Why can pedigreed cats have a greater risk of inherited diseases?

Pedigreed cats may face a greater risk of inherited diseases primarily due to the practices of selective breeding and inbreeding, which are used to isolate and propagate specific, aesthetically desirable traits.123

These practices contribute to health risks in several ways:

• Narrowing the Gene Pool: Selective breeding often involves mating related animals to concentrate desired characteristics. This narrows the genetic base, increasing the likelihood that offspring will inherit harmful recessive genes that might otherwise be masked in a more diverse population.12
• Inbreeding Depression: Continued mating within small, related populations can lead to inbreeding depression, which is associated with reduced fertility, slower growth, higher mortality rates, and a greater susceptibility to disease.2
• Selection for Deformity: Breeders sometimes select for specific genetic mutations to achieve unique appearances, such as shortened limbs, curled ears, or taillessness. These traits are often linked to serious health conditions, including joint pain, arthritis, neurological issues, and congenital defects.1

It is ethically imperative to prioritize the health and welfare of animals over the pursuit of specific aesthetic standards, as breeding for physical traits at the expense of an animal's well-being can cause significant, lifelong suffering.1