There’s a unique appeal to cats with their distinctive flat faces, large, expressive eyes, and adorably squished noses. These “Smooshed Face Cats,” as they are affectionately known, aren’t just about captivating looks; they possess equally endearing personalities. While their flattened facial features contribute to their popularity, it’s crucial to understand the specific health considerations that come with these breeds. Thorough research into a breed’s particular needs before welcoming a kitten into your home is essential to ensure you can provide the best possible care for your new companion.
Exploring Smooshed Face Cat Breeds
1. Persian: The Quintessential Smooshed Face Cat
longhaired gray and white persian cat on a gray background
Image alt text: A serene long-haired Persian cat with a classic smooshed face, showcasing its luxurious gray and white fur against a soft gray backdrop.
The Persian cat, with its long, flowing coat and undeniably smooshed face, stands as one of the most beloved cat breeds globally. Beyond their striking appearance, Persian cats are celebrated for their gentle temperament and tranquil nature, as noted by certified feline training and behavior specialist Stephen Quandt.
Persians are the epitome of laid-back companions, preferring leisurely activities like lounging on laps and basking in sunbeams over vigorous play. They are not ones for scaling towering cat trees or engaging in boisterous games. “They play gently, almost as an afterthought,” Quandt explains, suggesting that simple toys like feather wands are sufficient for their mild playfulness.
Daily grooming is non-negotiable for Persians to prevent their luxurious fur from matting. However, this breed often relishes grooming sessions, expressing their contentment with soft meows and gentle purrs, a true testament to their appreciative nature.
2. British Shorthair: The Teddy Bear of Smooshed Face Cats
british blue british shorthair cat close-up
Image alt text: A close-up portrait of a British Shorthair cat, highlighting its round face and dense, plush blue-gray fur, reminiscent of a teddy bear.
British Shorthair cats, while possessing a slightly more defined muzzle than some other smooshed face breeds like Persians, still exhibit a distinctly round face. This, combined with their dense, plush fur, gives them an undeniable teddy bear-like charm.
These sturdy felines are known for preferring to keep their paws firmly on the ground and are not particularly fond of being held. While affectionate in their own way, British Shorthairs also value their independence and enjoy solitary moments, making them well-suited companions for individuals with busy lifestyles.
3. British Longhair: Intelligent and Trainable Smooshed Face Feline
longhaired cream-colored british longhair cat lying down
Image alt text: A relaxed cream-colored British Longhair cat lying down, showcasing its long, thick fur and the rounded facial features characteristic of smooshed face breeds.
A delightful blend of the British Shorthair and Persian, the British Longhair inherits its luxurious thick coat from the Persian lineage and its rounded face from the British Shorthair side. They also benefit from a wonderfully balanced temperament from both parent breeds.
British Longhair cats are notably intelligent and highly motivated by food. This combination makes them exceptionally trainable, opening up opportunities for engaging and fun training sessions. Their eagerness to learn tricks can be a fantastic way to bond with them and provide crucial mental stimulation.
4. Exotic Shorthair: The Low-Maintenance Smooshed Face Persian
orange tabby exotic shorthair cat lying by a windowsill
Image alt text: An orange tabby Exotic Shorthair cat lounging by a windowsill, displaying its short, dense coat and the endearing smooshed face shared with Persian cats.
For those captivated by the Persian’s appearance but deterred by the extensive grooming demands, the Exotic Shorthair presents an ideal alternative. Often dubbed the “lazy man’s Persian,” their grooming needs are significantly less intensive, requiring only weekly brushing, with potentially more frequent sessions during shedding season.
Like their Persian relatives, Exotic Shorthairs are not known for their love of heights or elaborate climbing. However, they are generally more energetic and playful than Persians, making them excellent companions for more active households, including families with children and other pets, provided introductions are handled carefully and properly.
5. Himalayan: The Elegant Color-Point Smooshed Face Cat
himalayan cat sitting against a blue background
Image alt text: A poised Himalayan cat with striking blue eyes and colorpoint markings, sitting elegantly against a vibrant blue backdrop, highlighting its smooshed face and fluffy coat.
The Himalayan cat, a captivating mix of Persian and Siamese breeds, shares many traits with the Persian, including the signature smooshed face. They inherit their lush coat from their Persian ancestry, while their distinctive color point markings – darker coloration on the ears, nose, paws, and tail – come from their Siamese heritage. Beneath their voluminous fur, Himalayans are medium-sized cats, typically weighing between 7 and 12 pounds.
