
Cats Protection has joined forces with different distinguished animal organisations1 to specific concern over the upcoming movie Argylle, launched by Universal Pictures on 2 February 2024.
The movie encompasses 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 Universal Pictures to contemplate the potential affect of Argylle on cat welfare and to hitch the efforts to advertise accountable pet possession, prioritising the wellbeing of animals above leisure worth.
“The affect of utilizing this breed in a Hollywood movie can’t be overstated,” stated Cats Protection’s Head of Clinical Services 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 review the gene concerned in human arthritis. They’re already very fashionable on social media and with celebrities so we actually fear that this movie will trigger this to surge much more.”
Cats Protection’s considerations align with the continuing efforts of European veterinary teams to handle the essential problem of selling pet breeds with excessive options within the media.
The charity has additionally collaborated with categorised 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 traits,” stated Alison. “In the previous 12 months, 42% of obtained cats have been pedigree/purebred, together with these bred with critical well being circumstances – a major improve in comparison with 17% greater than 5 years in the past. While Scottish Folds represent a comparatively small portion of the UK cat inhabitants, latest information suggests an increase in curiosity, with roughly 1% of cats being Scottish Folds (110,000 cats).”
The charity stated it additionally fears that the sensible portrayal within the movie of the cat travelling in a backpack and being dealt with roughly might have a unfavourable affect on cat welfare because it suggests these interactions are acceptable or entertaining.
“Though some cats could seem to tolerate backpacks, the motion on an individual’s again is unpredictable and most lack enough air flow and area for the cat – leaving them cramped or uncomfortable,” stated Alison. “The giant 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 promote 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.