These cats stand out with their unique look—but come with unique care needs.
Flat-Faced Cat Breeds: What to Know About These Adorably Smooshy Felines
Brachycephalic cats—better known as flat-faced or “smooshy-faced” cats—are beloved for their distinctive appearance: short noses, round eyes, and expressive, almost human-like faces. While undeniably cute and full of charm, these unique features come with some special care needs.
“Because of their facial structure, flat-faced cats can be more prone to respiratory and eye issues,” explains Jessica Apted, DVM. That doesn’t mean they can’t live happy, healthy lives—it just means they may need a little extra attention and routine care.
To help you better understand these charming companions, we’ve rounded up eight popular flat-faced cat breeds and expert advice on how to care for them.
Flat-Faced Cat Breed Characteristics
The most recognizable trait among flat-faced cats is their brachycephalic skull structure, which creates that signature short nose and flattened face. While this look is undeniably endearing, it also comes with potential health challenges. According to veterinarian Jessica Apted, DVM, these breeds require extra attention to ensure they stay healthy and comfortable.
Common Health Concerns in Flat-Faced Cats
1. Respiratory Issues
Flat-faced cats are prone to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which can lead to snorting, snoring, or more serious breathing problems. Their compressed nasal passages also make them more vulnerable to upper respiratory infections.
2. Dental Problems
Due to a shortened jaw and crowded teeth, these cats may suffer from misaligned bites, periodontal disease, and a higher risk of tooth resorption, a painful condition where the tooth structure breaks down internally.
3. Eye Conditions
Prominent, exposed eyes can lead to corneal scratches, chronic tearing, tear staining, and eye infections. These cats often need routine eye cleaning and grooming to prevent irritation and skin issues.
4. Skin Fold Dermatitis
The facial skin folds of flat-faced cats can trap moisture and bacteria, increasing the risk of infections and irritation. Regular cleaning of these folds is essential for comfort and health.
5. Heat Sensitivity
With compromised airways, flat-faced cats can’t cool themselves efficiently through panting, making them more prone to overheating and heatstroke, especially in warm climates.
Brachycephaly Levels Vary by Breed
Not all flat-faced cats are equally affected. Some breeds are severely brachycephalic, while others have milder features. Regardless of severity, it’s important to monitor for signs of distress, keep up with veterinary visits, and be proactive about grooming and dental care.
Persian
The Persian is the quintessential flat-faced cat, instantly recognizable by its scrunched nose, large round eyes, and luxurious long coat. Known as one of the oldest and most iconic cat breeds, Persians are believed to have originated in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iran), which inspired their regal name. Their history dates back to the 1600s, and their elegant looks have made them a staple in cat shows and royal courts alike.
Despite their dramatic appearance, Persians are calm, gentle, and affectionate. According to Dr. Jessica Apted, DVM, they make ideal lap cats and thrive in quiet, relaxed homes. They tend to form strong bonds with their people and enjoy lounging more than leaping.
🧼 Grooming Needs
The Persian’s thick, flowing coat requires daily grooming to prevent matting and tangles. Apted recommends starting with a wide-toothed metal comb to detangle, followed by a soft-bristle brush to remove loose fur and maintain a smooth finish. Due to their flat faces, routine eye cleaning may also be necessary to manage tear staining.
Breed Overview
- Height: 10 to 15 inches
- Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
- Personality/Temperament: Sweet, gentle, affectionate, laid-back
- Energy Level: Low
- Coat and Color: Long hair; Solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, bicolor; Colors include blue, black, white, red, cream, chocolate, lilac, silver, and golden
- Life Span: 15 to 20 years
Himalayan
The Himalayan is a striking hybrid breed, blending the luxurious long coat and flat face of the Persian with the blue eyes and pointed coloring of the Siamese. This elegant cat combines the best of both worlds: regal looks and a sweet, affectionate nature.
Interestingly, the breed’s origin traces back to a 1930s research project at Harvard University, where geneticist Clyde Keeler aimed to combine the Siamese’s color-point genes with the Persian’s build and coat. The result? A graceful, silky-coated feline with a doll-like face and dramatic markings on the ears, mask, paws, and tail.
Though Himalayans are generally calm and gentle, they’re also playful and sociable, often enjoying games and interacting with both humans and other pets. They’re not overly vocal like their Siamese ancestors, but they’ll happily “chat” with their favorite people from time to time.
🧼 Grooming Needs
Like their Persian relatives, Himalayans have dense, flowing coats that require daily brushing and regular combing to prevent mats and tangles. Their flat faces also make them prone to tear staining, so gentle eye cleaning may be needed to keep them looking their best.
Breed Overview
- Height: 10 to 12 inches
- Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
- Personality/Temperament: Laid-back, affectionate, gentle, intelligent
- Energy Level: Low to moderate
- Coat and Color: Long hair; pointed markings in chocolate, seal, blue, lilac, and red
- Life Span: 9 to 15 years
British Shorthair
The British Shorthair has a rich history dating back to ancient times, descending from cats the Romans brought to Great Britain. These early cats interbred with native feral cats, gradually evolving into the breed known today for its dense coat, round face, and adorable teddy bear-like appearance.
While British Shorthairs have a somewhat flat-faced look, their muzzle is not as compressed as in Persian or Himalayan cats, which helps reduce some brachycephalic health concerns.
Known for their affectionate yet independent nature, British Shorthairs strike a perfect balance for cat lovers who want a loving companion without the need for constant attention. Their calm demeanor makes them great for families and individuals alike.
