Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

6 Flat-Faced Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Cute persian seal tortie colorpoint kitten

Flat-faced or brachycephalic cat breeds are, as their name indicates, characterized by flat faces and short snouts, similar to Bulldog and Pug dog breeds. Unfortunately, these traits often include abnormalities such as narrowed nostrils, an elongated soft palate, a narrowing of the windpipe, and an obstructed airway. Many of these flat-faced cats are not able to breathe properly. While some of them may show no signs of brachycephalic airway syndrome, others may exhibit noisy breathing, snoring, panting, easily getting tired, coughing, or worse.

Responsible breeding and focusing on reducing these extreme traits, while educating the public on the health and welfare implications hidden beneath the specific appearance of flat-faced cat (and dog) breeds, are just some of the ways to improve the lives and health of these animals. Instead of just seeing them as “cute”, it’s important to understand that facial abnormalities are responsible for these looks, which often have a negative impact on the animal’s health and welfare.

Caring for a brachycephalic cat requires a lot of knowledge, dedication and ongoing veterinary guidance, in order to provide your kitty with the best possible quality of life.

Let’s have a look at these flat-faced cat breeds!

divider 3 paws

The 6 Flat Face Cats

1. British Shorthair (and Longhair) Cats

red tabby flat face cat looking up
Image Credit: Adeel Ahmed Aaadi, Shutterstock
Lifespan 12 to 20 years
Temperament Calm, loving, independent
Suitable for Any home, with or without kids or other pets

The British Shorthair is a stocky, muscular, pedigreed version of a traditional British domestic cat with a distinctively dense and thick “wooly” coat. They have a naturally friendly and good-natured appearance and calm temperament, making them one of the most popular breeds in their home country. They are an easy-going and fairly docile breed that is usually good with children and other pets, making them a family favorite. These cats are also easy to groom and adaptable to apartment and indoor living, so long as they are close to their human family.


2. Burmese Cat

young Burmese cat lies on a brown background
Image Credit: Ivanova N, Shutterstock
Lifespan 15–20 years
Temperament Energetic, super smart, and playful
Suitable for Families and individuals interested in a loving, attentive, fun-loving companion

Originating in Burma but developed in the United States and Britain, the Burmese is a compact yet stocky and muscular cat with a distinctively short and glossy coat. These cats are known for their playfulness and sociability, often maintaining their kitten-like temperament and character well into adulthood. They have a “dog-like” attachment to their owners and can easily be taught to fetch and obey simple commands.


3. Exotic Shorthair Cat

Exotic-shorthair-cat-focusing-in-the-foreground
Image Credit: Wutlufaipy, Shutterstock
Lifespan 8–15 years
Temperament Families with pets and children, seniors
Suitable for Seniors, children, families with other pets

Developed as a short-haired version of the Fluffy Persian, the Exotic Shorthair is similar in almost every other way, including temperament, coloring, and the characteristically flat face. They have shorter, denser coats and are generally livelier and more playful than their Persian cousins. They are total lap cats that adore cuddling with their owners and are indeed one of the most affectionate breeds out there. Their calm, gentle, and loving nature makes them an ideal choice of family pet. They have a calm, gentle, and loving nature.


4. Himalayan Cat

Himalayan cat sitting on a garden outdoors
Image Credit: ecuadorplanet, Shutterstock
Lifespan 9–15 years
Temperament Laidback, smart, playful, adaptable, affectionate, usually gets along with kids and other pets
Suitable for Families, seniors, or anyone looking for a quiet, cuddly companion

Created from crossing a Persian and Siamese, the Himalayan resembles a Persian in many ways as a smooshed face cat but with a slender, athletic Siamese-type body hiding underneath their thick fur. They commonly have the striking blue eyes of a Siamese too, with a patient, easy-going, and calm temperament. These cats are devoted to their families and crave attention and affection. They are social animals that are generally fine with other pets but are known to be moody at times.


5. Persian Cat

persian cat looking back
Image Credit: Linn Currie, Shutterstock
Lifespan 10–13 years
Temperament Calm, affectionate, laidback, playful, gentle, quiet
Suitable for Families or singles in a quiet household

The Persian is the breed that mostly comes to mind when one thinks of flat-faced cat breeds, and for good reason: They are one of the most popular domestic cat breeds in the U.S. These cats are the quintessential lap cat, with tons of affection to give and an easy-going, docile nature. They are quiet cats that are highly adaptable to indoor life and are regarded for their placid and calm temperament. While they are generally easy to care for, their thick coats will require daily brushing to keep them from matting.


6. Scottish Fold Cat

chocolated marble shorthair adult cat Scottish fold on a burgundy background
Image Credit: OksanaSusoeva, Shutterstock
Lifespan 11 – 15 years
Temperament Friendly, social, and docile
Suitable for Families with children, families with dogs, apartment living

Most recognizable by their folded forward ears that are caused by a debilitating genetic mutation, the Scottish Fold is a medium-sized breed that can come in almost any coat color or combination. They are typically good-natured, flat-face cats that get on well with other cats, pets, and children.

