Flat-faced cats are called brachycephalic, but the degree of facial shortening varies between breeds and between individual cats. A very short face can be associated with breathing, eye, dental, skin, eating, and grooming problems; these are risks, not a diagnosis for every cat. If you are considering one, assess the individual cat’s comfort and health rather than choosing for the most extreme appearance.
There is no agreed authoritative list of exactly 11 flat-faced cat breeds. Cats Protection and Scottish Government guidance give examples that overlap but are not identical, so the breeds below are examples from those sources—not a definitive taxonomy or ranking.
What does “flat-faced” mean in cats?
“Brachycephalic” means short-headed or flat-faced. Facial flatness exists on a spectrum, and cats within the same breed can differ. Appearance alone cannot establish whether a particular cat has breathing obstruction or another health problem.
The UK Government’s welfare opinion on feline breeding practices explains that brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) can involve narrowed nostrils, narrow nasal passages, and/or a relatively long soft palate that impedes breathing. A veterinary professional should assess concerning signs.
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Examples of flat-faced cat breeds
Cats Protection lists Persian, Burmese, Himalayan, British Longhair, British Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, and Scottish Fold as examples. Scottish Government breeder guidance also identifies most Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, British Longhairs, British Shorthairs, American Shorthairs, and Himalayans in its flat-faced category. These sources do not establish a single exhaustive list, and breed labels do not tell you how affected an individual cat may be.
| Breed examples | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Persian | Assess the individual’s facial severity, breathing, eyes, teeth, and coat-care needs. A long coat may require regular grooming. |
| Himalayan | Consider the face and coat together: check breathing and eye health, and plan for regular grooming. |
| Exotic Shorthair | Short hair does not remove risks associated with a shortened face. GCCF advises regular grooming and combing, particularly during seasonal shedding. For kittens, request clear parental PKD test certificates; GCCF also recommends PRA(pd) testing in breeding cats. |
| British Shorthair and British Longhair | Facial structure varies. Assess the individual rather than assuming that a rounded head means a particular degree of airway restriction. Long-haired cats need coat-care planning. |
| Burmese | Listed as an example by Cats Protection, but facial severity varies. Meet the individual and assess breathing rather than relying on a breed description. |
| Scottish Fold | Listed as an example by Cats Protection. Folded ears are a separate trait from facial shortening; seek veterinary advice and investigate welfare and breeding practices. |
| American Shorthair | Included in the Scottish Government guidance’s flat-faced category. Assess the individual cat’s facial structure and health. |
These are examples, not a recommendation to seek out a particular appearance. Breed descriptions cannot substitute for an individual veterinary assessment or a meeting with the cat.
Health concerns to watch for
Breathing and cooling
Severe brachycephaly can narrow airflow and make ordinary activity difficult. Watch for snorting or snoring, noisy or labored breathing, unusual sleeping positions, difficulty breathing during activity, trouble cooling down in warm conditions, or poor recovery after exercise. Do not dismiss these signs as normal for a breed; contact a veterinarian. Collapse, bluish gums, or severe breathing distress needs urgent veterinary attention.
Eyes, teeth, and skin
Prominent eyes or shortened tear ducts may be associated with discharge, dryness, irritation, or infection. Cramped teeth may not align properly, and skin folds can become irritated or infected. Check the cat’s eyes, teeth, and skin and ask a veterinarian about redness, discharge, discomfort, eating difficulty, or other changes.
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Eating and grooming
Facial structure can make eating or grooming more difficult for some cats. Coat length also affects routine care: long-haired cats may need regular combing to prevent mats and knots. Groom gently and ask a veterinarian or groomer for advice if care is uncomfortable or difficult.
How to choose a cat responsibly
- Meet and observe the individual. Look for comfortable, quiet breathing at rest and after ordinary activity. Observe movement, eating, eyes, teeth, skin, and grooming.
- Ask for health records. Request veterinary history and relevant health-test documentation. For Exotic Shorthair kittens, ask for clear parental PKD test certificates and ask whether breeding cats were tested for PRA(pd), as GCCF advises.
- Ask about the parents and breeding choices. Where possible, see the parents and ask how the breeder monitors breathing, eyes, teeth, skin, and general health. Be cautious if extreme facial features are presented as a selling point.
- Plan for care and costs. Consider coat maintenance, regular veterinary checks, monitoring breathing and weight, and potential veterinary bills. If considering insurance, check exclusions with the insurer before finalizing a policy.
- Consider rescue or adoption. An adult cat may make it easier to assess its breathing, mobility, temperament, and grooming needs. Meet the cat and review its veterinary history where available.
How to care for a flat-faced cat
- Arrange regular veterinary checks. Ask the veterinarian to assess breathing, eyes, teeth, and skin, and raise any changes promptly.
- Monitor breathing and activity. Note noisy breathing, poor recovery after activity, or difficulty cooling down; contact a veterinarian rather than assuming these signs are normal.
- Keep the cat cool and hydrated in hot weather. Watch closely for signs of heat-related distress and seek veterinary advice if breathing or cooling becomes difficult.
- Check eyes, skin, and teeth. Look for discharge, irritation, folds that appear sore, or signs of dental discomfort. Seek veterinary guidance about problems rather than trying to treat them with grooming products.
- Keep up with coat care. Comb long coats regularly to help prevent mats and knots. A suitable grooming comb can be useful; choose one appropriate for the cat’s coat and use it gently.
FAQ
What breed of cat has a flat face?
Examples named by Cats Protection include Persian, Burmese, Himalayan, British Longhair, British Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, and Scottish Fold. Scottish Government guidance includes a partly different set. Flatness varies within breeds, so these examples are not an exhaustive or universally agreed list.
Are flat-faced cats healthy?
Some may have no obvious problems, while others can experience breathing, dental, eye, skin, eating, or grooming difficulties. Risk varies with facial structure and the individual cat; a veterinarian can assess specific concerns.
Do flat-faced cats have breathing issues?
Some can have narrowed airflow associated with BOAS. Noisy breathing, snoring, difficulty with activity, trouble cooling down, or poor recovery after exercise warrants veterinary advice. Severe distress, collapse, or bluish gums needs urgent attention.
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How can I care for my flat-faced cat?
Arrange regular veterinary checks, monitor breathing and weight, keep the cat cool and hydrated in hot weather, and check its eyes, skin, and teeth. Groom according to coat needs and ask a veterinarian about signs of discomfort or difficulty eating.
What health tests should I ask about for an Exotic Shorthair kitten?
GCCF advises obtaining clear parental PKD test certificates and says breeding cats should be tested for PRA(pd). Ask the breeder for the relevant documentation and discuss the kitten’s health with a veterinarian.
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