More than one in five UK cat owners (22%) say they were influenced by a celebrity or social media influencer when choosing their cat, according to new research from Cats Protection – as welfare experts warn that “trendy” breeds can suffer from painful lifelong health conditions.
The survey of 2,000 cat owners found the impact of celebrity culture is particularly strong among pedigree cat owners. Over half (55%) of those with Scottish Fold, Persian and Burmese cats said a celebrity or influencer influenced their choice, compared to just 7% of owners of non-pedigree cats.
The findings come as pedigree cats now account for 36% of the UK cat population – a sharp rise from 23% in 2021 – with ownership growing fastest among affluent 18–34-year-olds, the age group most active on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Cats Protection warns that the growing popularity of certain “aesthetic” breeds – often promoted online for their distinctive looks – carries serious welfare risks.
Selective breeding for features such as folded ears, flat faces, shortened legs or hairless bodies can lead to chronic health problems, including joint disorders, breathing difficulties and mobility issues.
Scottish Folds, for example, are bred for their distinctive folded ears but suffer from a genetic condition called osteochondrodysplasia, which can cause severe pain, stiffness and early-onset arthritis.
The research also suggests celebrity influence is shaping how people interact with their cats.
Owners influenced by celebrities were more likely to:
- Walk their cats on leads (27% vs 21% overall)
- Use transparent “bubble” pet carriers (38% vs 17%)
Cat behaviour experts warn that these trends may expose cats to stressful or unnatural situations, as many are uncomfortable being restrained or placed in unfamiliar environments.
The issue was recently highlighted by photos of celebrity Myleene Klass taking her pet kitten to work in a see-through bubble-style backpack, attracting around 300 likes on X.
Adele Cullum, 29, from Southend, bought a Scottish Fold kitten after seeing the breed on social media posts by Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague.
“I first saw Scottish Folds on Molly-Mae’s social channels and it made me more interested in the breed,” she said.
“They looked so cute, so I decided to buy one online. For the first few months, Bella seemed fine – but then she stopped putting weight on her back legs and would cry in pain.”
A vet later confirmed Bella likely has breed-related health issues affecting her joints.
“Now she’s on anti-inflammatories and doesn’t walk the same way,” Adele said. “I worry she’ll live a life of pain. I wish I had known more before buying her.”
Adele is urging prospective owners to research thoroughly and consider adopting rather than buying pedigree cats online.
Sarah Merrett, Head of Cat Welfare Engagement at Cats Protection, said: “Celebrities and influencers can have a powerful impact – particularly on younger audiences – by shaping what’s seen as desirable or ‘on trend’.
“But they aren’t necessarily cat welfare experts, and may themselves be following trends.
“We’re concerned that increasing demand for certain breeds is contributing to serious welfare issues, especially where cats are bred for exaggerated physical traits.
“Before choosing a cat, it’s vital to seek advice from a reputable charity, vet or qualified behaviourist and consider what’s best for the animal – not what’s popular online.”
Cats Protection is calling on the UK Government to strengthen protections for cats by introducing tighter regulation of breeding and banning the breeding of cats with extreme physical traits linked to poor welfare.
Photos and video of Adele Cullum and Bella are available here ,