The Special Needs of Breeds
Pancetta, a Persian kitty
Have you noticed that when a breed cat is posted for adoption, they receive a lot of interest? We get it. They’re cute. But, we believe that all cats are cute and fun to love, whatever color or breed they might be. The reality of breed specific (or purebred) cats differs significantly from common perceptions, which often focus solely on their appearance. For Wise Wednesday, we want to talk about a category of special needs cats that many might not understand are special needs. These are cats bred with specific physical traits that cause them to have a much greater risk of lifelong disabilities and health struggles.
We highlight this today, because we recently took in two kittens who urgently needed a safe place to go. One of the kittens is Persian and the other is Kinkalow. Know that they are loved by us and their kind fosters. However, even at a young age, they already require a great deal of extra care. We’ll be introducing them soon.
Pancetta, a Persian kitty
First, some information about their breeds and some cautions for any hoping to adopt kitties like them.
Persians are brachycephalic, meaning they are flat-faced. The bone structure of their heads is shortened, but the surrounding essential organs, (eyes, teeth, and nasal passageways) are not functionally adapted. For example, this means that they have the same number of teeth, and the same size eyes as a normal cat, but with much less space for it all to fit. Brachycephalic animals suffer from an increased risk of serious breathing difficulties, dental problems, eye conditions, skin issues, and spinal deformities. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) also has the highest incidence in Persians, affecting one in three cats. PKD is an inherited condition in cats where multiple, fluid-filled cysts form in the kidneys from birth. Although these cysts start small, they grow over time and can lead to kidney dysfunction and eventual failure.
Menwa, a Kinkalow kitty
Kinkalows are a mix of the American Curl and Munchkin breeds. The American Curl breed, like the Scottish Fold, are purposely bred with a genetic mutation that affects the development of cartilage, changing the shape of the ears. In the Scottish Fold this defect in cartilage development, called osteochondrodysplasia (or Scottish Fold Disease), is known to cause deformities throughout the body. This includes widespread effects on other joints, as well as their ears, which can lead to painful or even crippling degenerative joint disease. The American Curl mutation creates a narrower ear canal and makes it more difficult for the cats to clean their own ears as usual. This makes them more prone to ear infections and often necessitates regular cleaning by specially trained individuals to remove the extra wax and dirt build up. Additionally, their ears are especially fragile, so that particularly gentle handling and petting is required to avoid significant damage.
Munchkin cats are bred to achieve a genetic mutation resulting in a form of dwarfism. As a result, these cats have shortened and deformed legs—especially the front legs. They experience mobility difficulties and are prone to disorders like osteoarthritis due to the extra weight on their abnormally shaped joints. This added pressure leads to a breakdown of cartilage in those joints. Munchkins are also at a high risk for spinal abnormalities, including deformities in their entire spine and the individual vertebrae. This is a result of the genetic mutation that is consistently used in their breeding. Typically, this leads to an excessively curved spine, giving the cats a swayback appearance, which in turn causes mobility issues and pain in all cases.
Most pedigree cat associations worldwide have refused to recognize the Munchkin breed. For welfare reasons, the breed is also prohibited by law in several countries. To combine these two breeds, as has been done in the Kinkalow, is to double down on the likelihood of the development of significant health problems.
Given all of the above, we want to raise 5 issues that we believe are very important for potential guardians to be aware of when welcoming a kitten or cat like these into the home.
Issue 1: Extra Research Will Be Needed
Adopting a kitty with greater potential for very serious health problems requires responsible guardians who know what they should look out for. This includes the early signs of multiple health issues, and how to best address them. Cats have an instinct to hide their pain and discomfort, in order to not appear vulnerable. Consequently, it can be challenging to recognize their discomfort until it intensifies to the point where they can no longer conceal it. There should also be an awareness of the newest and best interventions and treatments, along with a willingness to remain up to date on these concerns as the cat ages.
Pancetta, a Persian kitty
Issue 2: Extra Daily Care Will Be Needed
Eyes and ears need regular cleaning by a trained individual, while long-haired cats and those with spinal deformities require daily brushing and specialized grooming. Regular adjustments to their environment are essential for temperature control and safety, along with consistent medication, physical therapy, or low-impact exercise to manage joint problems. Although some of this care is also advised for mixed-breed cats, the frequency and importance are much lower. Continuous and attentive monitoring of the cat’s health is crucial to prevent conditions from worsening or becoming serious.
Issue 3: Extra Cost Will Likely Be Needed
With more things that can go wrong, and a higher likelihood that they will, these cats will also require in-depth veterinary evaluations. Frequent exams will be needed to stave off eventual deterioration, and to try to catch health problems early when they do arise. Many breed cats eventually require expensive surgeries to address health issues, and being more prone to various genetic illnesses, generally have higher insurance costs. Some pet insurance policies may exclude specific diseases and conditions associated with certain breeds, such as osteochondrodysplasia in Scottish Folds or polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in Persians. When a breed is known for genetic issues that could result in frequent vet visits or expensive treatments, insurers may be reluctant to provide coverage at all.
Menwa, a Kinkalow kitty
Issue 4: Extra Patience Will Likely Be Needed
Kittens purchased from pet shops are often raised in unscrupulous circumstances, resulting in inadequate socialization. They usually experience isolation from other cats which hampers their social skills, and neglect that limits their handling experience with humans. While not all kittens fall into this category, many we’ve encountered over the years do. Having witnessed the terrible conditions in which these cats and kittens are kept, we can only feel compassion for their difficulty in trusting humans.
Issue 5: Extra Strength Will Likely Be Needed
Cats with these significant health problems may have shorter lifespans and face growing challenges. Guardians must be prepared to potentially part with their beloved cats sooner, and to struggle with keeping their cats as pain and discomfort free as possible over a lifetime.
We know these might not be popular thoughts to share, but they are serious considerations that everyone should be aware of. We cannot condone the creation of cats who will suffer simply for human enjoyment or entertainment, nor can we condone putting money in the pockets responsible for that selfish act. However, we have great compassion for the innocent animals involved. When welcoming rescued breed kitties into the home, guardians must be fully aware of the increased responsibilities.
Please find more information in the following articles: