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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe breeds most often described as flat-faced are the Persian, Himalayan, Exotic Shorthair, British Shorthair, Burmese, British Longhair and Scottish Fold. This is a selection based on appearance, not an official ranking, and it covers seven breeds rather than eight: no official list of exactly eight flat-faced breeds exists, and the guidance behind this selection supports seven. Because the flat face is much of the appeal, it is also where the most serious welfare questions begin.
What “flat-faced” means in practice
Flatness is a matter of degree, and it varies within a breed. Cats Protection notes that the amount of facial flattening can differ from cat to cat, so a breed name alone does not tell you how short any individual’s muzzle is. The technical term for this skull shape is brachycephalic.
The welfare concern comes from the extreme end of that range. The UK government’s welfare opinion describes brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) as a condition associated with flat-faced cats. It involves narrow nostrils, an elongated soft palate and excess soft tissue that can obstruct airflow through the nose and throat. The same opinion says extreme conformational traits can affect health, welfare and an animal’s ability to express natural behaviour.
The seven breeds at a glance
The table shows how each breed is described in the cited guidance. Where a source does not give a coat length, the cell says so rather than guessing.
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| Breed | How the cited guidance describes it | Coat (per cited guidance) |
|---|---|---|
| Persian | In TICA’s Persian Breed Group; flat face and large round eyes | Long |
| Himalayan | In TICA’s Persian Breed Group; shares Persian body type | Long |
| Exotic Shorthair | In TICA’s Persian Breed Group; has Persian type | Short and coarse |
| British Shorthair | TICA highlights its chubby face; Scottish Government guidance lists it among flat-faced examples | Not stated in the cited guidance |
| Burmese | Cats Protection lists it among breeds that may have flat-faced features | Not stated in the cited guidance |
| British Longhair | Cats Protection lists it among breeds that may have flat-faced features | Not stated in the cited guidance |
| Scottish Fold | Folded ears linked to an inherited cartilage disorder | Not stated in the cited guidance |
Breed profiles
Persian
The Persian is the reference point for the flat-faced look. TICA places it in its Persian Breed Group, describing a long coat, a flat face and large round eyes. A long coat needs regular grooming, and a wide-toothed comb is a common everyday tool for it. Extreme examples carry the breathing risks described above, so the flatness of the individual cat matters more than the breed name.
Himalayan
TICA groups the Himalayan with the Persian and describes it as sharing Persian body type while carrying long hair. Its appeal is the same flat-faced look, and the same welfare checks apply. Ask about breathing history before you assume a particular face is a moderate one.
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Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair is the short-haired member of the Persian group. TICA gives it a short, coarse coat rather than a long one, and it has Persian type. The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) specifically cautions against taking its brachycephalic features to extremes. If you are drawn to this breed, choose a cat with a moderate face rather than the most extreme one you can find.
British Shorthair
TICA highlights the British Shorthair’s chubby face and easy-going demeanour, and Scottish Government guidance includes the breed among flat-faced examples. A rounded face is not the same as the extreme shortening linked to breathing problems, and individual cats vary a great deal.
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Burmese
Cats Protection includes the Burmese among breeds that may have flat-faced features. Because flatness varies within the breed, many Burmese do not have a strongly shortened face. The cited guidance does not give further breed detail, so check a breed registry or a breeder’s health information before deciding.
British Longhair
Cats Protection also lists the British Longhair among breeds that may show flat-faced features. As with the Burmese, individuals differ in facial shape, so judge the cat in front of you rather than the breed label. Its long coat means it needs regular grooming.
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Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold’s folded ears are its visible trait, and they are linked to an inherited cartilage disorder. Cats Protection says this disorder cannot be bred out of the breed and does not recommend acquiring a Scottish Fold. Some Scottish Folds are also brachycephalic and may have shorter noses associated with severe breathing problems. For this breed, the welfare case is the central point to weigh, not a footnote.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Health and welfare checks before you choose
A cat’s appearance does not tell you its health, personality or whether it suits your household. Use these checks before committing to any flat-faced breed:
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- Ask the breeder or rescue about breathing history in the parents and in earlier litters, including snoring or noisy breathing.
- Compare individual cats, not breed photos. A moderate face and an extreme one are different welfare situations.
- Book a veterinary check before the cat comes home, and ask specifically about facial shape, breathing, eyes and the nose.
- Watch for noisy breathing, snoring while awake, or struggling to breathe after exercise or in warm weather, and see a veterinarian promptly if these appear.
- Do not rely on a photograph or a breed label to judge a cat’s health. Diagnosis needs a veterinarian who examines the animal.
- Choose a breeder or rescue that puts the animal’s welfare first, including a willingness to say no to a breed or line that carries known health risks.
Flat-faced cats can be affectionate, sociable companions. The most useful question is not which breed looks most adorable, but whether a particular cat can breathe comfortably, move freely and express normal behaviour.
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