Concerned owners urged to contact their vet
Owners of brachycephalic cats are being urged to contact their vet if they suspect their pet is suffering from breathing difficulties.
The call comes as a new study shows that brachycephalic cat breeds - like the Persian and the exotic - are likely to suffer breathing problems after exercise and while asleep.
The research, published in PLOS One, highlights that Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is not just a concern for pedigree dogs.
"This study demonstrates the need to further understand the genetic basis of brachycephalia in cats. Owners worried about their cats' breathing should consult a vet immediately," said Professor Danielle Gunn-Moore of the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.
Facial features like short noses are considered desirable for some pedigree breeds of cat but scientists believe they may be linked to health risks, as they are in dogs.
In the study, researchers at the University of Edinburgh analysed photographs submitted by hundreds of cat owners across the world. They also asked owners to complete a health survey about their pets, including questions about their cat's lifestyle and breathing patterns.
The team found that flat-faced cat breeds were more likely to experience difficulties breathing after exercise and while asleep - a hallmark of BOAS, which can lead to help problems later in life.
BOAS occurs as a result of abnormalities in the shape of the animal's mouth and nose, which prevents normal breathing. Dogs with the same condition also have problems with their skin and tear duct and can also experience stomach trouble.
The difficulties are well-reported in dogs, but the incidence of breathing problems in cats has not been fully investigated.
RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.
