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Posted: 4th October 2024

Pedigree cat sales overtake moggies
Bumble, a Persian cat, is now in the care of Cats Protection after being given up by her owner.
Cats Protection urges buyers to consider health issues.

Sales of pedigree cats have overtaken moggies for the first time, Cats Protection has revealed.

Between March 2023 and March 2024, 45 per cent of all cats acquired were pedigrees or purebred cats, while 43 per cent were moggies, according to the charity’s Cats and Their Stats Report 2024. The other 12 per cent were cross-breed cats.

In previous years, moggies were more popular. Three years ago, the percentage of moggies bought stood at 51 per cent, compared to 35 per cent for pedigrees.

The data from the report shows that pedigree cats are becoming increasingly popular among younger cat owners. The percentage of 18-34-year-old cat owners who have a pedigree cat has risen from 35 per cent last year to 41 per cent this year.

Cats Protection has suggested their increased popularity may be down to influencers and celebrities. Scottish folds, for example, have received increase attention due to Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran owning the breed. However, it is a breed that can have health problems.

The charity has urged anyone buying a cat to research potential health issues before buying a pedigree cat.

Bumble, a Persian cat, is one pedigree cat who Cats Protection have had to help. She was recently taken into the care of Cats Protection Worthing, Sussex, after her owner was unable to carry on looking after her.

Bumble has corneal sequestrum, an eye condition commonly seen in Persians. She is currently undergoing treatment and it is still uncertain whether her most affected eye can be saved.

Sarah Elliott, central veterinary officer for Cats Protection, said: “As an organisation, Cats Protection is here for all cats and many pedigrees are bred responsibly, but sadly there are still many hazards for buyers to navigate.

“They may be attracted to a cute or unusual look for example, but cats bred to have an extreme body type, with characteristics including hairlessness, short legs, or an extremely flat face, can leave owners with expensive vet bills as well as cats with complex needs and a poor quality of life.

“Often, these issues are hidden at the start of a cat’s life and require the buyer to really do their homework before committing to a purchase. Cats Protection wants to support all cat owners in giving their pets the best possible life, including those who choose to own pedigrees. To do that, it's vital new owners do their research to understand what they are taking on.”

The full Cats and Their Stats report can be read here.

Image © Cats Protection



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