07/02/2026
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The Netherlands, the Sphynx Cat & Welfare: A Difficult but Important Debate
Many of you will have seen the headlines stating that from January 2026, the Netherlands will prohibit the keeping of hairless cats and cats with folded ears, including breeds such as the Sphynx.
When we shared the news we highlighted some reasons why the decision had been made, historic literature base on the health and welfare of the breed, the limitations of the literature (small sample size, young deaths skewing life table data etc.) and what this meant next, the response was vast; people in agreement and support of the ban and unsurprisingly, this has caused significant upset and anger, particularly among owners, breeders, and those who deeply love and advocate for these cats. Sadly, for many, constructive conversation was not possible as the response generated such an emotive response.
So, we looked into this in a little more depth with Vet Help Direct, aiming to understand why this decision has been taken, what the evidence does (and doesn’t) tell us, and why this is such an emotionally charged issue. This is an extensive conversation and it would not be possible to cover it in depth in one article - but we have tried to cover the basics.
What has the Dutch government said?
The Dutch position is rooted in animal welfare law. They argue that certain physical traits—such as lack of coat, whiskers, or normal cartilage—are the result of selective breeding and can lead to avoidable suffering. For hairless cats, concerns cited include:
➡Increased risk of skin disease, sunburn, and skin cancer
➡Higher prevalence of yeast infections
➡Ear health issues
➡Difficulties with thermoregulation (especially in kittens)
➡The absence of whiskers and tactile hairs affecting behaviour and security
Existing cats can remain with their owners, but no new hairless or folded-ear cats may be acquired, bred, or shown.
Why are so many people upset?
Because many responsible Sphynx breeders and owners work incredibly hard to care for their cats:
➡Health testing (including HCM screening)
➡Thoughtful breeding and outcrossing programmes
➡Close veterinary involvement
➡Careful management of skin, temperature, and environment
For these individuals, the ban feels unfair and heavy handed, particularly when compared with other breeds that also have well-recognised welfare challenges. There is also genuine concern that this legislation fails to distinguish between 'responsible breeding' and the far larger problem of unregulated, low-welfare breeding.
What does the science say?
The truth is: it’s complicated.
There is evidence of increased risks in Sphynx cats—such as hereditary myopathy, skin disease, and shorter reported life expectancy in some datasets—but:
➡Many studies involve small sample sizes
➡Some outcomes may be skewed by early deaths (the life table study) or limited data
➡More large-scale, long-term research is needed
Health testing and good husbandry can reduce risks, but they cannot fully remove issues linked to the physical traits themselves. This is the crux of the ethical debate.
Why take such a hard line?
One interpretation is that this approach (to outright ban them) aims to close long-standing loopholes in animal welfare law. While legislation already exists in some countries to prevent breeding that harms welfare, it is often unenforceable, or vastly unfollowed. In reality, most cats are bred outside formal, regulated systems, and consumer demand continues to drive low-welfare breeding.
From this perspective, the Dutch government appears to be prioritising population-level prevention, even if that comes at a significant emotional cost to dedicated breed advocates.
Where do we go from here?
This conversation matters—and it needs to be:
✅Evidence-based
✅Compassionate
✅Focused on welfare, not blame
It is possible to acknowledge the love people have for these cats and still question whether certain traits should continue to be intentionally bred. It’s also important to recognise that we may not see the full effects of such legislation—positive or negative—for many years.
The Dutch government has acknowledged the emotional impact, stating that while this affects cat lovers, human preference should not outweigh permanent animal suffering.
There are no easy answers here. But respectful, informed dialogue is the only way forward—for the sake of animals, owners, and the future of companion animal welfare.
Read more below where we cover this in a little more detail, and highlight the evidence, and where the evidence has its limitations.
https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2026/02/04/so-the-netherlands-have-banned-the-sphynx-cat-what-does-the-evidence-say/
Just a gentle reminder to please read the post and linked article in full before commenting. When engaging in the discussion, we ask that comments remain polite, respectful, and balanced.
This is a complex and emotionally charged topic, and while differing views are expected, this space is not intended for hostility or personal attacks. Veterinary Voices UK did not play any role in the Netherlands decision-making process and has not “banned” any breed.
Our aim in sharing this is to encourage informed, evidence-based discussion around animal welfare and policy, sharing both sides of the discussion and acknowledging both 'for' and 'against' views. Thank you for helping to keep the conversation constructive and respectful for everyone involved.
