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Posted: 27th March 2025

Charity reports increase in designer cats
Murphy was brought to the RSPCA centre with long, matted fur.
Designer cats’ complex needs may cause more surrenders.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has reported a sharp increase in designer cats being surrendered to their branch in Kent.

The charity says that ten per cent of the cats rescued since January at RSPCA Canterbury and District were pedigree cats.

Natalie Archer, branch manager at the centre, reports being ‘inundated’ with pedigree cats and pedigree crosses. Many of the breeds have exaggerated physical features, causing suffering, behavioural difficulties and making them prone to particular disorders.

RSPCA believes that many of the pet owners which have surrendered ‘designer cats’ did so without understanding their complex care needs. For example, brachycephalic cats need their eyes wiped regularly.

Brachycephalic cats’ flat faces means they will also struggle to breathe, sleep and give birth.

Other designer cats like Murphy, a nine-year-old ragdoll cross, need regular grooming to prevent their long fur becoming matted. Murphy was brought into the rescue centre after his owners had a change of circumstances, and volunteers took the time treat his matted fur.

This increase in designer cats has prompted RSPCA to renew its calls for pet breeders to consider cats’ health and welfare over their exaggerated features.

Ms Archer said: “The RSPCA strongly believes that all those who breed cats should prioritise health, welfare and temperament over appearance when choosing which animals to breed, in order to protect the welfare of both the parents and offspring.
 
“We know owners want their pets to be happy and healthy, and people may not realise that cats bred with exaggerated features can struggle with extremely serious health problems. We would like to see breeders doing more to ensure they are producing kittens who are happy and healthy.”

RSPCA asks that prospective cat owners look ‘beyond the label’ when choosing to rescue a cat, while also being aware of the additional care needs of many designer cats. Adoptees can view Murphy, and other available cats, on the RSPCA website.

Image © RSPCA



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