There is a lot of controversy when it comes to this breed, due to the condition they develop called osteochondrodysplasia. This is the same genetic mutation that leads to their kinked ears, causing painful deformities of the joints. Some cats will be more severely affected as the condition progresses into arthritis and causes reduced mobility, joint pain, swelling, and inflammation. Intentional breeding of such cats with painful joint deformities that will impact the quality of their life is deemed unethical by many animal welfare organizations, while neither the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIF) nor the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in the United Kingdom acknowledges Scottish Folds, in hope to reduce public demand for breeding these animals.

Brachycephalic cats
You are free to use this image but we do require you to link back to Catster.com for credit

divider 3 paws

Conclusion

Brachycephalic cat breeds unfortunately suffer from a large variety of health issues, from breathing, dental problems, eye issues, and more, and educating the public about the serious health implications that come with their popular facial characteristics is important in improving the welfare of these animals. Underneath the “cute” expression of these flat-faced cats lies a very short snout, with narrow nostrils and a long soft palate, making it harder for these cats to breathe properly, alongside bulgy eyes and usually misaligned teeth. Responsible breeding has to prioritize animal welfare before looks and minimize these traits in order to reduce and stop further suffering of brachycephalic animals.

See Also:


Featured Image Credit: Dorottya Mathe, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Flat-Face Cats: Our Vet Discusses Brachycephalic Breeds & Health Risks

Brachycephalic means “short head” or “flat face.” You may be familiar with brachycephalic cat breeds, such as the Persian and Burmese. These smooshed-faced...

red-persian-exotic-cat

26 Medium-Hair Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

If you don’t have time for the constant grooming that a longhaired cat requires but you still want a soft, fluffy feline, a...

Balinese cat on the tree

10 British Cat Breeds: An Overview (With Info & Pictures)

The British may be known for their staunch tradition, but they’re also pioneers of progressive breeding techniques that have produced some incredible British...

British Shorthair

Orange Persian Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Origin & History

A Persian is one of the oldest and most interesting cat breeds. Once gracing the lap of royalty, these cats have continued to...

Orange Persian Cat

More related

grey nebelung cat with green eyes lying on the floor

10 Blue Cat Breeds: An Overview (With Vet-Verified Info & Pictures)

Blue cats are some of the most beautiful coats out there, and it’s not surprising that felines of diverse breeds presenting this color...

Persian Scottish Fold Mix

Persian Scottish Fold Cat Mix: Info, Pictures, Temperament & More

The Persian Scottish Fold mix is not popular, even though their fluffy coats and turned-down ears make for a delightfully cute appearance. The...

white Maine Coon cat at home

21 White Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

There’s just something about a white cat with its snowy coat that mesmerizes you. White is a common color for many recognized cat...

Persian cat with eyes closed

7 Adorable Short Eared Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Modern domestic cats still resemble their ancestors in many ways, from leopard-like spotted coats to tiger-like stripes and large, lynx-like ears. But there...

Keep reading

9 Best Cat Toys for Exercising Your Cat (2025) – Reviews & Top Picks

We often think of dogs as needing a lot of exercise, but it is also true that cats need a workout just as much. Keeping your feline energized, stimulated, and at a healthy weight is important for their overall well-being....

Hepper Plush Mouse Kicker Toy

Why Do Cats Bring You Gifts of Toys or Dead Animals? Vet-Reviewed Behavior Guide

Everyone loves gifts, but your cat has a very different idea of what qualifies as a present than you do. If you’ve ever been the recipient of a dead bird, mouse, toy, or random object courtesy of your lovable kitty,...

tabby cat carrying a toy in its mouth

Why Is My Cat Drooling Thick Saliva? 12 Vet-Reviewed Reasons & Treatment

Cats are fascinating creatures, often leaving us in awe with their peculiar habits and quirky behaviors. However, as a cat owner, you might be alarmed to see thick saliva dripping from your feline’s mouth, making you wonder if it’s a...

Orange cat drooling

Why Do Cats Like Damp Towels? 3 Possible Reasons

Cats can be finicky and tend to dislike many things that we’d like them to interact with, like new toys and beds. Many cats would rather play with or sleep in a cardboard box! So, it might not come as...

Groomer holding down a cat with a towel

Why Do Cats Like to Cuddle? 5 Vet-Verified Reasons

There’s arguably nothing better than a warm cat cuddling on your lap while you relax on the sofa. While cats have a reputation for being rather aloof and independent creatures—and some are somewhat deserving of that reputation—many cats defy the...

senior woman cuddling her cat

10 Best Grain-Free Cat Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cats can be picky eaters, making deciding what to buy challenging. Sometimes, it takes trial and error to find a cat food your cat will actually eat, and it may take a while to find something your cat will scarf...

Orange and calico cats with brown and white kittens eating from their food bowls

Cat Cake Recipes: 5 Vet-Approved Homemade Treats

What’s more festive or celebratory than a decadent cake? We can’t imagine a birthday or holiday without one, and sharing these moments with our cats shouldn’t be an exception! For dedicated cat owners, we figured it was time to whip...

little ginger kitten eats wet food on a plate

Why Is My Cat Eating Cat Litter? 10 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Cats are capable of doing many things that leave us feeling bewildered and scratching our heads. It’s often challenging to figure out if something that’s strange to us is actually normal for cats. When it comes to eating cat litter,...

cat sniffing cat litter in the box