Peke-Faced Cat
Breed Profile
Origin: America
Colour: Red and red tabby
A flat-faced breed developed in America, with head proportions similar to those of the Pekinese Dog. The depressed nose gives the breed an appealing facial configuration, but critics believe this is achieved at the expense of causing breathing difficulties.
Owner's Guide
Domestic Breed. A flat-faced breed developed in America, with head proportions similar to those of the Pekinese Dog. The depressed nose gives the breed an appealing facial configuration, but critics believe this is achieved at the expense of causing breathing difficulties.
Appearance: The Peke-faced Cat is essentially a Persian Cat with a face that is even flatter than usual. According to the standard for the breed, the nose should be 'short, depressed and indented between the eyes'. Unlike the Persian, which appears in many colour forms, the Peke-faced cat is only known in red and red tabby colours.
History: This variant of the ordinary Persian appeared spontaneously in litters of ordinary Reds. The earliest records of Peke-faced individuals date from the 1930s. They became highly valued by American and Canadian breeders and often won prizes at cat shows, being seen, in effect, as 'Super-Persians'. In Europe they have remained unpopular because of the physical abnormalities that are associated with them.
Abnormalities: Because of its excessively flattened face, this breed is likely to suffer from blocked tear-ducts which cause runny eyes, a poor bite when its mouth is closed, and respiratory difficulties due to the reduced size of its nasal cavities. The respiratory problems increase with age. Breeders are attempting to reduce these faults, but may not be able to do so without abandoning the extreme flattening of the face - the very feature which makes these cats so anthropomorphically appealing.
Personality: Calm, affectionate, polite, friendly and sociable. Claimed to be 'the ideal indoor cat'.
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