🧹 Grooming Needs
Thanks to their short but thick coat, British Shorthairs require brushing once or twice a week to keep their fur healthy and reduce shedding—much easier to maintain than long-haired breeds.
Breed Overview
- Height: 12 to 14 inches
- Weight: 7 to 17 pounds
- Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, easy-going, friendly
- Energy Level: Calm
- Coat and Color: Short hair; comes in tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, bicolor; colors include white, black, blue, red, cream, smoke, silver, golden
- Life Span: 12 to 16
British Longhair
The British Longhair originated in the early 20th century through breeding British Shorthairs with Persians, introducing the long-haired coat while keeping the beloved British cat’s sturdy build and sweet temperament. Their round face and short nose give them a charming, moderately smooshed look that’s less extreme than Persian features.
These cats are affectionate, mellow, and loyal, often content lounging in cozy spots. They’re also quite food-motivated and intelligent, making them responsive to training and the perfect candidates for learning tricks—if you can coax them out of their naps!
Due to their long, dense fur, British Longhairs require daily combing and brushing to prevent mats and keep their coats silky and healthy.
Breed Overview
- Height: 12 to 14 inches
- Weight: 8 to 16 pounds
- Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, social, mellow, loyal
- Energy Level: Calm
- Coat and Color: Long hair; bicolor, solid, tabby; colors include black, blue, gray, brown, beige, lavender, red, white
- Life Span: 12 to 15 years
Exotic Shorthair
Developed in the United States during the 1960s by crossing Persians with American Shorthairs, the Exotic Shorthair combines the Persian’s signature flat face with a plush, short double-coat. This low-maintenance fur earns them the nickname “lazy man’s Persian,” as they require less grooming than their long-haired relatives.
Exotics are sweet, affectionate, and social, making them wonderful companions for families, including children and other pets. While generally calm and laid-back, they still enjoy interactive play—especially with feather teasers or fishing pole toys.
Breed Overview
- Height: 10 to 12 inches
- Weight: 10 to 12 pounds
- Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, social, loyal
- Energy Level: Calm
- Coat and Color: Short hair; tortoiseshell, bicolor, tricolor, tabby, smoke, shaded; colors include black, blue, gray, brown, beige, lavender, silver, red, white
- Life Span: 8 to 15 years
Scottish Fold
Known for their unique folded ears, expressive eyes, and thick, plush fur, Scottish Folds have a charming and recognizable appearance. Their rounded faces and short, wide noses give them a moderately flat-faced look.
This breed originated in Scotland in 1961, when a kitten with folded ears was discovered in a litter of otherwise normal-eared cats. Breeders then crossed this kitten with domestic and British Shorthair cats to establish the signature folded ear trait.
Scottish Folds are sweet and loyal, often forming strong bonds with their families. They enjoy interactive play but are equally happy curling up in a cozy spot for some downtime.
Breed Overview
- Height: 8 to 10 inches
- Weight: 6 to 13 pounds
- Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, social, playful, intelligent
- Energy Level: Calm
- Coat and Color: Short or long hair (long-haired variant is less common); tabby, tortoiseshell, calico; brown, gray, black, red, cream, white
- Life Span: 11 to 14 years
Selkirk Rex
Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is a relatively new breed that originated in the United States in 1988. The breed began when a Montana cat breeder discovered a curly-coated kitten in a litter of otherwise straight-coated kittens. This unique kitten was bred with Persians, and later with British Shorthairs and Exotics, establishing the Selkirk Rex breed—one of only four cat breeds with wavy fur.
Selkirk Rex cats are known for their curly fur and round, moderately flat faces, giving them a whimsical, teddy bear-like appearance. These affectionate cats can be a little needy but are not overly demanding. They enjoy interactive play and have vibrant, engaging personalities.
Breed Overview
- Height: 9 to 11 inches
- Weight: 6 to 16 pounds
- Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, social, loyal, curious
- Energy Level: Calm
- Coat and Color: Long or short hair; all patterns; black, blue-gray, brown, beige, lavender, silver, red, white
- Life Span: 15 to 20 years
Burmese
Burmese cats are recognized by their round faces with a slightly flat profile, large yellow eyes, and short noses, giving them a moderately flat-faced appearance. They have a compact, muscular build and a short, glossy coat with a satin-like texture. Most modern Burmese cats trace their lineage back to a single cat brought to America from Burma in 1930. This cat was bred with Siamese cats, resulting in the Burmese breed we know today.
Known for their “dog-like” loyalty, Burmese cats form strong bonds with their humans and love to follow them around. Because of this close attachment, they don’t do well when left alone for long periods. They are curious, playful, and enjoy interactive play, making them lively and engaging companions.
Breed Overview
- Height: 9 to 13 inches
- Weight: 8 to 15 pounds
- Personality/Temperament: Alert, affectionate, friendly, intelligent, playful, loyal
- Energy Level: Active
- Coat and Color: Short hair; tortoiseshell, solid, or pointed markings; platinum, blue, gray, brown, champagne, lilac, red, cream
- Life Span: 15 to 20 years
Breeds to Avoid if You’re Not Ready for the Extra Care
If you love the flat-faced look, any of the breeds we discussed above make wonderful companions. However, popular breeds like the American Shorthair, Siamese, Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Siberian, and Bengal do not have that distinctive smooshy face.
It’s important to keep in mind that flat-faced cats come with additional responsibilities and potential extra costs. Their unique facial structure can lead to health issues such as respiratory difficulties, dental problems, and eye conditions that require regular monitoring and care.
If you notice any unusual symptoms or signs of discomfort in your flat-faced cat, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian promptly. Being proactive helps keep your feline friend happy and healthy!