Four of the least healthy breeds of cat.placeholder image
Four of the least healthy breeds of cat. | Canva/Getty Images

Sickly Cats 2026: Here are the 11 breeds of adorable cat predisposed to developing health problems - including the loving Ragdoll 😺

By David Hepburn

Writer-at-large

Published 18th Feb 2026, 15:52 GMT

Be prepared for the possibilty of regular trips to the vets if you welcome one of these cat breeds into you home.

Humans are thought to have kept cats as pets for over 10,000 years, with the first domesticated felines evolving from African wildcats.

Since then they have become the world’s second most popular pet, just behind dogs when it comes to the animals we most like to welcome in to our homes and our hearts.

In the UK alone there are more than 10 million feline friends in households.

Read more: Most Popular Dog Breeds Latest: These are the 11 top dogs in the UK - as the Labrador leads the way again

And there are a huge range of types of cat to choose from - according to The International Cat Association there are 73 ‘standardised breeds’, along with a bewildering number of crosses.

Sadly some cat breeds are either born with pre-existing medical conditions, often due to selective breeding, or are predisposed to certain health issues.

Here are the 11 cat breeds most likely to need a trip to the vet.

Make sure you don't miss a moment of breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.

Munchkin cats have a form of dwarfism and suffer from joint deformities which can reduce their mobility (and ability to exhibit normal cat behaviour) and can lead to spinal problems and early onset arthritis

5. Munchkin

Munchkin cats have a form of dwarfism and suffer from joint deformities which can reduce their mobility (and ability to exhibit normal cat behaviour) and can lead to spinal problems and early onset arthritis | Canva/Getty Images

Photo Sales
The Manx is a beautiful cat breed that is recognised by its stumpy and short tail. Sadly, this cat breed is prone to arthritis and 'Manx syndrome' which can cause spine problems and digestion issues.

6. Manx

The Manx is a beautiful cat breed that is recognised by its stumpy and short tail. Sadly, this cat breed is prone to arthritis and 'Manx syndrome' which can cause spine problems and digestion issues. | Getty Images/Canva

Photo Sales
Hairlessness breeds like the sphynx, when severely wrinkled, are prone to skin problems, sunburn and have reduced insulation.

7. Sphynx

Hairlessness breeds like the sphynx, when severely wrinkled, are prone to skin problems, sunburn and have reduced insulation. | Canva/Getty Images

Photo Sales
The gorgeous, fun-loving Bengal cat breed are known for their gorgeous markings and ability to climb, though some Bengal cats suffer from hereditary conditions such as knee and hips problems. As they have been created by breeding domestic cats with wildcats (the Asian Leopard Cat) they can also be aggressive and territorial.

8. Bengal

The gorgeous, fun-loving Bengal cat breed are known for their gorgeous markings and ability to climb, though some Bengal cats suffer from hereditary conditions such as knee and hips problems. As they have been created by breeding domestic cats with wildcats (the Asian Leopard Cat) they can also be aggressive and territorial. | Getty Images/Canva Pro

Photo Sales
Previous
2 / 3
Next Page
Related topics:CatsPets
Dare to be Honest
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice