News item | 31-10-2025 | 09:00
Fold-eared cats and hairless cats suffer from their appearance. That is why a keeping ban will come into effect from January 1, 2026, in addition to the existing breeding ban. A keeping ban is a ban on keeping an animal. The ban is intended to improve the welfare of cats, to stop the breeding of fold-eared and hairless cats for the Dutch market and to prevent the introduction of new cats with these harmful characteristics.
”For me, animal welfare comes first. We have been working hard for some time on the ban on keeping Fold-eared cats and hairless cats. I’m glad the time has come, because it is not okay for animals to suffer unnecessarily from their appearance” – Jean Rummenie
Harmful appearance
Fold-eared cats suffer due to a genetic mutation that causes an abnormality in the cartilage. This causes them pain, limping and stiff joints. In severe cases it can even lead to paralysis. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this condition.
Hairless cats also suffer from health problems due to their appearance. Because they have no fur, their body temperature is difficult to regulate and they are more likely to suffer from yeast infections. In addition, they lack mustache and tactile hairs, which limits their sensory perception. The lack of ear hairs causes dirt to enter the ears more quickly, which can lead to inflammation. In addition, their skin is vulnerable to sunlight, which increases the risk of skin cancer.
The ban on keeping animals must ensure that no new cats are introduced with these external characteristics, so that the well-being of cats is better protected.
Transitional law
There is a transitional law. This means that all cats born before January 1, 2026 are subject to transitional law, provided they are demonstrably chipped before that date. Cats born on or after January 1, 2026 and cats without a chip are subject to the keeping ban. An administrative fine of 1,500 euros can be imposed for violation of the ban on keeping animals.
From January 1, 2026, cats with folded ears or naked cats will no longer be allowed to participate in competitions, exhibitions and inspections. Not even if the cat is chipped and falls under the transitional law. The breeding of cats with folded ears and naked cats has long been prohibited in the Netherlands.