Those squishy little faces come at a price most cat lovers aren’t fully warned about.
That flat little face might be cute enough to melt you on sight, but what it hides underneath isn’t quite as charming. Brachycephalic cat breeds—those with shortened skulls and squished noses—aren’t just quirky looking. They come with a long list of health risks that most people don’t realize until the vet bills start stacking up. These aren’t small inconveniences either. We’re talking chronic breathing problems, eye issues, and in some cases, structural deformities that affect daily life.
The reality is, these cats didn’t evolve this way. We made them like this. Selective breeding focused on aesthetics over function has created generations of cats that look adorable in photos but struggle to live comfortably. And the more popular these breeds become, the less people question what it takes to keep them healthy.
1. The Persian cat’s iconic face hides a long list of lifelong health battles.
That trademark doll-like expression comes with a major downside. Persian cats have extremely shortened nasal passages which make it hard for them to breathe efficiently, according to PetMD. What looks like delicate, sleepy elegance is often the result of labored breathing and exhaustion from even minor activity. On top of that, they’re prone to tear duct issues that lead to constant eye staining and infections, not to mention the intense grooming needs of their thick coats.
Many Persians also suffer from dental crowding due to their compact skull shape, which means regular vet cleanings and sometimes even extractions. Add in the fact that this breed is predisposed to polycystic kidney disease and you’re looking at a cat that’s medically high-maintenance from start to finish. They’re sweet, gentle companions, but anyone considering one needs to go in with eyes wide open.
2. The Exotic Shorthair may look like a low-maintenance Persian, but the health issues are nearly identical.
Just because the coat is easier doesn’t mean the rest of the cat is. Exotic Shorthairs were bred as a short-haired version of the Persian, which means all that brachycephalic anatomy came along for the ride, as reported by Pet Safe. They snore, snort, and struggle to regulate their body temperature. What’s worse is that many people assume they’re easier to care for, so the warning signs often get missed.
Their short, broad skull makes dental care especially tricky. It also means their eyes are large and exposed, leading to frequent irritation and even corneal ulcers in some cases. Just like Persians, their tear ducts are typically blocked, causing that constant wet look under their eyes that needs daily wiping. Behind that sweet expression is a cat that needs serious commitment and regular vet care to stay comfortable.
3. The Himalayan is more than just a color-pointed Persian with extra drama.
Take a Persian, mix in the striking colors of a Siamese, and you’ve got the Himalayan. But make no mistake, this isn’t a healthier version. If anything, the Himalayan has double the problems. You still get the brachycephalic skull and all the breathing challenges that come with it, but now you’ve added in the Siamese’s tendency toward vocalization and anxiety, as stated by WebMD. The result is a cat that might sound like it’s complaining all the time, because it probably is.
Himalayans are also especially prone to overheating due to their thick coats and compromised airways. Even indoor temperatures can make them uncomfortable, especially in summer. Their eyes are sensitive, their noses are short, and their teeth are crammed together in ways that make cleanings nearly impossible without anesthesia. They’re stunning to look at, but they don’t come without constant upkeep and care.
4. British Shorthairs look sturdy but are dealing with surprising respiratory quirks.
They don’t seem like a typical flat-faced breed at first glance, but British Shorthairs actually have some mild brachycephalic traits, according to PDSA. Their wide, round faces and short noses can still affect breathing, especially as they age or gain weight. The issue here is that the signs are subtle. They may just seem lazy, when in reality they’re conserving energy because their airways aren’t as efficient as they should be.
This breed also has a tendency toward obesity, which makes every breathing issue worse. Combined with a naturally thick coat and a calm demeanor, it’s easy to miss the signs of discomfort. British Shorthairs are lovable and relaxed, but their quiet nature can mask a lot of underlying strain that needs monitoring, particularly as they move into middle age and beyond.
5. The Scottish Fold’s iconic ears aren’t the only feature that’s been selectively bred.
Everyone talks about the ears, but the flattened face is another byproduct of how this breed was developed. Scottish Folds have been selectively bred to emphasize roundness in their heads and eyes, which has led to subtle brachycephalic traits in many lines. While not as extreme as Persians, they still experience tear drainage problems and mild airway constriction that can worsen with age.
