Garfield cats, also known as Exotic Shorthairs, are not deformed cats, but they do face certain health challenges that can impact their lifespan. While their adorable, flat-faced appearance is a result of selective breeding, this does come with some downsides. They typically have a shorter lifespan, averaging around ten years, which is less than many other cat breeds.
Lifespan Considerations
The average lifespan of a purebred Garfield cat is often shorter than that of other breeds, typically around ten years, and in some cases, even as low as eight years. This is notable when considering that many cats live for sixteen years or more. The breed's development in the 1960s, driven by a desire for novelty and cuteness, focused on physical appearance rather than overall health, contributing to these lifespan limitations.
Eye Issues in Garfield Cats
Garfield cats’ eye structure, while considered aesthetically pleasing by many, presents significant health challenges. Their flat faces often lead to narrowed tear ducts, making them prone to excessive tearing and subsequent eye infections. Furthermore, their vision develops more slowly compared to other cats, with some Garfield cats not reaching full visual maturity until four or five months of age. In some cases, they may have permanent visual impairments that may require extra care and a well-lit environment even at night.
Behavioral and Survival Challenges
Many purebred Garfield cats lack the instinct to bury their feces, an ancestral trait that has been bred out of them. This reflects the fact that they are more fragile than other cats. They are poorly suited to surviving in the wild without human care. This is why Garfield cats are rarely seen among feral cat populations, their bodies instead being found in such environments. This emphasizes that although adorable, they are not designed for survival outside of a protected human environment.Don’t miss out on this:Pet Breeding
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