eat at occasions. However, Molly is a sweet-natured woman who’s quietly affectionate and enjoys a brow tickle.
“She is at the moment searching for a home and can want house owners who’re skilled with both Persians or long-haired brachycephalic cats and particularly coat care as she wants common grooming. Thankfully, Molly enjoys being groomed and so it will make life simpler as it can should be performed recurrently and is an effective way to bond together with her.
“She might dwell with youngsters aged 13 or older, who can respect her unbiased nature. She would additionally wish to be the one pet within the home. Molly would really like the choice to discover exterior, and desires an proprietor keen to provide her all of the care she wants, and deserves.”
Heathcliff is a 12-year-old boy who got here into the charity’s care as his elderly proprietor might not look after him. He additionally has to have day by day eye cleansing and struggles to eat.
“Although he’s an older chap, Heathcliff does not let that cease him having some enjoyable. He enjoys new toys and significantly loves catnip. Like Molly he has some particular wants in the case of consuming however apart from that he copes nicely and is a happy-go-lucky sort of man. He might be searching for a home very quickly.”
The RSPCA is now urging the general public to contact their MP to lift consciousness of this situation and begin vital conversations to assist defend these breeds. For extra info, or to contact your native MP, go to rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/marketing campaign/.
