There are several breeds of cats that are known for having big, round eyes and short, smushed muzzles. These features give these cats an undeniably cute and endearing appearance. The most well-known breed with these physical traits is the Persian cat. However, there are other breeds like the Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, and British Shorthair that also exhibit a rounded head, large wide-set eyes, and compact nose.
Persian Cat
The Persian cat breed is arguably the most recognized for its distinctly squashed face and huge, expressive eyes. They have a brachycephalic head structure, meaning their skull is short relative to the width. This gives Persians a flattened facial profile. Their eyes are also set wide apart, and are typically very large and round. This is due to genetics selecting for the juvenile physical traits of a kitten, a phenomenon known as neoteny.
Some key facts about Persian cats:
- Originated in Persia (modern day Iran)
- One of the oldest cat breeds, dating back to the 1600s
- Come in a variety of coat colors and patterns
- Long, luxurious coat that requires daily grooming
- Docile, gentle temperament
- Higher than average risk for health issues like breathing difficulties, tear staining, and dental malocclusion
The Persian’s extremely short muzzle and large eyes are controlled by genetic mutations that alter skull development. However, achieving the extreme “peke” face has come at a cost for health and wellbeing. Persian cats are prone to brachycephalic issues like breathing difficulties, overheating, and eye conditions. Responsible breeding practices focus on moderating the face to reduce health problems.
Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair is essentially a short-haired version of the Persian cat. It shares the same signature features of a rounded head, short nose, and large wideset eyes. The Exotic was developed by crossing Persians with American and British Shorthairs.
- Bred to be a shorthaired alternative to the Persian
- Has Persian’s rounded head and sweet expression
- Short, plush coat instead of long fur
- Easier to groom than high-maintenance Persian coat
- Comes in all the same color variations as Persians
- Lively, playful personality
The Exotic Shorthair is more active than the Persian breed, but still relatively low energy. Their facial structure makes them prone to the same brachycephalic health issues as Persians, but their shorter coat reduces risk of matting and infections.
Himalayan
The Himalayan, also known as the Colorpoint Persian, has the look of a Persian with a distinct color pattern. It has the typical squashed Persian face and huge eyes.
- Bred by crossing Persians with Siamese cats
- Have Persians’ brachycephalic face and head structure
- Their coloring comes from the Siamese influence
- Colorpointed coat: light body with darker ears, face, legs and tail
- Come in a variety of colorpoint patterns like seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, etc
- Require daily grooming like regular Persians
- Sweet, affectionate personalities
The Himalayan’s striking colorpoints and smushed Persian face make them very desirable. But like purebred Persians, they tend to have more health problems associated with their extreme physical features.
British Shorthair
Unlike the other breeds mentioned, the British Shorthair does not descend directly from Persian stock. But selective breeding has given it some similar physical qualities. The British Shorthair is a very old English breed known for its calm temperament and round face.
- One of Britain’s oldest cat breeds, around since Roman times
- Stocky, powerful body structure
- Round face with chubby cheeks
- Large, wideset eyes and short nose
- Thick, dense coat that comes in many colors/patterns
- Easygoing, quiet, adaptable personality
- Less extreme brachycephaly than Persians
The British Shorthair is not as brachycephalic as the Persian and related breeds. But its eyes are still large, and its face pleasantly rounded. It makes an affectionate pet without some of the intense health issues.
Comparing Physical Features
| Breed | Muzzle | Eyes | Skull |
|---|---|---|---|
| Persian | Extremely short, squat muzzle | Very large, wideset, round | Brachycephalic – short, rounded |
| Exotic Shorthair | Very short, compressed muzzle | Large, round eyes | Brachycephalic head |
| Himalayan | Flat face, short muzzle | Full, round eyes | Rounded brachycephalic skull |
| British Shorthair | Broad, short muzzle | Large, widely spaced eyes | Rounded head |
This comparison shows similarities in the shortened muzzles, heavier skull structure, and large, wideset eyes of these breeds. But there are differences in the degree of brachycephaly and eye size between breeds like Persians versus British Shorthairs.
Health Considerations
The extreme physical features of brachycephalic cat breeds unfortunately predispose them to certain health disorders. Responsible breeding minimizes these risks, but prospective owners should be aware of the potential issues.
Breathing difficulties – Brachycephalic cats can have obstructed airways and respiratory distress in hot humid weather. They are more prone to snoring and sleep apnea.
Eye conditions – Excessive tear staining and corneal damage from large, bulging eyes. Higher risk for cataracts and other ocular diseases.
Dental issues – Jaw misalignment and overcrowding can cause teeth and gum disease.
Birthing difficulties – Narrow pelvis and large head size can complicate kitten delivery requiring cesarean.
Heat intolerance – Flattened face reduces ability to pant and cool down, increasing risk of overheating.
Skin fold infections – Wrinkles on face are prone to yeast and bacterial infections if not cleaned.
Prospective owners should carefully research the specific health considerations of any brachycephalic breed. Proper husbandry and health screening by ethical breeders can help minimize risks.
Which Breed is Right for You?
Deciding between cat breeds with similar smushed faces comes down to factors like coat types, grooming needs, activity level, and individual personality. Key points when choosing between these breeds:
- The Persian requires the most extensive grooming to maintain their long fur.
- The Exotic adapts well to apartments and cat-friendly homes.
- The Himalayan sheds seasonally and needs daily brushing.
- The British Shorthair has a laidback personality suited to families.
- The Persian and Himalayan tend to be more sedentary.
- All need monitoring for potential brachycephalic issues.
- Rescuing or adopting minimizes support for unethical breeding.
Prospective owners should realistically consider if they can properly care for one of these breeds before choosing a smushy-faced cat. Adopting a mix breed with similar features is also an option. But those set on a purebred should ensure they source from a responsible breeder focused on health.
Conclusion
Persian cats may be the most iconic breed featuring large eyes, a short nose, and rounded head. But several other breeds like the Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, and British Shorthair share similar physical traits and expressions. The health considerations associated with extreme brachycephaly need to be seriously weighed when choosing one of these breeds. But for the right owner, their endearing smushed faces and sweet dispositions make loyal, affectionate companions. Those committed to responsible ownership and dedicated care will find lifelong feline friends among these breeds.
