Cat Inbreeding Rules

Inbreeding cats cannot improve the cat species but can maintain and promote the advantages and disadvantages of the cat's bloodline. That is, inbreeding is like a magnifying glass, which may further inherit and carry forward the advantages or disadvantages of the cat parents in the breeding system. It can amplify the advantages, while the disadvantages may also be amplified, leading to an increase in the incidence of genetic diseases. Moreover, the existence of these inherited disadvantages in the cat breed's bloodline is permanent.

Can cats be inbred?

Inbreeding cats is not recommended because the DNA of close relatives is similar, which can easily lead to cats with developmental problems, malformations, or defects. For example, inbreeding of cats with folded ears can lead to skeletal malformations or defects, while inbreeding of Manx cats can cause joint problems. If the owner discovers that two close relatives have accidentally mated, early pregnancy spaying of the female cat can be considered.

Consequences of cat inbreeding

Although cat inbreeding can amplify the excellent genes of both parents, it can also make it easier for adverse recessive genes to express themselves, possibly causing fetal malformations and genetic diseases. Therefore, it is not recommended to breed cats closely. In addition, breeding folded ear cats is also not recommended because they suffer from congenital cartilage malformation diseases.

How long can cats inbred live?

It varies and depends on the parents. Some cats can live normally to their teens, while others may have a shorter lifespan. Generally, inbreeding in animals is intended to maintain the continuation of superior bloodlines. Therefore, two closely related cats can retain their parents' good traditions, but it may also amplify some defects. If one of the parents has a recessive disease, it is likely to be inherited by the offspring, leading to many diseases and a shorter life span, usually around 6-8 years. However, if no defects are inherited, they can still live a normal life and have the same lifespan as ordinary cats.