The bigger problem, though, lies in how all that selective breeding affects their cartilage. The same mutation that folds their ears can cause painful joint and bone issues throughout the body. When combined with even mild breathing issues, the result is a cat that may struggle more than expected just to move and rest comfortably. They’re charming and photogenic, but their health concerns run deeper than they first appear.
6. Burmese cats may not look squished, but some lines have hidden brachycephalic features.
They often get a pass because they don’t have the ultra-flat face, but don’t let that fool you. Burmese cats are quietly carrying a modified skull shape that puts them on the edge of brachycephalic territory. Their short muzzles and broad, rounded heads mean they can still struggle with tear duct issues and less-than-ideal nasal airflow, even if they look more “normal” at first glance.
Unlike Persians, Burmese cats tend to be more muscular and active, so the signs can show up in less obvious ways. You might notice more snorting during play or signs of overheating even in mild temperatures. The risk here is that people often don’t realize they’re dealing with a brachy-adjacent breed, so they skip preventive care like vet dental cleanings or tear duct flushing. And while the coat is easy to maintain, the internal structure still deserves just as much attention.
7. The Munchkin’s adorable stature distracts from its sneaky respiratory strain.
Everyone focuses on the short legs, but some lines of Munchkin cats also have heads that are unnaturally rounded, noses that are slightly too compact, and skulls that lean toward brachycephaly—especially when crossed with other flat-faced breeds. It’s a double whammy. They struggle with spinal pressure and joint stress from their low-to-the-ground build, but some also inherit narrowed airways and dental overcrowding.
Because Munchkins often look like a mix of breeds, it’s easy to overlook the health profile they’re carrying. People buy them for the novelty and wind up confused when the cat seems fatigued, snores constantly, or starts having trouble eating dry food. What’s worse is that respiratory issues and skeletal challenges can compound as they age. This is a breed where everything’s cute until you’re balancing three different types of chronic care at once.
8. The Selkirk Rex’s curly hair isn’t the only part of their body that spirals in a weird direction.
The Selkirk Rex is known for its tousled curls and teddy bear appearance, but some lines were crossed with Persians to achieve their look—bringing along shortened snouts and overly rounded heads. Even if they don’t have an extreme flat face, many have narrowed nostrils, shallow eye sockets, and tighter airways than they should. And that signature wooly coat? It traps heat like a sauna.
This means they can get winded during play, overheat more quickly than expected, and deal with daily eye drainage from poor tear flow. Owners might think the runny eyes are part of the breed, but it’s a result of subtle cranial compression. Add the need for coat maintenance and potential skin issues from hair trapping debris, and you’ve got a breed that’s more complicated than it lets on. Their snuggly look masks some real discomfort if not carefully monitored.
9. The Lambkin may be rare, but the combination of traits makes breathing especially hard.
This breed isn’t one you’ll find in every shelter, but its unique origin makes it important to include. The Lambkin is a mix between the Munchkin and the Selkirk Rex, which means it inherits dwarfism, curly hair, and often, some level of brachycephaly. It’s a mashup of extremes, and unfortunately, that means more compounded health issues than either parent breed alone.
Some Lambkins struggle with breathing even as kittens, especially if their nasal passages are extra narrow or their tracheas slightly collapsed. Their small size doesn’t mean they’re fragile in spirit, but their bodies tell a different story. Curly fur can clog tear ducts and trap heat, while short limbs make it harder for them to regulate activity. They’re not just rare, they’re medically complex—and anyone considering one should be prepared for a lifetime of hands-on support.
10. The Napoleon cat took flat-faced features and wrapped them in miniature.
Also called the Minuet, this breed combines Persian and Munchkin lineage, and unfortunately, that means it got a hefty dose of both their health challenges. Napoleons often have flattened muzzles, crowded teeth, shortened nasal airways, and eyes prone to excessive tearing. If you imagine all the issues Persians face, then squeeze them into a smaller, stubbier body, you’ve got the general idea.
Their build makes them less mobile than most cats, which can mask respiratory stress until it gets worse. They may avoid play or seem like mellow lap cats, when in reality, they’re preserving energy because breathing isn’t effortless. Their grooming needs are high, their vet visits frequent, and while they’re incredibly sweet companions, it’s easy to forget they were created through intense and narrow breeding. That cuteness is carrying more than a few invisible strings.