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19-03-2009, 07:46 AM
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Inbred pedigree cats suffering from life-threatening diseases and deformities
After the BBC attacking pedigree dogs the Telegraph has now started in on
purebred cats! Inbred pedigree cats suffering from life-threatening diseases and deformities - Telegraph Inbred pedigree cats suffering from life-threatening diseases and deformities Pedigree cats are suffering from life-threatening diseases and deformities caused by inbreeding, vets and animal welfare experts have warned. Cats bred with certain physical characteristics, such as flat faces and small legs, are at increased risk of getting cancer, kidney disease or joint problems. Although the issue of inbreeding in dogs has received widespread publicity – and led to the BBC pulling out of this year's Crufts dog show – animal welfare groups believe that cat lovers are largely unaware of similar problems in feline breeds. The RSPCA, PDSA and Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB) are now highlighting the issue to try to put pressure on cat breeders to eliminate the deformities which cause suffering. The body responsible for registering pedigree cats is so concerned about the problem it has decided to look afresh at its rules which govern breeding. Sean Wensley, senior veterinary surgeon at the PDSA, said: "These are genuine welfare issues and the cats are suffering from these conditions. We need a combined effort between breeders doing more to screen out genetic problems and owners to learn more about these problems." As with pedigree dogs, cats are bred selectively to exaggerate various physical characteristics which are considered attractive, such as the length – or absence – of fur, the size of animal's legs or the shape of its skull. The animals can be sold for more than £800. Among the breeds worst affected by health problems are Persian cats – one of the most popular types in the UK – which have been bred to have a flat face, causing them breathing difficulties and bulging eyes, which weep and need to be frequently wiped by their owners. Male Persians are also prone to a condition which means one or both of their testicles stays in the body. As a result, the animals are more likely to develop cancer. Munchkin cats, favoured for their short legs, also suffer from joint problems. Other breeds are prone to conditions like kidney disease or diabetes or are predisposed to types of cancer. One breed, the Scottish Fold, is prized for a genetic defect that causes the animal's ear to bend forward but which also causes cartilage problems elsewhere in its body. White cats from several breeds are also predisposed to deafness. Claire Bessant, chief executive of the FAB, said: "We're speaking out now, because we want to learn lessons from what has happened to dogs. "It is human nature that is the problem – wanting something that is different and that has pushed the boundaries. "Dogs were initially bred to be able to carry out tasks, but we have only ever bred cats for looks, not purpose. "We've got to try to put some moral pressure on breeders not to create extremes and to think about the welfare of cats as a species. We should be very vigilant because we have pushed some of the breeds too far." Mark Evans, the RSPCA's chief veterinary adviser, said: "For as long as animals have been kept domestically humans have bred them selectively for function and appearance. "Dogs are perhaps the most obvious pets affected but similar issues affect cats. "Exaggerated physical features can be seen including extremes of size, very long fur, short legs, flat faces, all of which may lead to unnecessary pain, discomfort, illness and or behavioural problems." There are health problems now associated with most breeds. The most popular breed in the UK, the British shorthair, is prone to a kidney disease which causes death. The almost hairless Sphynx cat, which is becoming increasingly popular, has been bred since the 1960s from a genetic anomaly in the Devon Rex, another breed. Sphynx cats have to be kept indoors because their lack of hair makes them vulnerable to cold in the winter and sunburn in the summer and they have also been linked to other skin diseases. Burmese cats can suffer from pain around their face which can lead them to scratch themselves. Siamese, another popular breed, are more likely to develop a type of lung cancer. Mark Johnston, from the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, added: "There are cats being bred to be more and more extreme and it could lead to long term problems. "We are liaising with the cat-breeding fraternity and are advising. At the moment, our concern is that they need to be wary about this." Earlier this month, the genetics committee of the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, the body responsible for registering pedigree cats, met to review breed guidelines. The council's chairman, John Hansson, said: "All the breeding policies are being reviewed now. We are looking at whether policies need to be more restrictive. I always think they could be tightened up further, and that is why we hold these meetings. "I can't pretend there are not problems because that would be naïve. But we are monitoring things to control them where possible. We screen against breed problems where possible and we are not complacent." The council refuses to register some breeds, including the munchkin and Scottish Fold, because of health concerns. Maurice Melzak, who edits PetStreet , the social networking website for pet owners – which is highlighting the issue in a series of features this week – said: "There has been so much focus on dog breeding. "The problems of pedigree cats is far less publicised, but in some breeds like Persians, the situation is just as bad. They have been bred to look like they have been steamrollered. "It is purely arbitrary, not natural selection. It is man imposing his idea of what a cat should look like. It is the tyranny of breeding." And then today PETA joined in!! Fish and Chimps: PETA Europe's Blog | Stop Irresponsible Cat Breeding Now! We’ve been focusing on Crufts, the Kennel Club and the breeding of dogs lately. However, let’s not forget that when cats, like dogs, are bred for certain aesthetic qualities, this is often done with no regard for how else it may affect them and thus often leads to serious health problems. Here are some of the health issues related to specific breeds of cats: Persian cats – one of the most popular breeds in the UK and also one of the most affected by health problems – can suffer from breathing difficulties, bulging eyes and male Persians can suffer from increased risk of testicular cancer due to one or two of their testicles staying inside their body. Burmese cats can suffer from pain around their face which sometimes results in the cats scratching their faces. Siamese cats are very prone to lung cancer. Scottish Fold cats suffer cartilage problems around their bodies due to a characteristic bent ear, which is caused by a genetic defect. Munchkin cats suffer from joint problems because of their short legs. The latter two, the Scottish Fold and Munchkin are even refused registration from the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) – the body responsible for registering cat breeds – due to health issues. I’ve said it for dogs, I’ll say it for cats and all other animals too – please never buy from a breeder. Not only does breeding for certain traits lead to health problems for dogs and cats, but it also means that every new dog or cat born acts as competition for another dog or cat in a shelter for a loving home. There are simply not enough good homes to go around, If you want to adopt a purebred cat despite the health risks associated with purebreds, there are plenty of them languishing in animal shelters who are in need of loving homes too. Peta's site allows comments so feel free to add yours
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Karen www.kiskasiberians.co.uk - The home of Hypoallergenic Siberian Cats www.rawfed.com - Information on Raw Feeding 
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19-03-2009, 08:19 AM
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Re: Inbred pedigree cats suffering from life-threatening diseases and deformities
sounds like they are on a mission!
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(formally clare7577)
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19-03-2009, 02:39 PM
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Re: Inbred pedigree cats suffering from life-threatening diseases and deformities
this was in the Telegraph last Sunday,
PETA europe then followed up with a very similar article on their blog yesterday 
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19-03-2009, 02:40 PM
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Re: Inbred pedigree cats suffering from life-threatening diseases and deformities
Fortunately GCCF have been expecting this so would have had a reply ready
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