Adaptable and friendly to almost anyone who shows them affection, Himalayans make wonderful family pets, provided their daily grooming needs are consistently met.
6. Scottish Fold: The Celebrity Smooshed Face with Folded Ears
gray scottish fold lying next to a ball of yarn
Image alt text: A charming gray Scottish Fold cat with distinctive folded ears and a rounded face, lying comfortably next to a ball of yarn, emphasizing its playful yet gentle nature.
Scottish Folds have gained immense popularity thanks to their rounded facial features, unique folded ears, and celebrity associations, notably as Taylor Swift’s beloved feline breed. However, ethical concerns surround the breed’s defining characteristic.
While known for their “sweet and friendly” personalities, as Quandt describes, their folded ears are a result of a genetic mutation that causes osteochondrodysplasia (OCD), a painful joint condition.
For those considering a Scottish Fold, understanding feline body language is crucial. Signs of discomfort, such as changes in appetite or litter box habits, increased vocalization, decreased interest in activities, or even aggression (uncommon for this breed), should never be ignored. Prompt veterinary consultation is essential if you notice any changes in your Scottish Fold’s behavior.
7. Selkirk Rex: The Curly-Coated Smooshed Face Companion
curly-coated selkirk rex cat loafing on the floor
Image alt text: A unique Selkirk Rex cat with a curly, dense coat, loafing on the floor, showcasing its distinctive rexed fur and the rounded facial structure of a smooshed face cat.
The Selkirk Rex stands out with its distinctive curly coat, a result of a specific gene. Their fur is dense, thanks to Persian and British Shorthair lineage, and ranges from tight ringlets to gentle waves. While they do shed, weekly grooming is usually sufficient, though excessive brushing can lead to frizz or breakage of their delicate curls.
Selkirk Rex cats are generally known for their sweet and affectionate personalities. Early socialization with various people, sights, and sounds is important to help them develop into well-adjusted and confident smooshed face felines.
Health Considerations for Smooshed Face Cats
While all cats can experience health issues, smooshed face cats may be predisposed to certain conditions due to their unique anatomy. The structure of their skulls results in a rounded head, short nose, and often, a lower jaw that protrudes further than the upper jaw (underbite).
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a term encompassing various breathing difficulties common in brachycephalic (short-headed) breeds of cats and dogs.
In smooshed face cats, their distinctive facial structure can lead to breathing challenges due to:
- An elongated soft palate (roof of the mouth being too long)
- A narrowed windpipe (hypoplastic trachea)
- Everted laryngeal saccules (small sacs within the larynx protruding outwards)
- Stenotic nares (narrow nostrils)
While snoring and snorting sounds might be perceived as endearing, BOAS can manifest in more serious symptoms depending on the severity of the airway obstruction. Common signs include open-mouthed breathing, noisy breathing, intolerance to exercise and heat, coughing, gagging, reverse sneezing, and increased breathing effort.
These symptoms can worsen if a cat is overweight, exposed to hot and humid conditions, or under stress. Owners of smooshed face cats must be vigilant in monitoring for respiratory distress.
Open-mouth breathing is always a serious sign and requires immediate veterinary attention. In severe BOAS cases, surgery might be recommended to improve airflow.
Eye Issues in Smooshed Face Cats
Smooshed face cats often have shallow eye sockets, causing their eyes to protrude slightly. This can lead to their eyelids not fully closing, leaving their eyes vulnerable to inflammation and corneal ulcers (scratches on the eye surface). They are also prone to chronic watery eyes, often accompanied by tear staining. Their facial structure can also cause tear ducts to be malformed.
Consult your veterinarian about appropriate products to keep your smooshed face cat’s eyes clean and healthy.
Seek veterinary care if you observe squinting, increased eye discharge (especially if yellow or green), pawing or rubbing at the eyes, or red or cloudy eyes.
Dental Disease Predisposition
Dental disease is prevalent in cats, affecting 50–90% of cats over 4 years old, according to Cornell University Feline Health Center.
Smooshed face cats are at an even higher risk due to their anatomy often leading to overcrowded and misaligned teeth. This creates more areas for plaque and tartar to accumulate.
Daily teeth brushing and regular veterinary dental checkups and cleanings are the most effective ways to prevent dental problems in smooshed face cats and maintain their oral health.
WRITTEN BY
Janelle Leeson
Freelance Writer
