Ban on keeping naked and folded-ear cats

Folded-ear cats and hairless cats suffer because of their physical characteristics. That is why, in addition to the existing breeding ban, a keeping ban will come into effect on 1 January 2026. RTL News spoke about this with Hille Fieten, veterinary specialist at the Expertise Centre for Veterinary Genetics.

A keeping ban is a prohibition on keeping an animal. The ban is intended to improve the welfare of cats, stop the breeding of folded-ear and hairless cats for the Dutch market, and prevent new cats with these harmful characteristics from being added to the population. 

Well-being problems

Hille Fieten explains that folded ears in folded-ear cats are caused by poor cartilage, which also causes joint problems in the rest of the cat's body. A naked cat suffers from not having any fur. ‘Original wild cats have fur, which keeps them warm and protects their skin,’ explains Hille Fieten. ‘Naked cats are more likely to feel cold and are more prone to skin infections. They also cannot go outside without precautions. For example, they need sunscreen.’ 

As far as she is concerned, the ban on breeding and keeping these types of cats is therefore justified. ‘You want healthy animals that live long lives, don't get sick and don't suffer because of their appearance. Owners need to be aware of this when choosing an animal.’