The infographic takes core information from a very medically technical study referred to in the infographic and summarises it in a few words. It is an example of extreme precising. The goal is to present hard-to-understand information in a very easy to understand image. It is a quick read which is suited to modern internet users. And this is an entirely unique infographic. It is a first.
In summary, the reason why some Persian cats can sometimes be described as ‘dummies’ is because of extreme breeding due to the direction given by the cat fancy in their breed standards leading to breeders creating the Peke-face Persian. The rounded and shortened (brachycephalic) skull causes hydrocephalus which is not uncommon in brachycephalic animals.
This condition causes a range of cognitive deficits as listed in the infographic. Enjoy. The message to the cat fancy is to change the breed standard and once and for all say good-bye to the unnatural and unhealthy smushed, Punch-face (Indian name) Persian and return to the Doll-face Persian which is unaffected. Genuine Doll-face Persians do not suffer from hydrocephalus.
On phones it is better to expand the infographic using the arrows lower-right.
Why peke-face Persian cats can be ‘dummies’ by Michael BroadMORE: The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) are accused of cat cruelty by me over the Peke-face Persian.
I will finish with the conclusion from the study and below are some links to more about the Persian.
Appearance-oriented breeding in Persian cats emphasizing the brachycephalic head morphology can also lead to the occurrence of severe skull and brain abnormalities in this breed. Breeders and cat fanciers must face the fact that desired phenotypic traits in these cats would be considered a severe developmental abnormality in humans. The selection for extreme forms of brachycephaly must be reconsidered.
Study citation
The Relationship between Brachycephalic Head Features in Modern Persian Cats and Dysmorphologies of the Skull and Internal Hydrocephalus. M.J. Schmidt, M. Kampschulte, S. Enderlein, D. Gorgas, J. Lang, E. Ludewig, A. Fischer, A. Meyer-Lindenberg, A.R. Schaubmar, K. Failing, N. Ondreka. First published: 20 August 2017 https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.14805 Citations: 37
Alternative summary of the study
In flat-faced Persian cats, hydrocephalus is primarily caused by congenital skull malformations and genetic factors related to their brachycephalic anatomy. This skull shape can lead to obstruction of CSF flow or impaired absorption, resulting in an excess buildup of fluid in the brain’s ventricles. Selective breeding for these physical traits increases the likelihood of hydrocephalus in this breed.
