Problems With Inbreeding Cats

Inbreeding has long been a popular practice among pedigree cat owners. It happens when two closely related members of the same family are mated to produce offspring, for instance a sister and brother, mother and son or a father and daughter. As Iams explains, this is done to concentrate positive genes, especially regarding appearance. However, it can also concentrate negative genes and lead to serious health problems for the cat.

  1. Physical Deformities

    • While dogs have typically been inbred to enhance their physical capabilities, cats are usually inbred to concentrate their aesthetic traits. As the Daily Mail revealed in 2009, Persian cats are an example of this. Bred to have flat faces, this aspect of their appearance can cause them to develop breathing problems and weeping eyes. Other cats, such as munchkin cats, are bred to have short legs, which can cause joint problems, while the hairless sphinx cat can't go outside because it has lost the protection a fur coat provides.

    Health Problems

    • Just as physical traits can be passed on to offspring through inbreeding, genetically inherited health problems can be, too. When closely related cats are bred, the gene pool is more limited than with unrelated cats. As cat expert Sarah Hartwell explains, this means their offspring are more likely to carry genetic defects that come from recessive genes. As both parents are closely related, the chance of them both carrying the gene is higher and therefore it is more likely to be present in their kittens. This can cause a range of problems, from physical deformities, to health defects that could cause death later in life. As Claire Bessant, from the Feline Advice Bureau, said to the Daily Mail in 2008, British shorthair cats are now prone to developing kidney disease because of inbreeding.

    Reproduction Problems

    • Cats who are inbred can also have a lower rate of reproductive success, says Hartwell. Not only can inbreeding lead to smaller litters, but it also increases the chance of mortality among offspring. It may also leave the parents unable to conceive in the first place.

    Immune System Problems

    • Kittens produced by inbred cats also have weaker immune systems, says Hartwell. This is because their parents are likely to have similar immune system defenses, whereas kittens bred from unrelated parents will inherit protection to a wider variety of illnesses and diseases.