If you’re thinking of getting a cat, you may have heard about inbred cats and their potential health problems.
Inbred cats are a hot topic lately. There have been multiple cases of inbred cats being found in shelters, and people are concerned about the health implications this could have for both the cats and the people who adopt them. In this article, we’ll discuss what inbreeding is, its effects on cats, and what you can do to avoid adopting an inbred cat.

What Is Inbreeding?
Inbreeding is the practice of breeding closely related animals or plants. It’s something that’s done intentionally by some breeders to create specific desired characteristics in their kittens. However, inbreeding can also lead to genetic defects and health problems.
To avoid these problems, breeders often practice outbreeding, the process of breeding two unrelated individuals.
Outbreeding helps ensure that the offspring will inherit a diverse range of genes, which can help improve the population’s overall health.
However, outbreeding can also lead to losing desired characteristics, such as specific coat colors or patterns.
As a result, breeders must carefully weigh the risks and benefits of inbreeding and outbreeding before deciding which method is best for their animals or plants.
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What is Cat inbreeding?

Cat inbreeding is breeding closely related cats to produce desired characteristics in the offspring. It can be done by mating two closely related cats (breeding a cat with one of its offspring., such as a brother and sister). Cat inbreeding is often used to produce kittens with specific coat colors or patterns and new breeds of cats. While cat inbreeding can be an effective way to produce desired traits, it can also lead to genetic defects and health problems in the offspring.
Inbred Cat’s Behaviors and Personalities
Not every inbred cat has behavioral problems, but it’s expected.
If inbreeding is practiced for many generations, it can have a harmful effect on the behavior of offspring.
Purebreed cats often have distinct behaviors and personalities. These traits result from the inbreeding process, leading to genetic defects and health problems.

Purebreed cats may be more aggressive, withdrawn, or timid than cross-breed cats. They may also have difficulty socializing with other animals and humans.
While the behaviors and personalities of inbred cats can be challenging to deal with, it’s important to remember that each cat is an individual. Purebreed cats can make excellent pets if placed in homes prepared to deal with their unique needs.
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Inbred Cat Health Issues
Cats are particularly susceptible to health problems caused by inbreeding due to their small gene pool.
Inbred cats are more likely to be born with genetic defects, and they are also more likely to develop diseases and disorders later in life.
For example, Siamese cats are prone to crossed eyes, deafness, and respiratory problems due to inbreeding. Similarly, the Scottish Fold breed is plagued by joint and spine abnormalities. Thus, while inbreeding may be necessary to produce specific characteristics in purebred cats, it can also have a negative impact on their health.
Some of the significant health problems that can be caused by inbreeding include:
Physical abnormalities
Deformities can include stumpy tails, unusual facial features, short legs, crooked noses, wrong eye symmetry, misaligned jaws, and other abnormalities.
Immune system disorders
Purebreed cats are more likely to have weak immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections and diseases.
Congenital disabilities
Inbred cats are more likely to have congenital disabilities, such as heart defects, cleft palate, kidney problems, and skeletal abnormalities.
Neurological disorders
Inbred cats are also more likely to suffer from neurological disorders like epilepsy and cerebral palsy.
Are Most Cats Inbred?
In the United States, it is estimated that over 95 million cats were living in households in 2017. While most of these cats are mixed-breed, there are also many purebreds.
In fact, one study found that nearly 30% of pet cats are purebreds. Given the popularity of purebreds, it’s not surprising that many cat breeders rely on inbreeding to produce the desired traits in their kittens.
How To Tell If Your Cat Is Inbred?
If you’re concerned that your cat may be inbred, there are a few things you can look for.
One way to check is to look at the cat’s pedigree. If two closely related animals (such as a brother and sister) are listed as the parents, then there is a good chance that the cat is inbred.

Another way to tell is to look for physical abnormalities. Purebreed cats are often smaller than average and may have deformities such as kinked tails or abnormally shaped heads.
Finally, inbred cats often have behavior problems and may be more aggressive or timid than other cats. If you suspect your cat is inbred, you must talk to a veterinarian or breeder for advice on how to best care for your pet.
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Do inbred cats live a long time?
One of the most common questions people have about inbred cats is whether or not they live long. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question.
In general, inbred cats are more likely to suffer health problems and have shorter lifespans than non-cross breed cats. However, some inbred cats do live long, healthy lives.
It depends on the individual cat and the severity of their health problems.
However, if an inbred cat is placed in a loving home and receives proper care, it can live just as long as any other cat.
Also Read:
- Ragdoll Cat Life Expectancy: How Long They Live?
- Persian Cat Lifespan, Ways to Increase Life Expectancy
Reduce the health risks associated with inbred cat

Inbreeding intentionally or unintentionally closely related animals, often intending to improve specific qualities or characteristics.
While inbreeding can have some benefits, it also comes with several risks, including an increased risk of genetic defects and health problems.
There are a few things you can do to reduce the health risks associated with purebred cats:
- Avoid breeding closely related cats.
- Test your cats for genetic disorders before breeding them.
- Make sure your cats are healthy and free of genetic defects before breeding them.
- Have your cats spayed or neutered to avoid an unwanted litter.
While there’s no way to eliminate the risks associated with inbreeding, taking these precautions can help to reduce the chances of health problems in your cat’s offspring.
Also Read:
- Cats and Kittens Vaccination Schedule: Right Vaccines at Right Time
- Ragdoll Kitten Vaccination: Which & When To Vaccinate?
FAQs
Do inbred cats have extra toes?
No, inbred cats do not have extra toes. It is a myth that likely started because some inbred cats have physical abnormalities, such as kinked tails or abnormally shaped heads.
Do all inbred cats have health problems?
No, not all inbred cats have health problems. However, inbred cats are more likely to suffer health problems than non-inbred cats.
Can inbred cats be healthy?
Yes, inbred cats can be healthy. However, there are more chances that they might have health problems than non-inbred cats.
Do inbred cats have eye problems?
Yes, inbred cats are more likely to have eye problems than non-inbred cats. It is because inbreeding can lead to genetic defects that affect the eyes.
Is cat inbred illegal?
No, inbred is not illegal. However, some countries have regulations prohibiting the breeding of closely related animals.
Conclusion
Cats are inbred when they are closely related to each other. It can happen if two cats are from the same litter or are blood-related.
Inbreeding is common among cat breeders to produce purebred cats, but it comes with several risks. Purebred cats are more likely to suffer health problems and have shorter lifespans than cross-breed cats.
You can do a few things to reduce the health risks associated with inbred cats, such as avoiding breeding closely related cats and ensuring your cats are healthy and free of genetic defects before breeding them.
While there’s no way to eliminate the risks associated with inbreeding, taking these precautions can help to reduce the chances of health problems in your cat’s offspring.
Do you have any questions about inbred cats? Leave them in the comments below!
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