Feline brachycephalic syndrome
Also known as Flat-faced cat problems.
A group of problems that come from a very flat face: narrow nostrils, watery eyes, crowded teeth and a higher risk in hot weather.
- System
- Respiratory system
- Is it urgent?
- Not usually
- Spreads to other cats
- No
- Spreads to people
- No
- Origin
- Inherited
- Typical cost in Spain
- Nostril surgery, €300–700.
Symptoms
- Snores or breathes noisily
- Constant tearing with brown staining
- Frequent eye infections
- Struggles to eat dry food
- Exhausted by the heat
Causes
Breeding for ever flatter faces in Persians, Exotics and Himalayans.
How it is diagnosed
Examination of the nose, eyes, mouth and airways.
Treatment
Daily cleaning of the eyes and skin folds, nostril surgery if they are very narrow and keeping the cat cool.
No doses, on purpose: any medicine must be prescribed by your vet for your cat.
Prognosis
It depends on how flat the face is: cats with less extreme faces live without major problems.
Prevention
Choose cats with less extreme faces and breeders who make this a priority.
Breeds at higher risk
It is described more often in these breeds. That does not mean all of their cats will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
Frequently asked questions
Is feline brachycephalic syndrome contagious?
No. It does not spread to other cats or to people.
Can feline brachycephalic syndrome be cured?
It depends on how flat the face is: cats with less extreme faces live without major problems. Daily cleaning of the eyes and skin folds, nostril surgery if they are very narrow and keeping the cat cool.
How much does it cost to treat feline brachycephalic syndrome?
As a guide for Spain in 2026: Nostril surgery, €300–700. Prices vary a lot between clinics and cities, and out-of-hours emergencies cost more.
Which breeds are most at risk?
It is described more often in Persian, Exotic Shorthair and Himalayan. That does not mean every cat of those breeds will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
More in respiratory system
Educational content from Michipedia. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a vet: if you have any doubt about your cat's health, ask. Costs are a guide for Spain in 2026.