A recent international study examined nearly 15,000 cats from 21 countries and found that flat-faced breeds, like Persians, face a significantly higher risk (over two times) of death from anesthesia than other cat breeds. Researchers from Spain, Argentina, Chile, and Australia emphasized that extra caution is required when performing procedures requiring anesthesia on these cats. This finding raises important concerns for veterinarians and cat owners alike regarding the health management of flat-faced breeds.

The study revealed that the death rate associated with anesthesia in cats undergoing routine procedures, such as neutering and spaying, was relatively low at 0.07%, while those undergoing surgery for trauma or illness had a higher risk associated with the severity of their condition. The findings mirror trends seen in previous studies on dogs, indicating that underlying health conditions significantly influence anesthetic risks. The highlighted statistics show a need for a tailored approach to anesthesia for different breeds to better ensure their safety during procedures.

Specifically, when looking at death rates by breed, Persians had the highest risk at 1.67%, making them the notable focus of the study. When adjusting for factors like overall health, Persians were found to have a 2.2 times higher risk of anesthetic death compared to other breeds. The study's insights are crucial for informing best practices in veterinary care for flat-faced cats, notably the Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, and Himalayans, who were also identified as being at a heightened risk during anesthesia-related procedures.