Cats Safety has joined forces with different distinguished animal organisations¹ to precise concern over the upcoming movie Argylle, launched by Common Photos on 2 February 2024.

The movie incorporates a Scottish Fold cat, a breed related to critical well being and welfare considerations, and is anticipated to amplify the breed’s recognition amongst potential cat house owners.

The organisations concerned have written to Common Photos to contemplate the potential influence of Argylle on cat welfare and to hitch the efforts to advertise accountable pet possession, prioritising the wellbeing of animals above leisure worth.

“The influence of utilizing this breed in a Hollywood movie can’t be overstated,” mentioned Cats Safety’s Head of Scientific Providers Alison Richards.  “All Scottish Fold cats endure from variable levels of painful degenerative joint illness and the underlying genetic defect has far-reaching and extreme penalties for his or her well being. They go on to develop painful arthritis and it develops it so reliably that it’s getting used as a mannequin to check the gene concerned in human arthritis. They’re already extremely popular on social media and with celebrities so we actually fear that this movie will trigger this to surge much more.”

Cats Safety’s considerations align with the continued efforts of European veterinary teams to deal with the crucial problem of selling pet breeds with excessive options within the media.

The charity has additionally collaborated with categorized web sites facilitating pet gross sales, leading to Gumtree and Preloved now not allowing the sale of Scottish Folds and different breeds with excessive traits on their platforms.

“Our concern is grounded in latest analysis findings indicating a shift in cat acquisition tendencies,” mentioned Alison. “Up to now 12 months, 42% of obtained cats have been pedigree/purebred, together with these bred with critical well being situations – a major enhance in comparison with 17% greater than 5 years in the past. Whereas Scottish Folds represent a comparatively small portion of the UK cat inhabitants, latest knowledge suggests an increase in curiosity, with roughly 1% of cats being Scottish Folds (110,000 cats).”

The charity mentioned it additionally fears that the reasonable portrayal within the movie of the cat travelling in a backpack and being dealt with roughly may have a damaging influence on cat welfare because it suggests these interactions are acceptable or entertaining.

“Although some cats might seem to tolerate backpacks, the motion on an individual’s again is unpredictable and most lack ample air flow and area for the cat – leaving them cramped or uncomfortable,” mentioned Alison. “The big window within the bubble backpack featured additionally means cats don’t have the choice to cover once they really feel anxious, leaving them feeling uncovered and weak.”

To advertise good welfare recommendation, the charity is urging potential cat house owners to go to a devoted web page on its web site at www.cats.org.uk/scottish-folds which highlights its considerations about Scottish Folds and affords assistance on what to search for when buying a cat.